On August 14, 2009 our group at Clarian North finished its 10 weeks of Summer Intensive Clinical Pastoral Education. On our last Friday, the associates in Pre-Op, one of the units which I worked with daily, had a small going away party for me. There was a cake, a card, and some cd’s. I greatly appreciated working with all of the good folks in that unit, and in Endoscopy, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Adult Intensive Care. Clarian North’s Five Maxims will remain a part of me, and honestly, would be a pretty darned great set of principles for being a Christian congregation. They Are: Show Kindness, Connect Fully, Take Ownership, Create Joy, Do More.
Of course, all of these maxims are found in the Bible and the way that Christians and Christian congregations need to relate to one another and to others. For those of us in United Methodist backgrounds, Bishop Schnaze’s book, “The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations” contain the same elements for congregational life.
I learned some important but difficult stuff about how I come across at times, but was also very much affirmed for the pastoral work I did in the units to which I was assigned. Clarian North, Elizabeth Price–our CPE Supervisor, and our group, Bill Johnson, Jill Issleb, Teri Ditslear, and Margaret Coggin will have always have warm places in my heart. God bless us all as we take next steps to serve Christ.
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There are only two weeks left. Being part of an interpersonal group is a lot like being part of a family. We express ourselves honestly, sometimes emotionally intensely, and we give one another valuable feedback, which can help others grow. Interpersonal Group was a time when we came to know one another, often on very personal levels. Laughter with my colleagues was sometimes side splitting! Those corny jokes and goofy things we say to help get us through tough times really made my day.
My favorite part of CPE was ministering to patients in Adult Intensive Care, Cardiac Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and Surgery Pre-Op. Getting to know the nursing staff, some physicians, and unit secretaries was a honor. As in all hospital ministries there are joys and sorrows. A lot of babies were born this summer. At Clarian North the song “Lullaby and Goodnight” is played when a baby is born. Wow! I quit counting how many babies were born. And, there seemed to be a lot of twins born.
As in all ministry, some people were receptive to a chaplain, while others were not. That’s life. I learned that I’m an old dog. I was not as pliable as some of the younger folk. But, I believe did learn. I came face to face with things in me which I am comfortable with, and face to face with things that interfere with the ministry I am trying to carry out for Christ. Some folks expect clergy to be perfect. It’s not going to happen in this life.
When associates died, or former associates, the Clarian North community pulled together and reached out in support. It felt really good to be part of such a caring community.
I missed preaching and sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion with a congregation, though. And, I missed teaching Bible study. And I missed the challenge of raising funds for ministry. And, I missed being a pastor. Last night Ginny (my wife) and I spent an evening at a hotel one mile from the hospital. I was on call for my last really long weekend (all day Friday, Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night). I will not miss this. But, it was good to have some time with Ginny in a comfortable hotel. At the front desk when the associate there asked what I did as I was checking in, I said, “I’m a hospital chaplain.” She said, “What’s that?” I said, “I’m a pastor working at Clarian North. I visit people going into surgery, in adult intensive care, and in other areas of the hospital.” She said, “That sounds sad.” I said, “Sometimes it is. But, we’re all happy when people go home well and when babies are born. Those are happy times.” Hard to believe she didn’t know what a hospital chaplain does.
I learned that I miss parish ministry, at least the aspects of it that I love to do. I still don’t know where God will lead next. Thanks for praying for me and my family.
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