Meet Our Visitation Team

Michelle Kelley

We are so thankful for our Congregational Care team! Roger Burgess, Bruce Main and Joan Engeseth have all come on staff in the last three years and it has been a joy to see how God has been at work through them. We hope to give you a brief glimpse into who they are and how God is using their gifts of compassion and presence to build up his church.

Roger Burgess

Where did you grow up? Groton, Connecticut (a.k.a. the Submarine Capital of the World)

Tell me about yourself. What are some interesting facts that will help us get to know you?

I became a Christian through Billy Graham’s New York City Crusade in NYC and later shook his hand as I was standing in front of the Liberty Bell in Independence Hall on September 1, 1961. I ran the second Chicago Marathon on September 24, 1978. At that time, there were only 4,053 runners (vs. the 40,000 who ran in 2022).

What does your day-to-day look like?

Every day is different! Typically, the days start with emails and writing notes, and include visiting with people in senior living communities, in hospitals or in their houses. I am so encouraged with sweet visits with saints who tell stories of God’s faithfulness to them and how they are trusting God for the future. Bruce and I provide the initial contact with those who have lost loved ones. We provide care for them as they grieve and assist them in planning services. Most days I have God-sightings—obvious, specific answers to prayer or any unexpected evidence of God’s timing and care. I have the privilege of hearing how people have seen God in their circumstances and pointing them to Jesus in every situation.

What do you love or enjoy about being part of the visitation team?

I love spending time listening to people. It’s great to be with them on the good days, as well as during the challenging seasons of life. It’s a privilege to read Scripture and pray together.

Why do you think visitation is important?

I’m reminded of Psalm 139:13-16, especially verse 16: “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (NIV) This reminds me that God is sovereign. And he created each of us in his image, and each person has tremendous value! What a joy to visit people and to observe God’s workmanship!

Joan Engeseth

Where did you grow up?

Wheaton, IL

Tell me about yourself. What are some interesting facts that will help us get to know you?

I taught English at a Christian university in China (yes, there is one, at least) and an elementary school in Tanzania in the last 13 years. I like hiking and biking—my first major bike trip, 17 years ago, was with friends where we biked from John o’ Groats, the very top of Scotland, to Land’s End, the bottom of England. My daughter and I recently hiked from Cusco in Peru to Machu Picchu.

What does your day-to-day look like?

I begin my day with a cappuccino, an early exercise class, some housework (maybe) like yard work, and doing regular retired people things with friends. Recently, I’ve enjoyed activities related to my new role at church. I’ll call or email senior women from College Church and set up visits. Then, throughout the week, I have the privilege of visiting them.

What do you love or enjoy about being part of the visitation team?

I’ve already learned so much from visiting seniors. They are so interesting and have had amazing lives. I always pray that I will be a blessing to them, but always, they have enriched my life and given me encouragement in so many ways.

Why do you think visitation is important?

I think visiting seniors is important for several reasons such as helping them feel less lonely and letting seniors know that they have much to contribute as they share and remember their lives and experiences. Seniors have often mentioned that they look forward to visits from the visitation team as they are encouraged, humored and reminded of God’s care.

Bruce Main

Where did you grow up?

The first 22 years of my life were spent in Lufkin, Texas (60 miles from the Louisiana border and two hours north of Houston). I always have enjoyed this area known by Texans as Deep East Texas--the natural beauty of its state parks, large lakes for fishing and boating, and densely wooded national forests.

Tell me about yourself. What are some interesting facts that will help us get to know you?

I began college as a piano/organ performance major but switched before graduation to a history major with a piano performance minor in order to fulfill entrance requirements for seminary. My first car was a 1966 threespeed red Mustang.

What does your day-to-day look like?

I am an early riser, enjoying the first two hours of each day with hot coffee, Scripture readings and reflections, a two-mile walk, and typically a breakfast of cold cereal and half a banana.

My workdays involve both scheduled and flexible responsibilities that include the following, among other things:

• making contact with senior congregants to inquire of prayer needs and to schedule an in-person visit, if desired

• visits to senior congregants residing in all care levels in senior care communities or at home

• hospital visits to senior congregants

• bereavement notes and subsequent visits to those who have lost a loved one, providing initial pastoral contact and planning services with a family whose College Church loved one died

• connecting with church staff who are in the midst of pressures, hardships or loss

What do you love or enjoy about being part of the visitation team?

Although the visitation team members have different approaches and styles, each is essential since everyone for whom we care has unique needs. I appreciate being part of a multi-faceted effort to promote the well-being of all members of our senior community.

Why do you think visitation is important?

Visitation is important because it reflects God’s ministry to us. As God added a human nature to himself to be with us to meet our ultimate need, we, too, can be with someone in need of company, encouragement or comfort.

Thank you, Roger, Bruce and Joan! We praise God for you and your care for our church. We ask that God would make the words of Numbers 6:24-26 true of you, and through you to those whom you visit.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Are you facing an upcoming hospital stay or surgery? Are there current or ongoing needs that we can help with? Please let us know so that we can care for you. Email care@college-church.org or call the church office at (630) 668-0878.