Wishing you comfort and joy
The staff, trustees and volunteer chaplain family of Bishop Anderson House wish you and yours the light of God's presence in your life during this and all seasons.
A Chaplain’s Journey
Travis McClendon has been involved with Bishop Anderson House since 2000 and completed Bishop Anderson House’s Volunteer Lay Chaplaincy Training Course in 2004. He has been a volunteer at Northwestern Hospital since 1990, serving in various capacities before he began his ministry there in 2000. Can you tell me what a volunteer chaplain does? They visit patients and make themselves present. Pure and simple. And just by being present, you go from there, with whatever needs they have. Sometimes, it’s merely conversation. Sometimes it’s prayer. Sometimes its the sacraments. A chaplain is a person who is a conduit for whatever the patient [...]
L’esprit d’aventure: Bishop Anderson House Fall Benefit
Merci beaucoup amis! L'esprit d'aventure: Voyage a Paris was a smashing success, and we thank all of our guests, donors, speakers and volunteers who gave so much. LM Brasserie's warm hospitality and cool interior, the delicious taste treats and divine specialty cocktail made for a wonderful setting for our second annual fall benefit. Our featured speakers, Dwayne, Tyesha, Marcia, and Fred were inspiring as they shared stories of the anxiety that can come with prolonged hospital stays. Their moving words were a testament to the excellent work of Bishop Anderson House chaplains. We are particularly grateful for their presence at [...]
L’esprit d’aventure: Bishop Anderson House Fall Benefit
Merci beaucoup amis! L'esprit d'aventure: Voyage a Paris was a smashing success, and we thank all of our guests, donors, speakers and volunteers who gave so much. LM Brasserie's warm hospitality and cool interior, the delicious taste treats and divine specialty cocktail made for a wonderful setting for our second annual fall benefit. Our featured speakers, Dwayne, Tyesha, Marcia, and Fred were inspiring as they shared stories of the anxiety that can come with prolonged hospital stays. Their moving words were a testament to the excellent work of Bishop Anderson House chaplains. We are particularly grateful for their presence at [...]
Sharing Our Elders’ Journey
The recent Sharing Our Elders' Journey workshop focused on understanding the needs of our elders and pastoral care techniques that can help us “be” with our senior friends and our parents in a more effective manner. The 25 participants were all involved in or interested in caring for seniors. Offering presentations on the unique needs of elders, non-verbal communication, hospice, and leading senior group ministry, the workshop was led by presenters familiar with the pastoral care of seniors. Of particular note, 6 graduates of the Volunteer Chaplain Training Course shared their experiences and expertise. These graduates, Chris Moore, Tony Dobrowolski, and Deacons Tom [...]
A physician speaks
Dr. Gary Dillehay, President of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, has been a dedicated supporter and trustee of Bishop Anderson House. He describes the value of chaplaincy in the hospital environment. "As a practicing physician, I see how disruptive hospital stays can be for patients and their families. I remember as a medical student and later, while an intern, I would see chaplains in the halls of the hospital. I think many hospitals at that time employed hospital chaplains to visit patients and help provide for their spiritual care. That was certainly the case for faith based hospitals. When I [...]
Rush Grand Rounds: Building a new life within Parkinson’s Disease
The Rush University Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation presents Rehabilitation Grand Rounds: “Building a New Life within Parkinson’s Disease” Presented by The Rev. Jay Risk, MDiv, BCC Chaplain, Dept. of Religion, Health and Human Values Executive Director, Bishop Anderson House and Erin Emery, PhD Assistant Professor, Rush University Medical Center Geriatric and Rehabilitation Psychology Date: Friday, October 11, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Location: Armour Academic Center, Room 450 After this lecture, audience members will be able to: • Understand the potential impact of chronic disease on identity • Understand a basic application of Narrative Theory in working with individuals with chronic [...]
A Spirited Adventure Benefit 2013
Our mission and ministry thrives because of committed and generous donors who support our annual benefit events. The Spirited Adventure Benefit was created to help build up a new generation of philanthropists who are passionate about the work of Bishop Anderson House. Next up: L'esprit d'aventure--Voyage a' Paris! Take a virtual trip to France, featuring tasty treats, swell wines and good times on Thursday, October 3, 6 to 9 p.m. at Brasserie by LM in Michigan Avenue. Tickets for a night of food, fun and drinks are only $55 per person. Our silent auction features restaurant gift certificates, cooking school [...]
Farewell to a fine intern
Kate Siberine has spent the past 11 months serving as our Julian Year intern at Bishop Anderson House. We bid Kate a fond, albeit sad, farewell as she moves east to pursue her Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary. Kate's abiding faith, deep dedication to chaplaincy and technological skills have served our mission well. While working with us, she served as a chaplain in the Chemotherapy Outpatient Clinic at Stroger Hospital and also assisted with the Rush University team of chaplains. Kate worked diligently to improve our online presence, and her "Sharing the Stories" video project can be found [...]
Four Qualities of Empathy
Thanks RSA, for this great tool for volunteer (and professional!) chaplains.