6 things about Bruce McVey’s summer break

During the summer months, our students work, intern, or study in a variety of settings, often earning course credit and learning what it means to be the Church in the World. Some stay near campus, while others move away for a few months. On the blog this summer, we are featuring some of our students and the work they’re doing. This week we feature M.Div. student Bruce McVey (pictured 2nd from left with his Clinical Pastoral Education cohort members, including David Frost and Alex Fischer from Union, at their CPE graduation).

By M.A.C.E. / M.Div. student Rosy Robson

Rosy Robson:  Where are you and what are you doing this summer?

Bruce McVey :  I am doing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center here in Richmond. The McGuire VA provides medical care to veterans in southern and central Virginia and northern North Carolina. As a CPE student, I am part of the Chaplain Service and work as a chaplain to provide pastoral care for patients, families, and staff.

RR:  How does this summer’s job/activity/study fit into your larger education at Union?

BM:  CPE has helped teach me how to better provide pastoral care and how to be a better listener. It has given me the chance to apply some of the more theoretical concepts that I have learned in classes at Union. This experience has been an opportunity to practice real ministry with people who are in medical and spiritual crises. CPE at McGuire has also afforded me the opportunity to plan worship and preach at an ecumenical chapel service. The chapel at McGuire is a “real” congregation, comprised of veterans and their family, which averages about 50 congregants a week.

RR:  Why is this job/activity/study important for the future of the church?

BM:  CPE teaches future ministers how to provide effective pastoral care — improving upon the skills we have learned in the seminary classroom. CPE teaches future pastors and chaplains how to join patients in their lament and use their spiritual resources in times of crisis.

RR:  What exciting insights or learnings have you gained so far?

BM:  I have learned how to be more comfortable with silence — especially in a pastoral care environment. Moreover, I have (re) learned that the Holy Spirit often speaks to us during those moments of silence. During these silent times, when I think that I have no idea what to say to a patient who is grieving a terminal diagnosis, I have relied on the Holy Spirit for help and guidance. I have yet to be disappointed. I also learned that my efforts at the beginning of the summer to re-memorize the 23rd Psalm — the KJV version — were not in vain. I have had more than one patient request that I recite it for them. Some Psalms simply must be heard in the KJV!

RR:  What are you reading or watching this summer?

BM:  I read “Thriving Beyond Surviving: Stories of Resilience from a Hospital Chaplain” by Norris Burkes. One of my friends (who is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel) sent it to me when he found out I would be doing CPE at the VA. Burkes is a retired Air Force Chaplain who has also worked as a hospital chaplain for many years. Burkes identifies what he calls “seven reasons to get out of bed every morning.” His “Seven F-Words” include laughter (“fun”), fitness, flight (i.e., travel), finances, family, faith, and forgiveness. I have been watching “The Great British Baking Show” (I now have a secret crush on Mary Berry—don’t tell my wife) and am eagerly anticipating watching HBO’s “Hard Knocks” since it will feature my hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers this year!

RR:  What is your favorite summertime treat?

BM:  Publix’s key lime pie. I was super-excited when Publix opened in Richmond earlier in the summer because their key lime pie is exceptional for the money (and probably the best key lime pie in Richmond at any price!).

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