In just a few weeks, we’ll all be celebrating Chappy Week 2015!
I look forward to the week every year. Not only do I love seeing chaplaincy celebrated, but I also love watching the community get involved to support their local Chaplaincy Service.
I know it can seem ‘self indulgent’ for chaplains to promote themselves for a whole week in a school… but I see Chappy Week as a unique opportunity for community members, churches, local organisations, businesses and government departments to understand what chaplaincy is actually about. They need to know the struggles students face, and how the Chaplaincy Service addresses those needs. It’s not about the chaplain; it’s actually about supporting students.
The week is much more than just promotion… it gives community members the chance to get involved and offer their unique resources to grow and strengthen chaplaincy in your area.
Individuals may have skills or resources to contribute to the work. Churches may like to donate money or offer prayer support. Community organisations might want to provide services. Businesses may want to provide financial support or sponsor events. There are many benefits for the Chaplaincy Service to making itself known.
So please, I encourage you to start planning if you haven’t already… there is still a couple of weeks to get some ideas together, and we have marketing materials available to help you. Make the most of the opportunity!
Chappy Week is also a great time of the year to celebrate the amazing volunteers that support chaplaincy. The 11th – 17th of May is National Volunteer Week, so use Chappy Week as an opportunity to thank volunteers for all they do to make chaplaincy possible.
I am so aware that chaplaincy would not exist without volunteers on the ground, doing the hard yards. Thank you for being one of those volunteers! You are very much appreciated.
God bless,
Peter James
CEO, SU QLD