Aging

Getting to Sing by Christmas

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord , all the earth! Psalm 96:1 ESV

It seems that the door is just beginning to reopen to nursing home ministry if only just a crack. I cannot yet go into a facility nor can the residents come out. But what we were able to do was meet outdoors with those in the Senior living units that surround the main building. Please pray with us that no matter the results of the election that in some safe way that we will be able to sing for our dear friends by Christmas. We can and do send cards and have already raised money to purchase about thirty large print Advent devotionals to give. What is on my heart is to have opportunity to sing Christmas carols in person even if we cannot hug or even shake hands. Thanks for your prayers encouragement and ideas. Today the video includes Have Thine own Way, some clips from our meeting last Saturday and O How I Love Jesus. God bless you and have a great weekend.

Memories and Prayers

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified that you bring forth much fruit. John 15:7-8 ESV

Since 1998 when God first called me into Nursing Home Ministry I have felt a love, an energy and an urgency to walk through every door that God opened. Today as I look back I have nothing but gratitude and amazement remembering thousands of handshakes, hugs, songs and prayers. But today I would ask again for your prayers for these precious ones who no one can any longer visit during this health care crisis.

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You and I on the outside may be able to watch a live service from our home computer and live in relative safety. But in most nursing homes no one except a nurse or a doctor will be able to stand by their side and pray. No one will have an opportunity to serve them communion. No worship leader will be able to bring them music unless it is on the radio or television. But God is greater. Jesus has not lost the address of even one person who sits in assisted living; He has not abandoned those in long term nursing and has He forgotten those in memory care. God has a way forward.

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It is hard when we just turn on the television and see the statistics of infections and deaths to put a face on their story. So here are just a few photos of special friends some of whom have gone on to glory. Their smiles, their voices and love have been my best reward on earth for the simple acts of service I have been privileged to give them.

 

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Devotional for Long Term Care

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

Reflections of Hope is a 50 day devotional written for the long term care community. Having had the wonderful privilege of serving as a nursing home chaplain, I have learned much about hope from the residents, staff and families. If the reality of long term care is a part your life this book is specially written for you. This edition has been updated and includes several new devotional readings and an introduction touching on the realities of the novel Corona virus outbreak. My prayer is that this small book may be a place of hope and calm in the midst of the storm for you.