Long term care

Easter Cards at Nursing Homes

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments

 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT

I was so excited that the ladies’ group from our church volunteered to make Easter cards for the nursing homes I visit, but my expectations were low as to how many they might put together. How surprised I was this week when I was handed a pack of over 100 cards along with a request to come and help pass them out! This morning was the first event, and we went into the memory care wing of Sunshine Christian home. Though the people love me and look forward to the music each week, they just lit up with joy to see the ladies singing along with the Easter hymns this morning.

It was especially meaningful because one of the residents was a pastor on staff a few years ago and he recognized one of the women and they warmly greeted one another as the cards were given out. In the day of the apostle James, perhaps the men didn’t live to old age or that families tended to neglect the widows. But for both men and women who are in extended long-term care, being visited is still important, both to them and to God. God is delighted when we slow down long enough to spend some of our time in the service of those who are most vulnerable. If you are looking for ways to be involved in long term care ministry, you don’t have to travel far or spend lots of money. Jesus has open doors in your own community just waiting for people to walk through them. Have a blessed day all!

The Value of a Sparrow

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Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
Luke 12:6 ESV

Still in the grip of a pandemic after two years it is time to decide what matters most. We cannot continue as if all will return to normal. We must choose what is valuable enough to live for in spite of a risk that will never go away. Jesus tells us that, while 5 sparrows had almost no value to people, every one mattered to God. In the same way, the spiritual life of those in long term care has been undervalued during the pandemic. While their basic physical needs of food, medicine and clean clothes are filled, their hunger for the presence of family, friends and neighbors has been denied. Spiritual needs of someone to pray with or receiving communion are forgotten, though their room is still mopped and lunch is served. Of course we volunteers should be held to the same standards as those who are paid to care for physical needs of residents, but we must not give up on seeking ways to serve. Remember that when God gives us green pastures and still waters it is not without a cost. Is what we do for others worth giving our lives as well? The love of Jesus at Calvary gave value to our lives far above sparrows. How can we not do the same for our precious brothers, sisters, neighbors and friends in long term care?

Jesus Loves Me in Memory Care

/ pastorpete51 / 7 Comments

The long term care community is far more complex than those on the outside realize. There are group homes for those with various mental disabilities, independent living neighborhoods surrounding inhouse care buildings as well as short term rehab facilities. But when the average person mentions nursing homes, their mind inevitably turns to memory care. The residents in these places are the most vulnerable, needy and yet forgotten of all. Today’s video gives a hope filled glimpse into the lives and faith of my most special friends. I encourage you to take a second look at what part you may play. Jesus Loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Will you join Jesus in loving someone in memory care this week?