NATIONAL SERVICE CHAPLAINCY HANDBOOK

Faith and service have become the great divorce of our nation. Over time institutions of faith have become less and less the face of social welfare and justice in the United States. If faith is to remain relevant and transforma-tive it must intentionally serve others. The intent of the handbook is fourfold: One, it offers an overview into the National & Community Service programs. Two, it provides a glimpse into the service terms of AmeriCorps members. Three, it spells out what the National Service Chaplaincy program entails. Four, it creates a space for participates to map out their own National Service Chaplaincy Program.  

FAITH AND SERVICE 101

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The Corporation for National and Community Service logo and other national service insignia as well as any website depictions are the private ownership of the The Corporation for National and Community Service.

This handbook was created by Christopher D. Williams for use with the McCormick Theological Seminary Center for Faith and Service and the National Service Ministries. This handbook and it’s materials are for public use and may be

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In 1993, the Corporation for National and Commu-nity Service (CNCS) was established to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportu-nities to give back to their communities and their na-tion. It merged the work and staffs of two predeces-sor agencies, ACTION and the Commission on Na-tional and Community Service.

At its inception, CNCS was directed to manage three main programs:

• The newly created Senior Corps, which incorpo-rated the longstanding Foster Grandparents, RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), and Senior Companions programs.

• The newly created AmeriCorps, which incorpo-rated the longstanding VISTA, the new National Ci-vilian Community Corps (NCCC) programs, and the full-time demonstration program that had been es-tablished under the 1990 Act.

• Learn and Serve America, formerly known as Serve America.

Today CNCS serves more than 5 million individuals of all ages and backgrounds help meet local needs through a wide array of service opportunities. These include projects in six priority areas: disaster serv-ices, economic opportunity, education, environ-mental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families through CNCS’s core programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Social Innovation Fund. CNCS is part of our nation's history of commit-ment to building a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility. building a culture of citizenship, serv-ice, and responsibility.

HISTORY, POLICY, & PROCEDURES

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DIVISION OF AMERICORPS

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Please fill in the information for each division as presented on the slide

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SAMPLE APPLICATION

Participants begin their AmeriCorps journey by completing the application for service available on my.americorps.gov. Once signed up, applicants may begin searching for local and national service

opportunities which may suit their interest.

Though this is a time of service, some positions are more competitive than others and each has its own interview process for applicants.

Division such as Teach for America and City Year have their own individual applications which can be viewed using the web-addresses below.

www.teachforamerica.org and http://www.cityyear.org

“Serving does not mean leaving your faith behind. It is instead the physical manifestation of the hope that is in you.”

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Your Rights and Responsibilities

Like any group of individuals working together, AmeriCorps members must follow certain rules and regulations in order to be effective. The rights and responsibili-ties listed below are merely illustrative, and your project director may identify oth-ers. AmeriCorps*VISTA members are subject to similar rights and prohibitions.

Consult the VISTA handbook or your program sponsor for details.

Rights:

1. Participation in the Corporation and its programs and projects must be based on merit and equal opportunity for all, without regard to factors such as race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, military service, or religious, community, or so-cial affiliations.

2. You have a right to reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Pro-grams must furnish reasonable accommodations for the known physical and men-tal limitations of qualified AmeriCorps members.

3. If you believe your rights have been violated, you may report such vio-lations to the directors of your program, who must establish and maintain a proce-dure for filing and adjudicating certain grievances. You may also file discrimination-related grievances with the Equal Opportunity Counselor of the Cor-poration for National and Community Service at (202) 606-5000, ext. 312 (voice), or (202) 606-5256 (TTY).

Responsibilities:

1. To earn an education award, you must satisfactorily complete your pro-gram requirements and your full term of service (at least 1,700 hours during a nine- to twelve-month period for the full-time award and at least 900 hours over a one- to two-year period of time for the part-time award).

2. Satisfactory service includes attendance, compliance with applicable rules, a positive attitude, quality service, and respect toward others in the program and in the community.

3. You may be asked to sign a contract stating your rights and responsi-bilities while in AmeriCorps. You must abide by this contract and follow the rules of your program. You may be suspended or terminated if you violate the stated rules of behavior.

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Prohibited Activities

There are certain activities, including lobbying, political, or advocacy activities, that you may not perform as an AmeriCorps member. Generally, you may not engage in

any conduct that would associate the national service program or the Corporation for National and Community Service with any prohibited activity.

As an AmeriCorps member, you may not:

1. Engage in any effort to influence legislation, including state or local ballot initiatives or lobbying for your AmeriCorps program; for example, you may not organize a letter-writing campaign to Congress;

2. Engage in partisan political activities or other activities designed to influ-ence the outcome of an election to any public office;

3. Organize or take part in political demonstrations or rallies;

4. Organize or participate in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes;

5. Assist, promote, or deter union organizing;

6. Impair existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;

7. Participate in, or endorse, events or activities that are likely to include advo-cacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials; for example, you may not print po-litically charged articles in a Corporation-funded newsletter;

8. Perform clerical work, research, or fundraising, except if incidental to your direct service activities;

9. Engage in religious instruction; conduct worship services; provide instruc-tion as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship; construct or operate facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship; maintain facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious in-struction or worship; or engage in any form of religious proselytization; or

10. Provide a direct benefit to a for-profit entity, a labor union, a partisan politi-cal organization, or, in general, an organization engaged in the religious activities described in the preceding bullet.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

“You are what you do, not what you say you'll do.” ― C.G. Jung

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There are also several types of activities that your program may not assign to you, such as:

1. Activities that pose a significant risk to you or other participants;

2. Assignments that displace employees;

3. Internships with for-profit businesses as part of the education and train-ing component of the program; and

4. Any of the prohibited activities mentioned above.

Like other private citizens, you may participate in the above-listed activities on your own time, at your own expense, and at your own initiative. However, you may not wear your AmeriCorps t-shirt or other service gear in such instances. You are

expected to maintain a code of conduct and professional behavior at all times. Vio-lations of this expectation could result in early termination or suspension.

While most individuals are either off at college or finally begin-ning to start the new job they have always wanted, AmeriCorps volunteers are cleaning up after natural disasters, helping to sus-tain non-profit programs providing social services, and educating adults as well as America’s youth. These volunteers are the quiet backbone of a country that measures success by number of ze-roes in your bank account instead of the number of lives you’ve changed. AmeriCorps volunteers believe in service, hope for change, and sacrifice to make this country a better place.  Your Education Award

A LIFE OF SERVICE

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Education Reward

As an AmeriCorps member, you have an opportu-nity to make a lasting impact on the lives of peo-ple in the community where you serve. One of the ways that AmeriCorps can make an impact on your life is to help you reach your goals with the education award. When you successfully complete your service, you will receive an educa-tion award that you can use to attend qualified institutions of higher education or training or to repay qualified student loans.

To qualify for an education award, you must suc-cessfully complete the required "term of service" for your program. If you are a member of Ameri-Corps*VISTA, you may, at certain times, choose to receive a cash payment of $100.00 per month of service instead of the education award. If you are a member of any other AmeriCorps program, you will be eligible only for the education award.

"With AmeriCorps, I get a clear and concrete skill, a direction and purpose, and when I'm done serving, I get a chance to go to college and a hope for a better life." - Phillip

The following information can help you use your education award. If you have other questions, please call (888) 507-5962.Information also is available on the AmeriCorps website at www.americorps.org.

What Can You Use Your Education Award For?

You can use your education award in the follow-ing ways, or a combination of them:

• to repay qualified existing or future stu-dent loans;

• to pay all or part of the current cost of attending a qualified institution of higher educa-tion (including certain vocational programs); or

• to pay current expenses while partici-pating in an approved school-to-work program.

What are the Categories of Education Awards?

• If you successfully complete one full-time term of service (as defined by your pro-gram), you will be eligible for an award of $4,725.00.

• If you successfully complete one part-time term of service (at least 900 hours over two years or less), you will be eligible for an award of $2,362.50.

• If you are in a short-term program, such as a summer program, you will be eligible for a "reduced part-time" award-usually $1,000 or less.

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“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” ― Albert Schweitzer

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THE COST OF LIVINGWhile AmeriCorps members are engaging in their term of service, they are given a monthly living allowance determined by the Corporation for National and Community Service. As with a job, once members depart from the program their living allowance ceases

Settling-In Allowance: One time distribution of funds related to candi-dates who are relocating more than 50 miles from their home of record to serve may be entitled to a Relocation Travel Allowance.

Monthly Stipend: Monthly Living Allowances are deposited to the indi-vidual's bank account (see pay calendar for specific dates). Member living allowances are computed on a daily rate and paid every other week. Living allowance payments cover a 14-day period.

Deferment of Qualified Student Loans: The federal government will pay the interest on your qualified loans for the year you are in service with AmeriCorps.

Health Insurance:In depth health insurance information is provided to members during preservice orientation. The coverage will begin on the first day of preservice training.

Food Stamps AmeriCorps: members are eligible for food stamp bene-fits. All the information you need to apply for these benefits will be pro-vided during the preservice training.

Affordable Housing Option: Each AmeriCorps member is responsible for securing their own housing.

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TESTIMONIES FROM AMERICORPS MEMBERS

“My AmeriCorps experience transformed how I saw myself, my career, and my goals. However, I’ve found out the hard way that life after AmeriCorps service is not what I expected, nor has it been easy. I expected that my goals wouldn’t really shift that much during my term. I also thought the job search would be simple

and straightforward after AmeriCorps. Neither proved to be true: my goals changed, and my job search is an ongoing challenge.” - Caleb Winebrenner, (http://idealistcareers.org/author/caleb-winebrenner/)

“When I started my research I felt a connection to what VISTA stands for: Volunteers In Service To America.  VISTAs are different from other volunteers because we work the administration side of different nonprofits or government agencies that fight against poverty. In return for our work, we do not receive an income but a liv-

ing stipend (which ironically puts us on the same level of those we serve: poverty).” - Anonymous

I”'ve been looking for Orthodox Churches in the area and Orthodox people here in the NCCC (Americorps * National Civilian Conservation Corps). So far, I have found a number of churches in the area (use this web-site with the area code '95652')... I was trying to walk to this parish, but I got lost, since I forgot my map in

my dorm room at the NCCC campus... my attempt to find this parish ended up fruitless” - Ciao, (http://thebrainkid.blogspot.com/2007/10/americorps-journal-entry-2.html)

“This has been my dream since I was 11 years old. I always knew I wanted to join AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps and travel to Africa”. Santos’ whole life has been volunteer oriented and helping people who

are less fortunate has been a huge part of her life.” -Sierra Santos, (http://fitchburgpoint.com/2012/11/08/americorps-volunteer-shares-experience/)

NOTES:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why a National Service Chaplaincy?

There is a rich and powerful history of chaplains serving in the armed serv-ices. My dad served in World War II as a Navy Chaplain. A military chap-lain's role is to attend to everyone enlisted -- and many of those who are serving are in their 20s and 30s.

This generation of young people serve their country in military service but in other ways, too. Each year, thousands of people in their twenties and thir-ties join AmeriCorps and other national service organizations.

There are obvious differences between soldiers and AmeriCorps volun-teers, but there are also similarities. Both represent idealistic and commit-ted individuals that have made a choice to serve and who are placed in challenging situations where much is expected of them physically and emo-tionally. So if the military recognizes the need for a chaplaincy program, why isn't there one for National Service?

The AmeriCorps Chaplaincy is an idea based on the realities of these expe-riences and the need to intentionally reach out to and be present for these volunteers. Like the military chaplaincy, AmeriCorps chaplains should not engage in proselytizing or converting, but rather be present and pastoral.- Rev. Wayne Meisel, Center for Faith and Service Director

THE NATIONAL SERVICE CHAPLAINCY

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INTRODUCTION

Hello,

Thank you for taking part in this faith and service experiment known as the National Service Chaplaincy. We at National Service Ministries Initia-tive as of the belief that it is the responsibility of believers to react to the needs of the world. In particular, we believe in serving those who are ministering to our neighborhoods, families, and friends. The intention of this handbook is not to give an exhaustive explanation of policies and procedures but to help shape your identity of what a National Service Chaplaincy is, how to serve, and to identify when barriers can be bro-ken. In addition, this section of the handbook provides the mission, goals, objectives, ethics, and practices of the National Service Chap-laincy. Chaplains perform strategic ministry and are not bound by the restrictions of faith convictions but are engaged in the inter-culture and class-oriented discussions of justice, grace, and mercy in the world.  

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19YOUTH HELPING AMERICA BUILDING ACTIVE CITIZENS: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN TEEN VOLUNTEERING. NOVEMBER. HTTP://WWW.NATIONALSERVICE.GOV/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/DOCUMENTS/05_1130_LSA_YHA_STUDY.PDF2005

“Chaplains witness, walk, weep, wait and celebrate...not always in this order” - Rev. Bob Deel

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WHAT IS A CHAPLAIN?

It is the responsibility of a chaplain to listen, care, and respond to the needs of those they serve. Chaplains provide moral and religious edu-cation, pastoral counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, community services, fellowship, relative and engaging activities, and constructive resources.

CHAPLAINCY FOR YOU?

If you possess a capacity for faith conversations, spiritual guidance, neighborly compassion, and desire to be the change you wish to see, then chaplaincy is for you. In particular, individuals with a background in theology, crisis care, death and grief counseling, and administration are already doing the work of a chaplain. In each of these fields, it is es-sential that the chaplain have an awareness of themselves as persons and of the needs of those whom they serve. 

For reasons of self-actualization and confidential-based counseling training, it is traditional that chaplains be ordained members of a faith community who are in good standing with their denomination and/or congregation. A chaplain must be able to create a safe space for those being ministered to; due to this, a chaplain must possess knowledge of boundaries both for themselves and those being served. One this that must always be said is that chaplaincy is not a job, but a calling to be a voice of reconciliation and rejuvenation to an injured world.

OPPORTUNITIES

In this capacity, you as the chaplain have an opportunity to be a leader by contributing to their spiritual welfare, personal growth, physical needs, and intellectual encouragement as well as working with other as-pects of participants lives.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A NATIONAL SERVICE CHAPLAIN?

The National Service Chaplaincy is comprised of religiously diverse individuals ministering to a range of service volunteers in America. Each chaplain ministers according to the tenets of his or her own distinctive faith community. As an Na-tional Service chaplain you will have the respon-sibility of caring for the spiritual well-being of the service volunteers serving in your local area.

National Service Chaplains are credentialed or ordained lay members or clergy who intention-ally seek to become development partners with non-profit communities and their volunteer serv-ice members. As a NSC part of your job is to takes inventory of the already existing resources within your congregation and devises a plan to best utilize them for volunteer support. NSC is not a individual effort. It is the efforts of the con-gregation which ensures the continual growth of the AmeriCorps members and their assimilation into your community. Though each congrega-tion will possess a chaplain, the chaplains only serve as a point person to guide volunteers. The congregation is pivotal in developing the type of communal relationship that will keep em-power volunteers.

AmeriCorps volunteers are intentionally utilizing their time, knowledge, and resources for the bet-terment of American communities. However, they are missing the chaplain like presence in a time riddle with isolation, mystery, and high ex-pectations. National Service Chaplains exist as beacons of lights before and during times of

angst and contemplation. You may be the rea-son an AmeriCorps members finishes their term of service. You may be the reason he or she re-mains in your community afterwards. You may be the reason for the change your faith desires to see in the world.

As a National Service Chaplain, you are not a proselytizer but an implementer of each faith tra-dition’s call to leave the world better than we found. This does not mean you lose your faith as Chaplain; no, it is your very faith that has call you into such service. What is asked is that you acknowledge the pains, discomforts, and dis-trust which exist within and outside of all faith communities. The task of authentically address-ing suffering is perhaps the highest calling of a chaplain. By facing institutional wrongdoings and humbly working towards restoration,chap-lains can change the lives of the service volun-teers and of their congregation.

So what does it means to be a National Service Chaplain?

It means being a Servant

It means being a Counselor

It means being a Liaison

It means being a Resource

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens

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MISSION STATEMENT

Bridging faith and service. It is a simple and yet difficult statement to bridge faith and service. We are asking you as chaplains to challenge your congregations and to be loving in the face of adversity.

JOB DUTIES I. Providing advice in matters pertaining to religion, morals, morale

II. Aiding in financial assessment and planning; vocational develop-ment, and post-service planning

III. Overseeing a monthly program of religious ministries, including workshops, counseling sessions, religious education, and special events

IV. Providing knowledge on local assistance for social services, hous-ing, community geography, physical and emotional counseling, and medical services.

V. Attend monthly meetings with National Service Chaplaincy direc-tor

VI. Initiate and maintain communication with area service volunteers and their organizations

VII. Participates in committees with director/volunteers/chaplains con-gregation to enhance the continuity of care to members of the service community

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CODE OF ETHICS

1.0 Ethical Principles in Relationships with AmeriCorps members

Chaplains are spiritual care professionals under-standing participants to be any national volun-teer member who they provide spiritual care. In relationships with participants, Chaplains up-hold the following standards of professional eth-ics.

1.1 Speak and act in ways that honor the dignity and value of every individual.

1.2 Provide care that is intended to promote the best interest of the and to foster strength, integ-rity and healing.

1.3 Demonstrate respect for the cultural and re-ligious values of those they serve and refrain from imposing their our own values and beliefs on those served.

1.4 Are mindful of the imbalance of power in the professional/participant relationship and refrain from exploitation of that imbalance.

1.5 Maintain relationships with participants on a professional basis only.

1.6 Avoid or correct any conflicts of interest or appearance of conflicting interest(s).

1.7 Refrain from any form of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment or sexual assault in relation-ships with clients.

1.8 Refrain from any form of harassment, coer-cion, intimidation or otherwise abusive words or actions in relationships with participants.

1.9 Safeguard the confidentiality of participants when using materials for educational purposes or written publication.

1.10 Respect the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by participants except for the

safety of any person or when required by law.

1.11 Understand the limits of their individual ex-pertise and make referrals to other profession-als when appropriate.

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NATIONAL SERVICE CHAPLAINCY COVENANT

Having accepted this call to minister to people who volunteer their time, resources, and passion, I cove-nant to serve faithfully these people with my congregations help: to deepen my love, to broaden my mind, and to love each individual as they are while attending to their well-being. In affirmation of this commitment, I will abide by the Code of Ethics for Chaplains and I will faithfully support the National Service Chaplaincy’s purposes and ideals. As further affirmation of my commitment, I covenant with my colleagues in ministry that we will hold one another accountable for fulfillment of all duties and goals from this day forth.

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NOTES:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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F.A.QWhat is the National Service Chaplaincy? The NSC is a faith-based chaplaincy program to support young adult men and woman who are making commitments to serve their country in local communi-ties.

Who are these men and women? Specifically the NSC serves members of AmeriCorps, whether that be Teach for America or Vistas.

Does NSC fall under the separation of church and state? No. You do not give up your faith or iden-tity while you serve in AmeriCorps. While there are some restrictions, such as proselytizing, the inten-tion of the program is not to indoctrinate but to serve.

Who are the Chaplains? NSC Chaplains are faithful ordained clergy or lay members who serve as liaisons between the community and national volunteers.

Are there other programs likes this? Yes. Young Adult Volunteers (PCUSA), Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and the Episcopalian Service Corps all posses chaplain like positions serving as counselors, mentors, and community aids for their volunteers.

Why seek out AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps volunteers are intentionally utilizing their time, knowledge, and resources for the betterment of American communities. However, they are missing the chaplain like presence listed in the organizations above.

Is this just another outreach program for churches? No. The NSC takes inventory of the already existing resources within a congregation and devises a plan to best utilize them for volunteer support.

What does congregation involvement look like? Though each congregation will possess a chap-lain, the chaplains only serve as a point person to guide volunteers. The congregation is pivotal in de-veloping the type of communal relationship that will keep empower volunteers.

Are Chaplains paid? No. The NSC is a volunteer program.

How does a church participate? Congregations select an ordained lay or clergy member to take park in a two day Chaplaincy training.

Is there a time commitment? Chaplains are asked to serve at least a six-month term.

The final portion of this handbook is oriented towards helping build your National Service Chaplaincy Program within your wor-ship space. By utilizing the resources your congregation already possess, you as a NSC serve as a liaison between your faith com-munity and national volunteer members. 

This section also helps form programs for congregations desiring to implement a program to directly engage volunteers. Since the NSC differs from congregation to congregation, it is imperative to at least draw some clear goals towards engagement and create programs around those goals.  

STRATGIES FOR CHAPLAINCY

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“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” ― Thérèse de Lisieux

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DIFFERENT MODELS OF CHAPLAINCYMILITARY CHAPLAINCY: provides military personnel and their families relig-ious programs through which a person may exercise their right of free-dom of religion. The ministry of a military chaplain is similar to that of the pastor. In addition to being a preacher, teacher, counselor, and ad-ministrator, the chaplain serves on the commander’s staff as chief advi-sor on religion, morals, morale, and ethical issues within the command.

INSTITUTIONAL CHAPLAINCY: serves as comforters, pastors, teachers, and counselors. Chaplains (experienced pastors) help people discover spiritual resources and faith by providing worship services, religious education, pastoral care, and counseling. Institutional Chaplains serve in correctional facilities operated by federal, state, county, and local agencies as well as corporate operating facilities. 

HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINCY: persons called by God and trained to serve in an environment of sickness, pain, birth and death. Focus on "Holistic medicine", meaning that people are treated as total beings; mind, body, and spirit. Total patient care provides for a person's spiritual as well as physical and mental needs.

COUNSELORS IN MINISTRY: form of care by which a minister with special-ized training seeks to help others cope with personal, marital, family, so-cial, or religious problems. Counseling ministry has emerged as a spe-cialized field of ministry. In addition to psychological and medical ap-proaches to human problems, the Counselor in Ministry brings a pas-toral care perspective to counseling. Counselors in Ministry are avail-able in local churches, associational counseling centers, pastoral coun-seling centers, institutions, hospitals, geriatric residences, and other set-tings.

STRATGIES FOR CHAPLAINCY

LIST ALL OF YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY’S PRO-GRAMS BELOW. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHO WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE LEADERS WITHIN YOUR CONGREGATION?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WHAT GROUP, IF ANY, IS THE LEAST ACTIVE WITHIN YOUR CONGREGATION?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WHO AM I AS A CHAPLAIN?Who you are as a chaplain is one of the most important questions who will have to ask yourself. It will set the pace of how you interact with those you serve, the approach of your congregation, and the load you bare. Though who you are will evolve as you bridge the gap between faith and service, it is important you being defining your role now. (Write out a short description of who you are and want to be as a chaplain in the space below. Please include your roles and duties.)

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CASE STUDIES Case Study One: Maria heard about the National Service Chaplaincy at your church and just visited last week. Before leaving, she says she can feel this place being a new home. She ask for your email and goes on her way. Maria is also finally beginning to feel comfortable at Prestige, her serv-ice site. She will admit to feeling discouraged these past few weeks but her friendship with Amelia, a marketing associate at Prestige, has helped her come out of her shell a bit. Maria admits she is having trouble focusing on her work for the days leading up to the concert. Her quarterly report is due at the end of next week, but she has found herself at Amelia’s desk multiple times throughout the day to finalize weekend plans. She is just happy to finally have a friend at work to hang out with. Maria will have the entire week after the concert to catch up and complete her report.

Maria’s supervisor Christian spotted her and Amelia chatting away quite frequently. He reminds her that the quarterly report is due at the end of next week. If she waits until Monday to begin, she will need to compile the information, write the draft, and meet with him to verify all the included informa-tion. Maria emails you and tells you her dilemma. How do you respond? Address why. 

Case Study Two: James is exhausted. Ever since his argument with his supervisor Stacey two months ago, he has been working non-stop. He wants Stacey to know that he is dedicated and his recent struggles are only because he isn’t always sure what the “right” answer is. Even with all this work; the computer classes, the curriculum outlines, the capstone planning, etc. James feels he is not getting anywhere. Stacey never compliments his work and most of the employees at New Salem High School still have no idea what his job is. James meets with you after worship service and tells you he feels under-appreciated and has purchased a ticket to go home in three days. How do you respond? Give a couple of examples. 

Case Study Three:Keshia cannot believe her service almost over. Since the beginning of her term, she has been worrying about where she would go next. Keshia is a meticulous planner who enjoyed the security of a one-year contract and now she is unsure of her options. In the beginning, she was hoping her VISTA position would lead to a job opportunity but the organization just does not have the funding for another paid position. She has thought about grad school or law school and the com-mitment to a specific program is weighing heavily on her shoulders. She has built a strong friend-ship and family in your congregation and is unsure if she wants to leave but needs a job. She calls and ask for your opinion on the matter. How do you respond? What is your congregation’s role?  

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NOTES:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” ― Marian Wright Edelman

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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR CHAPLAINCYThe National Service Chaplaincy is not an individual task, but the collec-tive efforts of a faith community working together to establish a space for the sojourners in your city and neighborhood.

Based on all the information give thus far, formulate two accessible and accomplishable goals for yourself and your congregation.

CHAPLAIN:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. ___________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. __________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________

CONGREGATION:

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. __________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

a. __________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________