Volunteering

Jesus the Volunteer (The service entrance)

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 NIV

The key to successful volunteering, is to follow the example of Jesus. The Bible tells us that though Jesus was in very nature God, worshipped by angels and seated next to the Father, that He set aside His position and privileges and volunteered to be made a servant. How Jesus came, reminds me of when I worked on the estate of a very wealthy woman. Her mansion was set on the top of a small hill at the end of a long driveway. In front was a field once used by her horses as a pasture and behind were several acres of woods. Facing the main parking area for the house was a large impressive white door with columns on either side. But we who worked on the property had another entrance tucked away behind some bushes on the side. That entrance led to a small green house, a break room and a set of stairs leading up to the kitchen. Just over that doorway was a small sign with the words, “Service Entrance.” While guests gained entry through a much finer looking door, they needed to have an appointment. On arrival, they often were greeted by the housekeeper with a large guard dog (named George) who sat quietly as long as she was nearby. Only after carefully checking the visitors, did she usher them into the living room, where they waited for the lady of the house.

The same two entrances are in every human heart. There is a formal entrance in the front, but to gain entry, an appointment is required, and visitors are carefully checked over before being welcomed. But the other doorway is the doorway that Jesus chose: “The Service Entrance.” If we want to reach hearts as volunteers, let’s follow His example and come as servants. Only trusted servants may enter by the service entrance, and though it is humble, it has a stairway that leads directly to the heart!

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

What is a Volunteer?

/ pastorpete51 / 8 Comments 
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 ESV

Not long ago my friends, Bob and Rita told me that due to their health issues, they were just too tired to continue volunteering. I was sad not only because I knew they loved coming, but because serving communion and helping pass out the newsletters may sound like small duties; but they matter far more to the residents than you may realize. Each volunteer in nursing home ministry brings with them their life experience, personality and heart. For those in long-term care, a volunteer represents someone who came, not because it was their job or their family duty, but because they cared. Volunteering in a nursing home takes a great many forms and each one of them matters to God. As Jesus said, “whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water…will by no means lose his reward.” Any small act that is done in love will be remembered by God.

Without Bob and Rita this last month, I struggled to figure out a way to offer communion to those who gather for the Sunday afternoon service. Each week I brought along the bag with the supplies in hopes of inspiration, but each week returned with it unopened. Then this Sunday at Discovery Village, I noticed there was a new staff member who had been assigned to stay with the residents during the service. I was delighted that when I asked for help, she graciously said “Sure, no problem!” So, I took out the cups, the serving trays, the bottle of juice and the box of Matzoh crackers and quickly explained how to prepare everything and then began the service. All seemed well as we progressed towards communion time, but after we finished singing and I was about to ask God’s blessing on the elements, I noticed that the plate for the bread still stood empty and Ava looked at me and asked, “How much do I need to use?” “Just break up one, it should be plenty,” I hurriedly whispered. Then. hoping for the best, I bowed my head, prayed and started playing the Old Rugged Cross. Just as I sang the first couple of notes, I noticed one of the residents springing into action. “Here, let me help!” Virginia offered as she went forward, taking hold of one of the plates. Then, as she started passing out the bread, a man who was there visiting his mom, also jumped up and took one of the trays of the cups. Though I had no plan, God provided three new volunteers in place of the two we had lost!

I say all this, to show that all it takes to be a volunteer, is a readiness to be pressed into action and a willingness to help. Jesus isn’t asking how qualified we are but whether we are willing to share with others, that cup of cold water that we have in our hands. If you are interested in becoming involved as a Nursing Home volunteer, stay tuned the next couple of days, because I will offer some simple guidelines to help you to get started. If you are already serving, then watch for links to some various resources that we offer, some free and others at a low cost that can help equip you on your journey as a volunteer. One four-legged volunteer recently walked into our meeting, right in the middle of the song service. But because she was so beautiful and gentle, I had to pause and get a few photos. She can’t sing or preach, but she brings a lot of comfort every time she lays her head in the lap of one of the residents and lets them stroke her neck! She reminds us that if we are willing to just hug a few necks, then we can share the love of Jesus with someone today!

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!