Having now had several months on my own as chaplain, it is clear to me, as I suspect it is to many of you, that one chaplain is not sufficient for St Ursula's. In fact, we really need two full time chaplains. Linda's illness (Linda is our part-time assistant chaplain) has left a real gap in our ministry, and we continue to pray for her speedy recovery, for our own sakes as well as for hers. Most of you will know that at the time she became ill, the Church Council was in the process of re-negotiating the details of her contract prior to renewing it. Her illness intervened, so we extended her existing contract to the end of September, hoping that by then all would be well and a new contract would be ready. Despite the encouraging news that the doctors have now identified causes of, and begun to treat, the illness, we do not know how long it will be before Linda is fit to return to work. After consultation with Linda, the Church Council considers it best to let the existing contract run out at the end of September. It is the Church Council's wish that Linda continue as honorary assistant chaplain. While at Geneva for the licensing of their new chaplain (I am no longer the `newest chaplain' in Switzerland!), I was able to speak to Bishop Henry, who fully supports Linda continuing in this new role. We hope and pray that Linda is restored to full health in the near future, and it is my hope and that of the Church Council that she would then resume her duties as a stipendiary chaplain (on a new contract, naturally). Of course, the need for an assistant chaplain (full or part time) is now even more urgent, but I do not envisage us being in the position (financial or otherwise) to consider this until well into 2002. So please pray, for Linda, for God to guide us as to how we should fill the gap in our `chaplain's ministry' both in the short and long term, and for the Church Council for wisdom in their decisions. And please pray (and act accordingly?) that, after Pledge Sunday, we shall be in the position to deal with all our problems, whether they be paying for chaplains, or replacing the Church Hall (leaking) and Church House roof.
Healing Ministry has always been a part of the life of the Church of England, but there have been times when it has been relegated to a very minor role in most churches. Recently it has been given increasing prominence. (About six years ago a survey in the Diocese of Hereford showed that healing ministry was actively practised in over half the parishes.) At St Ursula's it is part of our regular programme at the monthly evening service. However, not many people attend that service, and some who do come more for the style of service used than specifically for healing. There is however a considerable need for healing in our church, for both physical and mental healing, and also for what is sometimes called `inner healing'.
The ministry of healing (perhaps as distinct to the exercise of the `gift of healing') is a function of the whole church, exercised by the leadership of the church, for the benefit of the whole church (James 5.14-16). It should therefore be offered to the whole church, which for us at St Ursula's means, in practice, at the 10.00 am service on Sundays. As it is an authorized ministry within the Anglican Church (Common Worship - Pastoral Services, pages 92ff) it should be offered using Anglican liturgy (and, because it is fitting thing to do, using oil blessed by the bishop at `the Blessing of Oils' service on Maundy Thursday).
I propose to offer a short liturgy of healing (c. 5 minutes) in line with the provisions in Common Worship, to anyone who requests it, at any main service. (Is any among you sick, let him ask the elders of the church ... James 5.14). This will take place towards the end of the service (after the distribution of communion at a Eucharist) to facilitate dealing with anyone who may need more extended help. I also hope to be able to offer a more extended prayer ministry after the service, though this may not be possible at first. For those unable to get to church, `healing ministry' can be offered along with `sick communion'.
For this ministry to function at its best, it will need a trained team of lay people to assist directly in the `laying on of hands' and to offer extra help at the end of the service, should this be needed. For this ministry to function at all, it will require the whole congregation to join in by praying for those receiving the ministry. This aspect of worship and ministry, as with all the others, is not a `spectator sport'.
There is no `proper way' to commence such a ministry. It will start when the first person asks for it. There will be training for those who will be assisting with this ministry (watch the notices for details).
Richard Pamplin