By Marcel Pacatte
Photos/Special to The Source
Kindness, presence and connection are three tenets of Jacksonville Area Senior Chaplaincy Care, an organization that provides compassionate spiritual and pastoral care for people in health care and independent living facilities.
To further the group’s efforts, a paint and pour event took place April 29 to raise money.
Carol Hungerford led the event. Participants were provided supplies and were instructed on how to paint a meadow scene, starting with an intimidating blank canvas.
Supporters gathered at the Lynnville Christian Church to replicate the scene.
The Jacksonville Area Senior Chaplaincy Care group also ministers to family members of people in facilities, as group members comfort the residents and bring them hope and dignity.
The group has been in operation for almost 20 years and tries to serve as a bridge between a person’s family and new care facility when people leave their homes for assisted living or nursing care facilities. The adjustment can leave people feeling disconnected and unseen. The chaplaincy listens and engages.
Members also provide spiritual support when a person no longer is able to attend his or her former church, with the idea of providing people with a sense of normalcy.
Deb Rust, a chaplaincy board member, characterizes the group as small but mighty, with just eight board members to facilitate the efforts.
She said the paint and pour event is perfect for the group as opposed to having a big dinner.
