Chaplaincy
At Resthaven, we look to support people in all aspects of living – sustaining the whole person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
 Resthaven employs Coordinating Chaplains who consider the spiritual aspects of life and provide pastoral care for residents and staff.
Spirituality can be defined as that which provides ultimate meaning to a person. It may or may not involve participation in a formal religion or philosophy. A person’s spirituality can find expression in a variety of ways. Some profound expressions of spirituality are simply giving attention to everyday activities. These might include sharing a 'cuppa' with a visitor or taking a walk, reading a passage from a special book, prayer or mediation and a host of others. Every person’s spirituality is to be respected.
Our Chaplains provide opportunities for residents to share, through confidential listening. We seek to provide supportive, non-denominational avenues for people who want a good conversation, through to sharing deeply around circumstances and feelings that are part of their daily experience.
Activities:
- Worship, based on Christian ecumenical principles.
- Chaplain's Chats, which focus on topical issues and Bible teachings.
- Memorial services, to remember those who have passed away.
Pastoral Visiting
Our Chaplains are on site once a week and are supported by our trained volunteer Chaplain's Assistants, who visit and engage with residents, either in casual meetings at a resident’s request or through being part of organised activities on site, thus providing many opportunities for relationship building and pastoral care.
 Specified Visiting
Chaplains provide support to families and residents when specific care is needed. At end of life, or when other tragedies occur, we recognise the impact that this can have on all members of family involved. Grief comes at different times, and is often complicated through intricate and inter-related circumstances. We recognise the effects that this can have on all aspects of personhood.
Memorial Services
An annual Memorial Service is conducted by the Coordinating Chaplains at each residential site every year. Memorial Services are an important expression of pastoral care for residents, staff and invited family or friends of residents who died during the previous year. The service is an integral part of the Resthaven model of Pastoral Care of residents.
Quiet Space
An online place to pray, reflect and meditate.
http://prayer.sa.uca.org.au/welcome_to_the_quiet_space
A Reflection on Natural Disasters
We pause to reflect
News of natural disasters confronts and challenges us - bush fires, floods, droughts, tidal waves, earthquakes, and so on… Some of us may be personally affected or know of the people or areas affected.
Prayer for people affected and those serving the communities
Everlasting and merciful God, we affirm our dependence on you for every aspect of life.
In a spirit of solidarity and concern, we pray for all who have been affected by natural disasters.
We ask for your comfort;
 For those who have lost loved ones, friends or neighbours, homes and life possessions.
We ask for your strength and sensitivity;
For those who are serving the affected communities. Amen.
Words of comfort, hope and action
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
(2 Corinthians 1: 3-4)
Kingsley Congdon (Rev.)
Resthaven Chaplain
Words of Comfort
 Change and opportunity
The thought of change is never easy. In fact it can be quite daunting and unsettling. Of course we have all experienced a variety of changes along life’s pathway.
As a person begins to think about entering an aged care facility it is perfectly natural to have mixed-feelings.
One of the most significant changes that needs to be faced is that of leaving the place we have called ‘home’ for a time; often a very long time.
The thought of losing some of our independence can cause us to feel unsure.Then there is the thought of maintaining our dignity in a new place with people we don’t know.
Well, after a few deep breaths we might like to consider the positives of makingsuch a move for our own health and perhaps own family’s peace of mind too.
 In time perhaps we will discover the changes we have made have actually led to a new opportunity for us to grow as persons as we receive appropriate care and become a respected part of a new community.
Rev Kingsley Congdon
Coordinating Chaplain
Life has rhythmic qualities...
As we move through the seasons of our life, significant change can generate anxieties and nervousness. Entering into residential living may be one of the moments when people experience anxiety. Sometimes, people let the fear of the unknown, combined with concerns about moving away from home and a perceived loss of independence, cloud the reality of living in residential care at Resthaven.
Resthaven exists to assist people to receive dignified and appropriate care, managing their health to live a life appropriate with levels of independence.
 Over time and in moments of reflection, people come to realise that, among other constants, there is pleasure in the friendships established, participating in activities and in the respectful support from staff.
Anthony Hill
Coordinating Chaplain
Interested in Volunteering as a Chaplain's Assistant?
Chaplain’s Assistants offer wonderful support in Resthaven communities. They share with others through conversation, visiting, listening and working alongside the Coordinating Chaplain and supporting worship and small groups.
For further information, contact:
Rev Kingsley Congdon (Malvern, Mitcham, Westbourne Park, Craigmore)
Mobile: 0421 901 479
Stacey Thompson (Bellevue Heights, Marion, and Mt Gambier residential sites)
Coordinator, Volunteer Resources
Phone: (08) 8206 0102
Anthony Hill (Leabrook, Paradise, and Murray Bridge)
Mobile: 0432 294 542
What is Chaplaincy?
Chaplaincy may be defined as a pastoral activity that is an expression of the words of Jesus: “…I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, sick and you cared for me…” (Matthew 25 v35-36).
Such work may have particular denominational emphasis and liturgical expression but is primarily focused on pastoral care.
 The following three definitional statements are foundational to the understanding;
Holism:
Chaplaincy should be an integral part of the institution. Its focus is in the unique pastoral and spiritual contribution to the overall care provided. It is integrated and congruent with that offered by other disciplines and adds to the totality and ‘completeness’ of the care the institution provides.
Spirituality:
Spirituality is that which gives meaning and purpose to being. Chaplaincy provides a spiritual resource for the institution. It respects and can transcend differences of denomination and religion, recognising aspects of grace in all. The chaplain may minister to clients and their families, staff and the institution itself, in ways that enable questions of life and death, reality and meaning, fear and hope to be articulated in a manner that encourages an exploration of such issues in an honest, caring environment.
Pastoral care:
Pastoral care is a caring resource at the clients point of need. It allows the client to ‘set the agenda’ with the Chaplain being available to journey with the client as a vulnerable, caring, listening fellow human. The Chaplain may provide a spiritual perspective and a sacramental resource as a tangible adjunct to pastoral ministry.
Source: SA Heads of Christian Churches Chaplaincy Committee 2004.
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