When I was asked me to write an article on how ministry has changed for me over the years I immediately thought of my Sweet Pea Ministry which developed quite by chance.
As I reflected on the topic of changed ministry, I realized that the essence of the ministry has not changed but the expression has. The values and skills I used, first as a teacher, then as a Director of a House of Prayer and as a Pastoral Assistant have found new expression as I age. Prayer, presence, listening and encouragement have been central to ministry for me and as I age, they continue to be at the core of my outreach to others.
When I retired, I had all sorts of dreams about what outreach I would do in my “official retirement” as Pastoral Assistant. Then life happened: my only sibling, Roger, was diagnosed with heart problems, I spent time caring for him and then I got cancer and a few years later Roger was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The journey with Roger was the hardest in my life. as we supported him through death to new life. Life continues and I found myself with more time to reach out to others and that has been most enriching.
Prayer is a large part of my day, and I consider it part of my ministry. Folks often ask me to pray for them and their loved ones. Often, after listening to people and their concerns I ask them if they would like me to pray for them and their loved ones and the answer is always yes. Prayer for our fragile world also is a good part of my prayer time.
Presence to others, looking at them, taking time to listen to their joys and difficulties is integral. I do a lot of that, at stores, in my apartment building and visiting others. I visit folks with dementia and have learned to just be present and to talk with them as we enter in and out of reality.