Most of us have heard that deacons have one foot in the church and one foot in the world, conveying the needs from church to world and vice versa. After 12 years since ordination, I focus more on whether in the church or in the world, it is me as a “being” (small b) with the supreme Being (capital B). Wherever I am physically, I hold the Being within me to the best of my The Rev. Colleen Smith human ability. After a long career as a court reporter, the day arrived when a new life began. My husband and I were living in the Chicago area, where I received degrees from DePaul University and Loyola University, and was ordained to the diaconate. In my first year after graduation I completed a chaplain residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. The rest is history. I’ve served as deacon in parishes in Chicago and Milwaukee and worked as a chaplain in hospitals in Milwaukee and Columbus. Presently I work as one of the chaplains at a very busy hospital. As with all chaplains, the mission is to serve with reverence, justice, caring for the poor and the lonely, honoring diversity and inclusivity of all people, and hospitality to all who enter the doors. During the last several summers, I refresh and renew by staying on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution, situated on beautiful Lake Chautauqua in Chautauqua, NY, where the daily schedule is organized around Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation. Each of the four pillars is woven into a packed daily schedule. On the grounds are many Protestant denominational houses, the Catholic House and the Jewish Center. These faiths provide programs and lodging. During each of the nine weeks at the Chautauqua season there are morning and afternoon lectures planned around a weekly theme. Guest speakers range from U.S. Presidents to presidential candidates, artists, scientists, scholars and more. Retired New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson is VicePresident of the Religion Department and provided tremendous speakers throughout the summer.
During the summer, I stay at the Episcopal Cottage, two blocks from the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Each week there is a priest serving as chaplain at the Cottage. There is Eucharist at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, and two services on Sunday. Presently, I serve with 12 other members on the Cottage’s Board of Directors to maintain the facility that houses approxi-
mately 25 guests weekly. Worship at All Saints, New Albany, provides the foundation for a life in Christ that propels me into the world, seeking and serving Christ in all persons. Our mission statement, Acts 2:42, “holds fast to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of Bread and Prayers”, which means our sacramental life, our outreach, living a life of prayer, and providing pastoral care. Submitted by the Rev. Colleen Smith *** When I initially started my journey exploring the ministry of the deacon, I had no clear idea of what I was called to do. “Street ministry” was at the top of my list, however I really had no idea what that entailed. Part of the process leading to ordination was a required unit of clinical pastoral education and it was during this experience that I realized 'Clinical Chaplain’ was the ministry I was called to answer. After a few more CPC units, board certification and clinical experience in pediatric and adult hospitals, the Spirit of God had me “hooked.” In that environment, a palpable sense of loss is the main issue, along with the individual’s eventual journey through grief. Faith becomes tested; hope is, in some cases, misunderstood. As chaplain to those experiencing pending loss, the need for support clarification of the individual’s thoughts and emotions, without judgments, is foremost, irrespective of religious or spiritual preference. My current diaconal activity is the facilitation and sup-
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