Dear Greenwich,
We write with gracious thanks for your support for our work and for your continued partnership in ministry. Individually and through your congregations, you represent the lifeblood of Greenwich Chaplaincy Services at a time when our work of spiritual care to the elderly, their families and the staff of seven Greenwich facilities has become even more critical.
The pandemic for us represents a moment of transformation as we learn to minister telephonically and digitally as well as personally. Our chaplains “visit” daily to maintain the connections so important to those who are fragile and confined. We stand ready to support, as ever, when loss occurs. And while we have not been able to worship communally, we continue to provide care in all the ways available as we work remotely.
While many in Greenwich may assume we are supported with public funds, more than ever we rely on private, philanthropic support. The facilities we serve are experiencing financial strains and some have stepped back from their financial contributions. Thus far, we have continued chaplaincy nonetheless through the personal generosity of chaplains who work some hours without compensation at those locations. We would like in this year to rectify this by renewing our relationships with all those who value our services—facilities, donors, families and friends. While so much grief and loss has come our way with the pandemic, we have all recognized the special needs of elderly in nursing homes—the fundamental work of Greenwich Chaplaincy Services since its founding in 1968.
We know that you recognize us as an extension of the ministry of the congregation as pastoral caregivers to members of your faith community. This year we need your financial help more than ever as we adapt for the longer term to the requirements of a COVID-19 reality. What does this mean? We will train more to learn new technical skills and even likely re-tool to reach more people through virtual visitation. We plan to reach out to families who are experiencing separation from their loved ones. Our partners who also serve remote clients will teach us how to lead worship without a present congregation. These are just a few of the new ministries we envision as we prayerfully discern God’s call in this unprecedented time.
There are many ways to support us including through our web site: http://www.greenwichchaplaincy.org. We hope you will consider a gift this year as you are able that acknowledges the importance we all place on spiritual care to elderly residents in Greenwich profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With all thanks and God’s blessings,
The Rev. Margaret Allred Finnerud-Executive Director
revmeg14@gmail.com
Greenwich Chaplaincy Services
70 Parsonage Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
