Most people familiar with the senior care services at Concordia know that faith plays an integral part in everything we do. What some people may not realize, however, is the scope of our Chaplaincy Department, which provides spiritual care to the MANY people we care for each year. The numbers are pretty staggering.
In 2015, they visited over 1,000 people in the hospital and 450 in hospice; they conducted over 1,100 worship services and 1,200 Bible studies; and as for the individual prayers with patients and residents, well, those are countless. There are even daily devotions, including email devotions for employees and devotions read over the intercom for residents who can’t leave their rooms.
The following is adapted from one of those recent “intercom devotions” from Concordia Chaplain Roger Nuerge that covered the installation service for Concordia’s newest Deaconess Doris Kayser. One of the beautiful things about the installation service is that, even though one would assume it’s all about Doris, it’s really about serving God and our residents/patients. Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment.
1 Timothy 2:1 – I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone…
Sunday, July 17, 2016 was a historic day at Concordia. In the Haven II Chapel, Deaconess Doris Kayser was installed as the newest member of the Concordia Chaplaincy Staff. She will be working primarily in Hospice at Wexford but will be visible at several Concordia locations from time to time.
There were many pastors, Concordia residents, friends and family in the chapel that day to celebrate and praise God. Leading the service was Concordia at Monroeville Chaplain Rev. Dan Strussenberg, Director of Chaplaincy Rev. Jack Hartman, pianist Dr. Harold Schnaible, flautist Deaconess Elsa Mauritz and several other area pastors that read from Scripture.
During this wonderful worship service, we thanked God for his gifts of faith and ministry in the person of Deaconess Doris, and prayed God”s blessings upon her and her work at Concordia. In another prayer, we also asked for blessings for all of Concordia”s residents. The prayer went like this:
Almighty God and gracious Father, in your mercy, look on those whose increasing years bring them weakness, anxiety, distress or loneliness. Grant that they may always know care and respect, concern and understanding. Grant them willing hearts to accept help, and as their strength wanes, increase their faith with the constant assurance of your love through Jesus Christ, their Savior. Amen.
We also prayed for the staff of caregivers who, each and every hour, every day of the year, provide care to our residents in need. The prayer went like this:
Most merciful God, give to all caregivers a special measure of compassion and patience as they care for those in need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Comfort these workers in times of distress and anxiety, and give them understanding hearts as they extend their hands in acts of mercy to their residents and patients who can no longer care adequately for themselves. Enable them to find time to care for themselves so that they may continue to serve with a joyful heart through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
It is truly no wonder we ended the service together, singing these words:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heav”nly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
For more information on the spiritual care, health care and senior care services offered at Concordia, message us through the Contact form on our website or call 724-352-1571.
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