Coming Up on Grace Matters
April 27, 2008

Stacey Jutila - The Joy of Play

Grace Matters (click here to listen)

If you know anything about health care staffing issues these days, you know that hospital chaplains are often the "first to go" when it comes to trimming hospital budgets. This is not universally the case, of course. But in many settings where the numbers are tight, the spiritual care department commonly takes one of the first hits. After all, how can one prove that the spiritual gifts of a chaplain are an indispensable piece of the healing process? It's a tough argument to make, especially in places where the clinical perspective gets the upper hand.

Stacey Jutila is well aware of the precariousness of hospital chaplaincy as a profit-making enterprise for a hospital. But she is out to prove the value of spiritual care through the dedication of her own life. It is not a cause for her; it is merely faithfulness expressed through the joy of doing her daily work well. Jutila is a gifted pastor who has heard the call to be a hospital chaplain. For years now, she has worked in both a children's hospital setting, and on the floors of a hospital where most of the patients are adults.

When I caught up with Stacey Jutila, she was eager to visit about her affection for patients. I quickly learned why she is effective in what she does. She spoke easily of the realities that very sick children face, one of which is the desire to retain a sense of play. For my part, in this edition of Grace Matters, I'll think with you about the role of play in all our lives.

This is coming your way … on the next Grace Matters.

Grace Notes from Listeners

"For Christ; Faith Building" Thanks for your ending prayer also!

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