Chaplaincy Program

Since 2000, Gifford’s Volunteer Chaplaincy Program offers a non-sectarian presence of compassionate listening and counsel to all patients and staff at Gifford Medical Center and the Menig Nursing Home. Current membership includes fifteen active volunteers who represent ten area congregations under the leadership of the Rev. Timothy Eberhardt as Gifford’s Spiritual Care Coordinator.

Our Chaplains believe:

• Every person is on a unique spiritual journey with inner strengths and yearnings for love, hope, and meaning.
• We all need a friend along the way who is willing to listen with a compassionate, non-judgmental ear and to offer whatever support and counsel which might be needed.
• We stand ready to provide whatever faith materials a patient or family might find helpful and are happy to alert community faith leaders at the patient’s request.

Rev. Timothy Eberhardt

We’re delighted to have Rev. Timothy Eberhardt leading our Chaplaincy Program. For 30 years, Rev. Eberhardt was the pastor at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Randolph, retiring in 2010. During that time he helped develop and support the chaplaincy at Gifford Medical Center, training new volunteer chaplains twice a year. In 2010 when Gifford was looking for a new Spiritual Care Coordinator, Rev. Eberhardt was convinced to come out of retirement and take the position.

“We don’t search out or pedal religion with the patients and staff we meet,” Rev. Eberhardt says. “Instead, we focus on the term, spirituality.”

 

Trained Volunteer Chaplains

Our trained chaplains provide spiritual care for all situations with the goal of helping individuals and families fully explore their own personal beliefs and aspirations. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer chaplain or would like to learn more about the program is encouraged to call Rev. Eberhardt at (802) 728-2107.

Chun Chapel

The Chun Chapel is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week as a place for quiet reflection. Scripture materials from several traditions are available as well as spiritual resources for all ages. The Chapel is located around the corner from the Visitors Entrance at the south end of the hospital by the entrance to Howell Pavilion/Inpatient Rooms.

The Volunteer Chaplaincy Program services can be requested through the nursing staff or by calling 802-728-2107.