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Bethany
Homes |
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201
South University Drive
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(701)
239-3000
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Fargo,
North Dakota 58103
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(701)
239-3237 (Fax)
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Pastoral Care
Rev. Phil Larson |
Rev. Phil Larson, a clergy person of the ELCA with seventeen years of experience as a parish pastor, serves full-time. He has been serving at Bethany Homes since 1999. The chaplain may be reached through the Bethany switchboard. "And he left them
and went out of the city to Bethany (a more quiet retired place),
where he spent the night." |
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Bethany Homes is a nursing facility sponsored by 41 area congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA, in its statement of purpose declares: "This church shall serve in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged...". From its earliest beginnings as a church-related facility, Bethany has maintained a chaplaincy program. The goal of this program is to provide pastoral care for residents of all faiths. Staff members are also encouraged to use chaplaincy services. Referrals to local counseling services are made upon request.
The Mavis Whiting Chapel at Bethany Homes is a worship center that seats up to 200 people. It is designed to support the spiritual lives of residents and to facilitate the efforts of the many pastors, priests, and church workers of all faiths who minister here, in addition to our own chaplain. The architecture, the stained glass windows, the oak furnishings, the vestments and the organ all serve to nourish the spiritual lives of the residents. Chapel services can be broadcast to the individual rooms if requested.
Staff members in leadership roles meet daily to coordinate work and report issues and concerns. This meeting regularly begins with prayer for our residents, staff, families and others.
Two events are presented by our chaplain in the chapel every week. On Sunday afternoon, a "Vesper Service" is held as an appropriate close to the Lord's Day. On Wednesday there is a morning worship service. Both of these services include Scripture reading, prayers, hymns, and a sermon. A large print "Book Of Worship," designed for nursing facilities, is used. Holy Communion is offered the fourth Wednesday of each month. Bible studies are provided to Towers and Kinder House residents.
Bethany recognizes that its residents come from many different religious traditions. Hence, the services by our chaplain are designed to support and appeal to all faiths. Additional services held in the chapel include:
Jewish residents are encouraged to observe their Holy Days in cooperation with the local Temple and Synagogue.
The Bethany chaplain visits regularly with residents, especially during times of crisis, illness, death and dying, or other special needs. Visits may include Scripture readings, prayers, singing, and counseling as appropriate. Small group worship is conducted on the various floors. Residents and families are asked to request visits if desired.
Holy Communion is celebrated in the chapel each month. Residents of all denominations who desire to commune are welcome to do so. Those who prefer to receive communion only from their own churches are free to attend the services without communing. The chaplain will bring communion to residents and families privately if requested. The residents' own pastors and priests are always welcome. Our staff will contact them upon request.
A large print daily devotional booklet, "Portals Of Prayer,"
is provided by the Bethany Auxiliary and is available free of charge
to all residents upon request. |
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