From “Amazing Grace” to “A Pub with No Beer”
The Baru Beat
“Sometimes service plans go awry, and I need to go with the flow. On one occasion during a service, a larrikin resident exclaimed ‘Here’s one that I know’ before enthusiastically breaking into Slim Dusty’s ‘A Pub with No Beer’,” says The Rev’d Richard Butler, whose role as deacon in The Parish of Warwick is partly funded by the Bush Ministry Fund
An elderly mother living with dementia was wheeled by her son into a common room while I was conducting my monthly service of hymns and prayers. She appeared in her own world, looking into space. However, as soon as “How Great Thou Art” started playing on Spotify and those gathered starting to join in the singing, the woman came alive. She broke into song and became engaged with the group, her eyes suddenly focussed on the screen ahead. Her hands emerged from the blanket when the chorus started as she raised her arms slightly in praise. The look on her son’s face was wonderful — he gazed at his mother with both surprise and delight.
When I go into the dementia wing of an aged-care home I need to be ready for anything and quick on the uptake. My standard service plan includes two well-known hymns, such as “Morning has broken”, “Glory, glory, hallelujah”, “What a friend we have in Jesus” and “Rock of Ages”; a Gospel passage; a very brief reflection; a hymn; intercessions; and, another familiar hymn.
Sometimes service plans go awry, and I need to go with the flow. On one occasion during a service, a larrikin resident exclaimed “Here’s one that I know” before enthusiastically breaking into Slim Dusty’s “A Pub with No Beer”. When he got to, “But there’s-a nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear; Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer,” which are the only lines I know by heart, I joined in. During the rest of his song, I engaged him by moving my hands like a conductor. Once Slim’s song had finished, I then seamlessly continued with the service plan.
Over the last few weeks, I have been conducting Anzac Day themed services. At a different aged-care centre I facilitated a service for about eight or so people. As we sang “Amazing Grace”, I noticed that one of my “regulars” had tears rolling down his cheeks. This wonderful regular is in his 90s and still very cognisant. After the service I sat next to him and gently put my hand on his shoulder, asking “I noticed you got a bit emotional when ‘Amazing Grace’ started playing. Can I ask why?” He responded with, “I love these Anzac Day hymns — they bring back long cherished memories of my wife. I still miss her so much.” He then shared with me the story of his life through family photos for about 20 minutes, which was a privilege.
I treasure such moments in my aged-care vocational work, which is made possible by the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s Bush Ministry Fund (BMF).
I have been serving in The Parish of Warwick since the start of 2024, initially as a formation student and as a BMF-funded deacon since December.
I was raised to respect and cherish my elders. And, I have always loved engaging with community elders because they have so much wisdom to impart from their experience. So it’s been delightful to find “my pocket” in this very special ministry.
I look forward to continuing this aged-care ministry and sharing with anglican focus readers some of the moments that move or amuse me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all readers for their support.
Editor’s note: The Bush Ministry Fund solely funds rural ministry in our Diocese, and it is the only fund that financially supports rural ministry in our Diocese. The Bush Ministry Fund money boxes are a fun and easy way for individuals, families, parishes and schools to donate to bush ministry in our Diocese. Order your BMF money box today by emailing Helen Briffa in the Western Region office via helen.briffa@anglicanchurchsq.org.au or by calling 07 4639 1875.
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