For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-16
The Spiritual Care Program continues to expand to meet the spiritual care needs and faith needs of our GreenFields community and family. In the Manor, Theology on Tap began meeting monthly in the Spring. Theology on Tap is a national and international program which invites people to gather in a causal setting and to pose their perplexing theological questions and doubts, conundrums and struggles over beverages and appetizers. We are hosted by the wonderful staff in the Bistro as we explore theology, church, culture, practical faith and missional living in lively interfaith discussion!
Theology on Tap, June 2025.
Also in the Manor, a traditional St. Joseph Table was offered in March. Fabulous, traditional food was provided by the Manor’s Chef Connor and his staff, while I provided prayers and the history of the Table. Chaplain Chat, a devotion and discussion group, continues biweekly. Healing Hearts, a grief and loss support group, also continues to be offered monthly.
In the Court, I offer a monthly Hymn Sing, as well as a monthly Healing Hearts grief and loss support group. Chaplain Chat is also offered biweekly. Lutheran Worship service is offered in the Manor and the Court weekly, as is a Bible Study. Catholic Mass is also offered weekly by our visiting priest, Fr. Emil.
Bible study at GreenField Health and Rehabilitation Center
In GreenFields Health and Rehab Center, I began offering Bible Study in the Spring, and at the resident’s request, Bible Study is now being offered twice a month. Lutheran Worship continues to be offered weekly. Catholic Mass is also offered weekly by visiting priests. During Lent, Sacrament of the Sick was administered by our visiting Catholic priest to all residents who requested this sacrament. Beginning in November, I will offer staff support sessions every quarter to all staff on each shift. An upcoming inservice will also be offered to staff on Compassion Fatigue and Caregiver Burnout.
In the Terrace, Worship Service is offered every Friday. Chaplain Chat has begun twice a month in the Terrace.
In November, formal Memorial Services will be offered in the Manor/Court and in GreenFields Health and Rehab Center and Terrace. Formal invitations have been mailed to the family members of each resident who has been called home to God in the past year. A light reception will follow each service. Going forward, these services will be offered twice a year. These stand-alone, formal Memorial Services will offer residents, staff and family members an opportunity to celebrate, remember and thank God for the lives of those residents who have been part of our community.
In addition, special services are provided, such as Advent, Lent, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter services. This year, I also offered a Stations of the Cross service in the Manor/Court,. Ashes are provided for all residents and staff on Ash Wednesday, Palms are provided on Palm Sunday, and Advent Calendars, Lent Calendars, and special devotional materials are provided seasonally to each resident throughout the campus. Portals of Prayer devotion books are also provided quarterly to all interested residents and staff.
Spiritual care referrals continue to increase from staff and spiritual care charting in the medical charts continues. This allows for an interdisciplinary approach to the holistic care of our residents’ physical, medical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health.
Care Notes are provided in the Chapels in the Manor and GHRC, as well as the Wellness Room in the Court. These brochures address a variety of spiritual, medical and mental well-being topics. Titles change regularly – stop by and help yourself to any of these free brochures which you or a family member would find helpful.
Plans for 2026 include Epiphany House (Apartment) Blessings for the Manor and Court for all interested residents during the month of January. In addition, New Apartment Blessings will be offered throughout the year when new residents move in to the Manor or Court. Finally, new spiritual programs and services are being developed to celebrate special Church Festival Days and Feast Days, such as St. Valentine and St. Patrick.
Watch for new programs coming up in 2026!
In conclusion, I give God all the glory and praise for His leading , guiding and directing of my ministry and service at GreenFields. I pray that He continues to grant me wisdom and strength, as well as filling my heart with the love of Christ, to meet the spiritual and faith needs of all our residents, families, and staff.
Soli Deo Gloria!
In His Service,
Chaplain Deborah K. Greatrix Tyler
