Our last full day in Louisville began with a full morning as we learned from Chaplain Ken Boehm about the Racetrack Chaplaincy at Churchill Downs (above is the recently built Christ Chapel), home of the Kentucky Derby. We saw for ourselves the “backside” of track life and heard from Chaplain Boehm about the many challenges facing those work behind-the-scenes doing the myriad of unglamorous tasks that make thoroughbred horse racing possible. Racktrack ministry is a truly holistic form of ministry that requires chaplains to be well-versed not only in the basics of most forms of pastoral ministry but also in social work, mental health, immigration law and the nuances of the racing world. Due to the comprehensive nature of the community being served, the chaplain must be flexible - pastorally, liturgically, sacramentally - willing to set aside his/her own inclinations in order to serve the needs of a community that serves Christians across the spectrum. The theological diversity of the ministry is astounding; more than most, this form of ministry requires diplomacy and the ability to articulate theological perspectives and to clarify misunderstandings in order that the ministry may witness to the unity of the Gospel.
During the racing season, Chaplain Boehm’s day begins with three hours of walking the barns, visiting with the grooms, “hot walkers,” trainers and others whose paths he may cross. (As we made our way around the grounds, it was clear that everyone knew Chaplain Boehm.) He then prays with the jockeys - not that they may win but that they and their horses might remain safe - before returning to the chapel and engaging in other tasks (visiting the hospitalized, providing pastoral care, attending to people’s needs for food and clothing, assisting with immigration processes and more). In addition, he offers a “Minute with God” each day, broadcasting over the P.A. system heard around the racetrack (and beyond!); it includes a scripture reading, story and prayer. Folks in the neighborhood around the track who can hear the broadcast have come to include it as an important element as they start their days.
We saw the dormitories (Chaplain Boehm is pictured in a dorm room, above) segregated by gender, where the workers stay as well as the tack rooms (where equine equipment is stored) and rooms above the barns that are sometimes home to workers. We heard about the educational and health care programs provided by the track in partnership with other organizations. We stood on the famous track and Churchill Downs and posed in the starting gates that send forth champions. After spending the morning with us, Chaplain Boehm graciously offered to arrange for us to tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, which was wonderful. I’ll always grow teary at the sound of “My Old Kentucky Home.”
After our morning at Churchill Downs, we went to the largest of the Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Club after school programs, where we helped supervise homework, recreation, basketball and the computer lab. Ask us about “stranger danger,” pool sharks and monitoring surfing to MySpace. It was an adventure!
But that wasn’t all! We stopped for dinner at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, which describes itself as “a quirky independent restaurant with a national reputation.” Since a couple of people had recommended that we stop at Lynn’s, we were eager to see its “ugly lamp” collection and sample its food and ambiance. It was an enjoyable last meal in Louisville.
Just when we thought our adventures had come to an end, we returned to the Salvation Army to discover that a water main across the street had broken and we were without water for our last night in Louisville! The water company provided us with 3 gallons per person and we managed to do just fine. It was a good reminder of how fortunate we are to be able to access clean water nearly all of the time.
On Friday morning, we were up and packed when Jim Garrett (pictured above) came in and asked for help with one last chore: boxing and bagging up paper for the shredding company. One more task and we were on our way - via a quick stop at Transylvania University (would I kid you?)!
Despite the calls warning us of snowy weather and slippery roads, we made it home in good stead, with traffic posing the most significant challenges along the way. It was awfully nice to be home to enjoy a good bed and a hot shower.
As always, there’s more to tell! Do join us on Sunday, March 9th when brunch will offer “A Taste of Joel Ray’s” and more pictures and stories of our adventures in Kentucky!
Y’all Come!
Sue
