Loading...My favorite question to answer is: “What’s going on at the Chapel?” Sometimes, I don’t know where to start. So many would imagine the answer to be “not much.” But they would be wrong. Starting in October with the Feast of St. Luke (October 18), Bishop Terry came to anoint the hands of the care-givers in celebration of the Physician/Evangelist. Instead of just blessing the nurses, we worked up a liturgy for every department in the building as all are a part of our healing environment: “…the safe lodging, holy rest and peace at the last.” (BCP) The crowd included Administration and the Board of Trustees. Especially touching for me, was watching the Housekeeping Aides (the Germ Warriors) come forward.
Then, for All Saints, the combined choirs of The Beargrass Deanery, treated our residents and families to a hushed Candlelight Evensong with The Rev. Emily Crouch (Cantor). There were around 70 choristers, at least 3 choir directors, and the crowd of 200 strong who showed up from Dudley Square, the community and the supporting churches. I heard over and over: “The only problem was…it was too short.” When do we ever get to hear that?
On December 19th, a weekday, we put on our first Christmas Play in the sanctuary: “The Unexpected Guest.” Twenty staff members participated with home-made costumes. Almost every department was represented and there was one 80+ year old chapel member who is well known in the Louisville Theatre scene: Mary Ann Johnson. One of the participants whispered to me: “She’s the real thing, isn’t she?” In spades! How fortunate we are every Sunday!
Our “Christmas Eve-Eve Service” was delightfully chaotic. With over 300 in attendance, using every spare chair and some SRO, we were led in song by guest vocalist, Lewis Washington (an old seminary classmate of mine) who possesses one of the most beautiful voices around Louisville. Michael Allen, John Allen’s son, played trumpet and one of the nurses (Jennifer) played the flute. We took “Joy to the World” to the next level and left the wee chapel dazed and breathless. Just ask our CEO, Anne Veno…who brought her parents and her grandson!
Finally, “Attention must be paid” to our celebration of The Feast of Our Lord’s Baptism. Bishop Terry had challenged Diocesan Convention participants to look again at Phillip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. He charged us with removing hindrances to Baptism. On January 13th, we had our first “open baptism”…that is, anyone and everyone on the staff who hadn’t had the chance to be baptized in this mobile society could show up, sign a paper of intent and understanding….and then “Let the Holy Spirit and Water do the rest.” Six people were stuffed into God’s Kingdom coming that day. A reception followed and Prayer Books and Baptismal Candles were shared. There was one auntie and her niece, one mother and her daughter, and two best friend nurses who worked third shift. Each of the Baptized promised to join a worshipping community in their area to support them in their Christian journey. That’s what’s been going on at the Chapel.
