Chaplains on the Medical Team

2015 jan tn04xxtedtaylor_2mm-(ZF-2175-91045-1-001)Many of life’s critical moments take place in a healthcare setting. For most of us the bookends of our lives – birth and death – take place with the support of a medical team outside the home. With more attention now on patient-centered care, other healthcare team providers are being recognized for the roles they play at these crucial times.

An important, but sometimes overlooked or neglected, component of the healthcare team is the pastoral care provider.  Chaplain Tedford J. Taylor, director of pastoral care & training at RWJ University Hospital Hamilton, will speak at the UMM breakfast on January 11 on how chaplains and others can offer pastoral companionship and support during these critical times.

Ted supervises more than 20 volunteer and intern chaplains in providing  spiritual and emotional care to patients.  A diplomate in pastoral supervision through the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), he is also board certified as a clinical chaplain with a fellowship in palliative care and hospice through CPSP. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Baptist Theological Seminary.  Ted lives with his husband Kevin in Ewing Township and is a Recorded Minister in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and is active in the Yardley Monthly Meeting.

The delicious hot breakfast begins at 8 AM, followed by the program at 8:30. A $5 donation for the meal is requested. Please RSVP to umm@princetonumc.org or 609-924-2613 by noon on  Friday, January 9. Everyone is welcome!