All Faiths Chapel

Report to the ND District LCMS Convention 2009
by the Chaplain – State Developmental Center – All Faiths Chapel Rev. Bernhard Seter

The North Dakota District LCMS has had a presence of ministry to the All Faiths Chapel and the State Developmental Center since 1952. That ministry continues to this day. Over the 3 years since the last convention the Chaplain has conducted worship every Sunday. Average attendance 89. Special services have been conducted for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

Because of the very special nature of the clientele and the staff at the Center grief and dying issues are extremely volatile and need to be discussed from a Biblical and faith based perspective. The Chaplain has and continues to have staff funeral and grief counseling sessions. Hospital visitations are extremely important and are carried on both on and of campus. Over the past year a new development has come upon the scene and that is the entrance of many clients from group homes going into Hospice. The chaplain has been asked to serve as the liaison for hospice services and area clergy.

Chaplain serves as the bioethics chair for the center and over the triennium meetings with nursing staff regarding ethical concerns and conflicts with family, staff and others on disposition of handicapped and hospitalized residents have been held. Chaplain is working on a draft statement to be used when patients are transferred and hospitalized off campus. Also working to establish liaison with ethical review committee at area Hospitals – see above.

Have met and discussed with various people the idea of having a Life Issues Symposium at the Center – hosted by LCMS WRHC and hopefully ND District. Would involve Parish nurses, ethicists, Social Workers, Pastors, families and staff. Still in dream stages.