A Gift For a Best Friend Who Is Ill Can Be Patio Decorations

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When you have a friend who is ill, it can be difficult to think of some fresh ideas for small little things to bring some cheer to his or her life. In this video, Lisa Copen, author of "Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend" supplies ideas of gifts to cheer up a friend who is ill, which can be store bought or homemade wind chimes, gardening tools for arthritis or garden flags. It can be nice to bring real flowers or plants, but then the person who is ill can feel guilty when the plants die. See how a cute decorative garden flower or wind chime can be a wonderful present. You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Have a Friend With Illness? Let Her Cry!

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Okay, so this sounds a bit tough, but it's not meant to be. Too often tears make us feel uncomfortable and we are quick to offer biblical quotes of encouragement to suffering friends with illness instead of just listening. It can truly be an honor and a gift when someone feels they can cry in our presence. Join me, Lisa Copen, http://BeyondCasseroles.com author, as I explain that though we may be quick to say, "Big girls dont cry!" tears can be okay! You can find more of these videos all at one web site, beyondcasserolesvideos.com . … [Read more...]

Chaplain Links and Publications

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Other Chaplaincy Links of Interest American Association of Pastoral Counselors AAPC is evolving into a more diverse professional organization serving within an increasingly complex world. Our members now represent a broader spectrum of theological and spiritual traditions and work among a wide variety of health care providers and settings. American College of Physicians Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer An excellent resource for chaplaincy caregiving for those undergoing cancer treatments, through all the processes from grieving, to symptoms of treatments, respite, death, etc. Great resources for the chaplain to utilize to be there for the entire family. COMISS Network: The Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings A network … [Read more...]

Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations

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Specialized Chaplaincy Organizations Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA) The organization employs full time, long term, career chaplains who combine workplace experience with professional chaplaincy training. In addition to holding seminary level or higher degrees, all chaplains will pursue certification through 154 hours of continuing education within the first year of tenure. Federation of Fire Chaplains The purpose of this organization is to bring together individuals and groups who are interested in providing effective chaplaincies for fire service organizations. Its members exchange and share ideas and concerns that influence the quality of life of all members of the fire service and their families. International Conference of … [Read more...]

Denominational and Hospital Chaplaincy Resources

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Denominational Chaplaincy Resources The Assemblies of God Chaplaincy Ministries The mission of AG Chaplaincy is to reach people in specialized settings through extraordinary ministries that are biblically based, compassionate, and transforming. The National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) This a professional association for certified chaplains and clinical pastoral educators who participate in the healing mission of Jesus Christ. We provide standards, certification, education, advocacy and professional development for our members in service to the Church and society. National Association of Evangelicals Commission on Chaplains National Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) A professional organization for Rabbis, Cantors, … [Read more...]

Chaplain Associations and Resources to Serve the Chronically Ill

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The chaplain can serve in many specialized ministries. Whether you are a fireman chaplain, a military chaplain, or a rodeo chaplain, there is a profession out there for you and a professional association to support you in your work. What is a chaplain? Webster’s dictionary defines a chaplain as “a member of the clergy officially attached to a special group.” Regardless of if you're searching for information on how to become a chaplain or more resources like a basic session on ethics in healthcare for chaplains, we hope you can find it here through our resources and links. Chaplain Associations Association of Professional Chaplains An interfaith professional pastoral care association of providers of pastoral care endorsed by … [Read more...]

7 Secrets the Chronically Ill Want Chaplains to Know

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By Lisa Copen 1. Have a sense of humor about my illness if I do. I know you're trained to search for if I'm in denial, but sometimes a good laugh about a situation or health challenge is my way of coping so feel free to laugh with me. 2. I will likely tell you I go to church more often than I do. You're a chaplain, so I have to sound somewhat disciplined if I am a spiritual person, right? (Never mind that lying to you isn't exactly "spiritual.") Honestly, as much as I may want to go, I get there a lot less. If you have any way to get my church to put the service online or on a free CD I will listen to it. 3. Skip the platitudes. You probably already know that but it's easy for anyone to slip into saying things like "God won't … [Read more...]

Book Review: No Small Miracles by a Pediatric Chaplain

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By Lisa Copen The loss of a daughter who is simply taking a photo of a blimp. . . giving birth to a child you know will live less than ninety minutes. . .Who would believe these stories could give one hope? Norris Burkes, author of No Small Miracles: Heartwarming, Humorous, and Hopefilled Stories from a Pediatric Chaplain, however, does just that. Through his eyes as a chaplain husband, and father we are given an inside look at the daily joy a someone in his profession can find even in the darkness of the most devastating circumstances. Burkes has experience as a chaplain who has worked in pediatric chaplaincy as well as a military chaplian. Filled with just the right amount of honest vulnerabilities and even humor, this book reminds … [Read more...]

Parish Nurse Resources

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Many churches now have what they call a parish nurse. This page is to provide information on parish nursing and links to resources for them. The goal of the parish nurse: It is to minister holistically to individuals and families, in and through the faith community, using her health education and spiritual maturity to promote wellness of body, mind, and spirit. As health issues become a greater concern for most of our population, the idea of having a parish nurse in congregations has become more appealing. They help with health concerns, visit ill people (sometimes for the social support) and make sure no one falls through the cracks. Parish nursing is a care program of lay leaders from the nursing profession, who serve to … [Read more...]

Battery Operated Flameless Candles Great Gift Idea For Chronically Ill By Beyond Casseroles Author Lisa Copen

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As Autumn is upon us we are tempted to go buy those sweet smelling candles that have scents of pumpkin, spice cake, apples and more. I do love them and it creates a cozy mood, especially when the time changes and it gets dark earlier. But I’ve not hand a candle with a wick and a flame for years due to my own concern about remembering to put it out or bump it. Join me in the video below for a few minutes as I share my first tip from Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend . And remember, these videos can all be embedded directly into YOUR web site or blog too if you have one. When the video is done playing, just click on the “share” button for the piece of code. (And… if you can click “like” … [Read more...]

One Woman Shares About Invisible Illness – How Far Will Her Story Go?

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When Vicki was told she could speak at her church last Sunday, she was eager to share her story, but also a bit nervous. She says, “I am not one to speak in front of a group of people but I felt led to write this and read this at church to bring awareness to our congregation of around 300.” So often we think that our story is not dramatic enough to really be a “testimony” or that the dailyness of our life with illness is not entertaining enough to share in the church setting. But more than anything people crave authenticity and Vicki stepped forward to share her story. Be sure to read the end of this to hear the response the church had. Most of you know me. My name is Vicki Glover . What some of you do not know is … [Read more...]

Writing Brings Healing to the Soul

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By Lisa Saunders, Special Guest Writer The moment I gave birth to my daughter Elizabeth in December of 1989, I felt a stab of fear—her head was so small, so deformed. Within 12 hours, I was told she had been profoundly disabled by congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus). The neonatologist said, “If she lives, she will never roll over, sit up, or feed herself.” He was right. Writing (& Scripture) was how I dealt with my initial shock & grief--organizing my thoughts of despair by getting them down on paper stopped them from endlessly swirling around & overwhelming me. Getting my revelations & stories inspired by Elizabeth published made me feel less alone as I connected with others. Sharing my story with others not … [Read more...]

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