Welcome to our series that spotlights NC Conference pastors serving in extension ministries. Read about other extension ministers as these stories are published weekly.
Rev. Lori Higgins
Rev. Lori Higgins serves as the Lead Chaplain at Springmoor Retirement Community. As an Ordained Elder and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has a special love for ministry with seniors. As a clergy spouse to Rev. Steve McElroy, she also provides volunteer support at Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield.
Springmoor Retirement Community
Rev. Higgins is thankful and feels blessed to serve as Lead Chaplain at Springmoor Retirement Community. Springmoor is a large, continuous-care retirement community in North Raleigh that has approximately 600 residents and 550 employees. While Springmoor does not have a specific faith affiliation, it is rooted in Christian principles and seeks to offer wholeness in mind, body, and Spirit to its residents. The Chaplains nurture a culture of spiritual and psychosocial well-being amongst the residents, families, caregivers, and staff by providing individual and group support that aligns with their belief system. There are several weekly worship services, including Vespers and communion services, staff chapel devotions, memorial services, and Holy Day observances.
A Disciple Making Ministry
Rev. Higgins describes it as a privilege to serve those with rich histories who are in the later season of their lives. Her role as Chaplain is to offer pastoral support in the understanding and reconciliation of one’s life. With an average of 50 deaths per year, there is loss and grief experienced. However, there is a deep sense of gratitude and hunger for a divine presence in these contexts.
It brings her great pleasure to sit at the feet of our residents and experience their impressive faithfulness and wisdom. She is further encouraged by the residents’ eagerness to continue learning through Bible study and their willingness to be challenged in deepening their understanding of the Word. The residents and staff enjoy a variety of studies and devotions, including book studies, as well as seasonal Lenten and Advent studies. Weekly studies and devotions are also incorporated, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and connection.
Peacebuilding occurs in the chaplain-led Connections discussion groups, wherein the residents engage in lively discussions about the concerns of the marginalized. There is also a resident-led group based on the model of “Braver Angels.”
She has discovered that disciple-making is not limited by age. In fact, it is inspiring to witness their continued hunger for the message of the Good News and their desire to live this hope out in community. As they share the Word of God, they also comfort those who are fading, reminding them of their discipleship and the eternal promises found in Scripture.