What does it mean to be a Chaplain?

In the La Crosse Area Synod there are many ways that we can walk together to cultivate live-giving relationships rooted in God's love.

Pastor Linda McPeak cultivates life-giving relationships rooted in God’s love as she accompanies the elderly through her calling as a chaplain in the synod.

Pastor Linda serves as Chaplain/Campus Pastor to Eagle Crest Communities in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With ten senior communities throughout Holmen, Onalaska and La Crosse, including senior living apartments, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing transitional care and rehabilitation.

Pastor Linda reflects that…

As a Chaplain, I attend to the sacred stories of those confronting change in their lives. God is the source of all wholeness and comes near in the delightful, grateful, broken and despairing parts of life, even seeking them out. My intention is to help people move to a different phase of life with their faith and spiritual practices intact.

I am led by Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG), “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.”

My time with residents, families, and staff may include offering prayer, ritual, and/or sacraments; reading Scripture; participating in song; processing (e.g., helping others ask questions and address fears) and/or reframing a personal journey; accompanying a person during end-of-life care; or simply listening to what the resident has to say. When appropriate, I may also provide referrals or reconnect the resident to the faith community of his or her choice.

Perhaps the most important act of healing that a chaplain can perform is speaking God’s promise that you are known and loved by the God who made you, the one who accompanies your joy and sorrow with the promise of life after death. Pastor Linda’s hope is that the residents, family and staff of Eagle Crest will be strengthened by the love of this unique community life.