Nursing Home Hymns

Jesus Friend of Sinners

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For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” Matthew 11:18-19 NKJV

We had a beautiful time yesterday, worshipping together at Watermark Assisted Living. With many new people coming recently for our Sunday afternoon sessions, it is almost hard to remember a few years ago when only one or two would show up. “Jesus What a Friend for Sinners”, written by John Chapman and published in 1910, is an older hymn that not all of my friends were familiar with, but I have grown to love singing it both because of its honest message and its hauntingly beautiful melody. The song reminds me of what John Newton is reported to have said in his old age, ““Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

Love Lifted Me at Easter

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Though you might think that Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art or In the Garden might be the most requested hymns. But at Sunshine Memory Care, “Love Lifted Me!” is their favorite. You can hear the joy in their voices as they join with me as we song this song, but with a different message on this Easter week. I hope you will enjoy listening in and pray for more volunteers so that we can bring this message of hope to many others who are sinking deep in sorrow, loneliness as well as sin. Jesus specializes in lifting us up whenever we look to Him! (And not just at Easter!)

Where Does Faith Begin?

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Sadly, due to the Delta Variant some of our facilities are closing down again regardless of the vaccine status of volunteers, friends or family members. It is frustrating but understandable as nothing is more important than the well being of the residents whom I visit. Those of you who follow my blog probably know of the visitation side of the ministry but may not be aware that I along with two other volunteers have been producing a weekly newsletter which goes directly to about 7 facilities in Florida and Western New York State. If anyone is interested to sign up to receive this free resource please let me know. Also please be praying for God to use our simple videos and newsletters. More than ever they are the only point of contact we have to share the hope and love of Jesus with our friends in long term care. Thank you for your partnership in this outreach. Let me know if you have any special prayer requests. God knows the answers to how this ends. So here is the video for this week in which I ask the question of where our faith begins. The hymn is one of my favorites, “Are You Washed in the Blood!”  Have a blessed week all!