Massachusetts Conference Edition
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by Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane
April/May 2006
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Chad William Kidd is currently in his second unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Beverly Hospital, with clinical placements at Salem Hospital and Union Hospital in Lynn, MA. Chad is currently working as the Minister of Music at First Congregational Church, UCC, in Reading, MA. He is preparing for ordained parish ministry in the near future. |
“How can we recognize that not only does our contribution matter, but that the contributions of our neighbors matter just the same – that each and all are as important as the rest?”
This question is what Chad Kidd*, an In Care student of the Metropolitan Boston Association of the MACUCC, pondered as he reflected theologically on the experience of having “scrubbed in” for surgery and watched the caring preparation of the patient – a process he describes as a ‘ritual.’ Chad noticed that each person in the surgery room had a particular job to do and was an integral part of the puzzle of the patient’s care giving; and realized God was still speaking to him throughout the process.
“Experiences such as these are a rare glimpse for me, into the community of spirit,” says Chad. “Our American culture is becoming so incredibly individualistic and separated. It is unusual to have an opportunity to see a community function in this way. It is also beautiful to realize that this community has been formed with the goal of healing. Could this experience be a microcosm of our larger goal in the human condition – community, healing, love?”
“In my reflection I have been led to see the …sacred spirit – God’s spirit – which was present at every moment during the surgery – leading, guiding, pushing, pulling, cutting, sewing. It is quite – quite, awesome!”
“This reflection has encouraged my remembrance of the rich symbolism in ritual seen and enacted by Christians, based on biblical precedent, from Palm/Passion Sunday, through Holy Week, and on to Easter. The care taken with the washing of feet, and the preparation of the last supper is present for me as I process this ritual that I experienced. …Such care is also seen as the deceased body of Jesus is taken down from the cross and prepared for the tomb – the loving touch, the careful wrapping, the gentle embrace. Yes, care in community is indeed shared through ritual, biblical and now.”
“Having had this experience and the time to reflect on it has given me the opportunity as a Chaplain to begin to understand what it is like to undergo such a task as surgery. …Because of my exposure to this ritual, I can now do my job as Chaplain, and in the future as Pastor, even better since my approach to ministry has once again been sealed with hope that humanity can work together out of love, for healing, with God’s help.”