Spiritual Support

The Mission of Chaplaincy, through Christian faith, is to foster hope and integrity in residents and staff by attention to Word, sacrament, and visitation, in partnership with staff, families, and parishes.

Bethesda employs a full-time pastoral care “Chaplain” who…

• visits residents regularly and as needed
• leads Sunday worship (Word and Sacrament)
• teaches mid-week Bible studies
• coordinates pastoral care with residents’ own pastors and congregations
• encourages and monitors churches in their ministries to residents
• is available for counsel to staff and resident families
• participates in staff resident care conferences
• offers from time-to-time staff education on spiritual care
• attends funerals of deceased residents
• leads memorial services at both nursing homes
• leads Bible studies in Assisted Living and Centennial Square housing

The chaplain is trained, certified, and “called” by the church for work as a chaplain in a long-term-care setting, is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains and a local association of long-term-care chaplains, attends Willmar Ministerial Association meetings, and denominational pastors association meetings.

Bethesda is a Social Ministry Organization (SMO) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), affiliated through Lutheran Services in America (LSA).

Typical Weekly Activities at nursing homes:

Prayer
God of the still,
small voice,
even through the din of conflict,
let us listen to you.
Hear our concerns
and guide us
as we seek direction. Amen.
(George Graham)

Chaplain: Rev. Pablo Obregon
320-235-3924