Friends, after a number of requests for a copy of David’s words to us at Affirmation Days, David has given us permission to post them on the site. If you would like to re-read them, or to have a copy, you will find it here…  being-real-with-god.

This is a video that was sent to me. It caused me to stop and think… about the homeless of our world,  about our passion as Christians, and as Chaplains in the Uniting Church, for all the people we meet and serve. I hope and pray that as you celebrate Christ’s coming anew into your life and experience this Christmas, your passion and energy for serving people and in so doing, sharing God’s Love and Grace, might be renewed in amazing ways. Blessings for a great Christmas!

John

Chaplaincy Affirmation Days were held in Brisbane on the 29th and 30th October. They were a great time of resourcing and encouragement. One of the sessions enjoyed by the Health Sector Chaplains was led by Paula Bowman of Q Health and Richard Royal of Uniting Care Health. They presented some very interesting insights into the future directions of health care in Queensland. For a copy of the presentations, follow the links.

affirmation-days-public-health-chaplains-08                                              affirmation-days-private-health-chaplains-oct-08

From “Insights” - NSW Uniting Church Magazine - Online
The Rev. Alan Galt likens mental health chaplains to dieticians - but in the case of chaplains, it’s spiritual nourishment they’re offering, to help people with mental illnesses negotiate the often lonely journey to healing and recovery.
The read the article - click here

The Australian Journal of Pastoral Care and Health is an excellent ejournal with a great many resources. It is also a platform for people to share insights and resources. It is free to register and you gain access to the resources on offer. To check it out click here. There is also a link setup in our ‘Resources’ links section (to the right of this post), so that you can find the site at anytime.

Rev. Stephen W. Overall on listening care-fully.        From “PlainViews Vol 5 No. 18″

Several months ago, while on ‘Day Duty’ as Chaplain On-Call, I received an urgent referral to see an elderly female patient undergoing treatment for a brittle diabetic condition.

When I arrived, the nurse was attempting to find a suitable vein to prepare her patient for dialysis. The nurse was not pleased that I arrived when I did, as she wanted to complete her procedure before my time with the patient. The patient, however, insisted she wanted to speak with the Chaplain first and invited the nurse to leave.

After almost a half hour of sitting and listening to the patient tell her story … a recitation which included profound memories of having survived multiple abusive relationships, leaving her native country, coming to the United States as an ‘undocumented alien’, providing for her children’s needs including paying for each one’s college education. Now in her late eighties, she had become very ill and poor with little to no support from her children, who she said, “no longer needed Mom now that her money was gone.”

To read the rest of this article, click here

Rev. Craig Rennebohn on differing motivations for Recovery. From PlainViews v5 n17

As part of a study on spirituality and its relevance in the treatment of dually diagnosed patients, Marc Galanter and his colleagues developed a measure of the importance for treatment of four issues.[1] Patients rated the importance for treatment of spiritual orientation, AA meetings, job and outpatient treatment. Medical students and addiction faculty also participated, rating both their own view of the importance of these factors, and the importance they think that patients attached to these issues for treatment.
To read the full article click here

Professional Chaplaincy: it’s Role and Importance in Healthcare.    

Edited by: Larry VandeCreek D. Min. and Laurel Burton Th. D.
Reflecting on the ancient word spirit, May (1982) writes, “Spirit implies energy and power.” The word spirituality goes further and describes an awareness of relationships with all creation, an appreciation of presence and purpose that includes a sense of meaning. Though not true generations ago, a distinction is frequently made today between spirituality and religion, the latter focusing on defined structures, rituals and doctrines. While religion and medicine were virtually inseparable for thousands of years, the advent of science created a chasm between the two. The term spirituality is a contemporary bridge that renews this relationship.

If you would like to read the whole paper, please follow this Link

Just a quick reminder to send in your Affirmation days Registration forms as soon as you are able. We are planning a couple of great days, and are looking forward to your being with us.

If you haven’t got a form yet, you can download one here: cads_regoform_2

If you would like your own copy of this book, you can order one by following the link