There’s a famous phrase the British used in advertisements to encourage civilians during World War II that read, Keep Call and Carry On. It was a very successful campaign across Great Britain and has been mimicked many times over and even appears in viral social media memes. At Village Manor, a Christian Care Community, we borrowed the phrase and had posters printed that hang around the community and read: Keep Calm and Call the Chaplain. This catchy phrase is perfect for our nonprofit mission, since we were founded by pastors over 140 years ago. Spiritual care is obviously important to Village Manor with two chaplains on staff, providing critical support and encouragement for seniors through all of life’s chapters.
Meet Chaplain Susan Hester and Chaplain Joe Hester – yes, they’re married and have been in ministry roles for over 30 years together. Together they care for our residents, staff, and families who depend on our mission for daily support.
Chaplain Renae joined Village Manor a little over two years ago. With her she brought a background of ministry in church and music, hospice care, as well as being a hospital chaplain. Throughout any given week you can find Renae offering Bible study, chapel services, singing along with the “Village Manor Singers” and sharing her faith and love. You might find her standing by the mailboxes, as that is a favorite gathering place for residents to meet and chat. Or maybe she’s taking a walk by the fountain and gazebo, lending a hand to a resident who is handling a difficult family situation. One of the best places Renae likes to do ministry is in the café over a casual cup of hot tea. Renae makes it a priority to attend morning meets and offer a guided devotion thought for the staff department on a weekly basis. Renae shared with us that the things she holds most dear in this role are the relationships she has been able to grow. Saying, “No matter someone’s spiritual background or preferences, just being able to be there for them on the joyful and bright days is amazing, as well as the bumpy days with grief and hardship.”
The steadfast faithfulness Renae brings with her every day is truly felt by staff and residents alike. Renae goes on to say, “Here we have the real feeling of family because it’s about the empathy and relationships that are built.” Chaplain Renae’s presence is part of what makes Village Manor so special as it complements our Faith Care Family approach to organizing our days in the community.
This past August, Chaplain Joe Hester joined the team at Village Manor, where he brings a strong clinical and hospital background, serving in skilled nursing, assisted living and memory care. Chaplain Joe has a special knack for listening and celebrating the journey of life alongside family members experiencing grief. He is also able to hear the joy of personal stories and appreciate someone from every version of themselves through their life story. Staff could not be more thankful for the guidance Joe brings to families, residents, and staff during what can be some of the most difficult times.
Additionally, Chaplain Joe goes on hospital visits and spends time with residents and staff who need it most. Joe told us he loves working at Village Manor because, “One of the most amazing things is being able to share and show my Christian Faith with others.” There is an understanding that no matter your beliefs, the family-friendly atmosphere at Village Manor is exactly where Chaplain Renae and Joe belong. The difference these two make every day for staff, residents, and families is immeasurable.
Assistant Executive Director Lanett Ivey knows this on a personal level. Lanett sees both Joe and Renae “meeting staff where they are in a beautiful way. They pray at meetings, always are available as a listening ear and constantly are found encouraging and lifting people up. Whether it’s Renae blessing the hands of a graduating CNA class in our chapel, or Joe sitting down with staff in our memory care to hear about their day – these two are always able to bring calm, understanding, and find moments of joy in difficult circumstances,” says Lanett.
If you would like to join a special workplace like Village Manor, apply online or call us at 270-796-6643 Village Manor – Careers with Christian Care Communities (christiancarejobs.org).
-submitted by Village Manor
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