Since 1987, the Supreme Court Jesters have done two shows a year - including LOL and, prior to that VMG shows - at River View Hospital in Augusta, Maine. River View is a psychiatric hospital, previously known as AMHI: Augusta Mental Health Institute. We have seen many changes in the hospital over this time, most notably the physical location. It is still, however, right on the shores of the Kennebec River, and still has a direct view of the Maine capital building. The next biggest change we have seen at the hospital is when James Weathersby took over as the chaplain. The previous chaplain, Scott Dow, was excellent in the role as well, but James and his wife, Valerie, have become good friends to Sue, me and our girls. In many ways, when we were between pastors, James was my pastor by proxy.
Earlier this week, Sue and I went back to Augusta to do yet another chapel service at River View. As always, James was there to greet us and catch up with each other while we set up in the gymnasium. Once we started, we did a full one hour show for about 20-25 patients and staff. It's a great room to work in with plenty of space, ceiling height and well lit. Sue ran my music while I performed.
As I stated earlier, we have done a lot of shows at this facility over the years, but this week was one of the most responsive audiences we ever had. James explained the difference in the clientele between now and current audiences, but I didn't really understand. All I know is, there was a lot of laughter, applause and attention when the message got serious. I closed with my shackles escape routine through which I talked about Paul's statement, "Wretched man that I am, who can set me free from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus who sets us free."
After the show and the patients all had time to visit with us, our rabbit and our doves, they were escorted back to the units and we had more time to talk with James. Without getting into specifics, it is always a pleasure speaking with someone who is an evangelical Christian but not a 'fundamentalist', at least in the sense of the word as it has been used in the last four decades or so. Regardless, if you are on Facebook, look him up. He has some very interesting things to say, such as:
