Nursing Home Ministry

Angels Watch

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See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10 ESV

When a wolf watches a flock of sheep they see a desirable target and a good opportunity to exploit. But to the shepherd  those sheep are precious and worth defending and worth being cared for. The Bible tells us that God sends his angels to watch especially over the small and weak because He is the Good Shepherd.    KIMG0874

Our Father sees behind nursing home walls,  He aches for children who are abandoned and He longs to shelter the tiniest babies as He knits them together in their mothers’ wombs. To our consumer culture,  these seem to be of little use, beyond whatever economic advantage that could be gained from them. But to God they are of infinite value.

So why not make plans to make a difference right where you are? The holidays are on the horizon; and I know at the nursing home where I serve there are lots of opportunities to serve. Or in your community you may be able to donate gifts that are given to foster children at Christmas. (We know this is special because our son has four). Or you could seek out your local maternity center. God has blessed all of us with so many different ways to allow the light of the love of Jesus to shine. The small things that we do for God’s little ones may not seem like a lot; but they matter more than we know. It is never too late to  start. Remember angels are watching; and they are sending back new reports to God every day!

Serving Communion at Nursing Home Part 2

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For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 1 Corinthians 11:23

To those who have returned for part two I want to say thank you. Finding people willing to volunteers bring communion to nursing home is always a challenge. So if you are involved in nursing home ministry or would like to be and to begin bringing in the Lord’s Supper here are a few ideas that can help you get started.

Be Joyful: Serving communion is not a duty it is a joy! At the end of the last supper, even though Jesus knew that He would soon be facing death on a cross; scripture tells us that He has them sing a hymn. There are few things more exciting than sharing about and serving the Lord’s supper. So serve with a smile. You will be amazed at the blessing you will carry in your heart all week!

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Collect your materials. Do not buy a communion set. They cost a fortune! Instead beg, borrow or create your own serving plates. In my current home we have only about 15 people and a small silver tray along with a ceramic cup work just fine. I buy the disposable plastic cups by mail order and the juice and matzos at the store.

Communicate to your people and set a regular schedule of when you will be serving. Residents really look forward to receiving and will make a special effort to attend if they know about it in advance. Right now I am choosing the first Monday of every month but over the holidays I am flexible and sometimes serve a special communion such as at Easter; Christmas or Thanksgiving.

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Cooperate: Ask for help as well as permission from the staff. Just as I discovered, they are usually more willing to get involved than we realize. We see our people a few times a month, but the staff is with them at least 40 hours a week! They know them far better than we do and nothing could possibly replace the gentleness and love they have for the residents.

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Serving Communion at Nursing Home Part 1

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 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.            1 Corinthians 11:26 NIV

“I think it’s been years since anyone served me communion.” Glenn said, as he took the cup of grape juice and matzo bread that I had brought into his room at the nursing home. I am constantly amazed at the joy that people like Glenn experience when they are given the Lord’s Supper. I am likewise surprised to notice the general lack of awareness of that need on the part of the Protestant clergy. Our Catholic friends however are very diligent to send lay workers for their version of communion. The act of receiving the bread and the cup were given to us directly from our Master’s hand along with a command to remember His death till He comes. So why is it any less vital to serve communion at a nursing home than it is at church?

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My personal acquaintance with nursing home ministry goes back thirty years and spans five different facilities where I have served. My first attempt at bringing in the communion ended in near disaster when the cork from the bottle of naturally carbonated grape juice popped off and whizzed across the room! Back then I had a team member from our church who helped me pass out the elements to the 6 or 8 people gathered in our small meeting. But over the years our attendance grew but my fellow volunteer had scheduling issues that left me to serve alone. At first I begged an occasional helper from church to come help; but sadly for a long time I simply gave up on the practice.

“I just wish I had someone to help me pass out communion.” I complained one day to Erin the activities director at Allied Services. “Why can’t we help you pass out the cups and the bread, Pastor Pete?”  Erin asked with surprise.

“Oh no it’s okay. I’ll find somebody.” I said. But what I really wanted was for people from my own church to serve communion. A couple of months passed after Erin’s first offer till I went back to her office. “Would your people really be willing to help me pass out the communion today?” I asked humbly.

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“No problem Pastor Pete!” she said smiling. Why was it such a big issue for me to ask for such a small favor? Maybe it was just a matter of pride, or just a general lack of awareness of the needs of our group.  By that time the meeting had grown to over twenty people. What a blessing it was to have workers who knew them by name and could know if they had physical issues which could prevent them from safely receiving the bread or the cup. From then, on at least once a month, any resident who wished to receive communion was given the opportunity.

So if you are involved in nursing home ministry and would like to begin bringing in the Lord’s Supper tomorrow we’ll look at a few practical steps that can help you get started.