Nursing Home Ministry

Sweet Spirit at Life Care

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

In 1962, when four guys named, John, Paul, Ringo and George were releasing their first hit song, Doris Mae was helping with choir practice. One particulat night, Doris felt the presence of God in such a powerful way that she hesitated to dismiss everyone. As they lingered a bit, she told someone. “There is such a sweet spirit in this place.” Doris was so enraptured by that experience, that she went home and wrote the words, “There’s a sweet sweet Spirit in this place. And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord.”

Today, almost no one remembers Doris Mae Acker, but millions still sing that song which God gave her. And ironically that big hit song, “Love Me Do.” by The Beatles, is rarely played. That story makes me recall some other lyrics written a bit earlier, “I’d rather have Jesus than world wide fame. I’d rather be true to His Holy name.

It was my privilege to sing Dotis’ sweet song with my friends at Life Care today. I ho0e you can hear their voices as we sang together for Jesus and that you will join in. Have a blessed dsy everyone!

Thankful for Volunteers

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 1 Thessalonians 1:2 ESV

This week I was especially thankful for the small but faithful group of volunteers who work with me in our nursing home ministry. What happens every so often is that there ends up being four straight days of meetings at the different facilities that we serve. Though I do dearly love my friends in long term care, these weeks would be almost an unbearable burden were it not for people who come alongside to serve. Those meetings began on Thursday morning in a memory care unit, where I am usually full of energy and joy. But by Friday, I was delighted that our good friends, the Hysons, not only came to help serve communion, and then Sue shared a wonderful message with the group. On Saturday at Sunshine Village, another volunteer named Donna, shared her testimony, while another made coffee and brought in cookies for our fellowship after the meeting. Finally at the Sunday afternoon meeting, a couple comes faithfully every two weeks to serve communion, hand out song sheets before the meeting and distribute our newsletters afterward. As I look back over this past year, I am both thankful and amazed to see how God has been building us together as a team, so that together we can better share the love of Jesus and offer people an extension of the ministry of our local church.

Do you have a nursing home outreach at the church you attend? Volunteering might feel intimidating, but there are many different ways to serve. One man has been doing the graphic art for our newsletter and others help us by writing. Some serve communion and others give a brief devotional talk. This week I am posting Donna’s testimony about the way God worked miracles in her family, after her great grandson was diagnosed with leukemia. Donna is not a professional speaker, but her heartfelt story points to our God who does amazing things through the lives of ordinary people like you and me. I pray that you will be encouraged and open for how God wants to work through your life. Stay tuned for tips on organizing a holiday program, in my next post. Have a great week everybody!