I am spending the summer immersed
in the Croasdaile Village Retirement Community. This community is part of the United Methodist Retirement
Home network in North Carolina.
The community is home to vibrant people with a spectrum of abilities and
interests, including many retired clergypersons. As a chaplaincy intern, I have the joy of helping to lead
worship services on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. In addition, there are weekly devotions
and Bible studies to attend and lead.
As a chaplain, I spend a lot of time visiting with persons who are sick
or recovering or transitioning or lonely.
One
of the biggest joys I have shared with the Croasdaile Village community so far
has been a liturgical dance during a memorial service for one of residents who had
been a dance teacher in her career.
I danced to the song “Lord of the Dance” after a homily that emphasized
God as the choreographer and dance master. The opportunity to share through the gift of dance was
unexpected, both for me and for the community. However, since the memorial service took place, I have had
the opportunity to engage with residents on a new level and have gained greater
recognition in the community, not just as a dancer, but also as a pastoral
presence. It is exciting to hear affirmations
about my call from the community I am serving in this summer. I hope that others are having positive
experiences through their summer placements.
Katie
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