A Handbook for Nursing Home (LTC) Ministry - 5th Edition
Programs - Section 10
A program is a regularly scheduled, on-going procedure, service
or activity performed for the benefit of long-term care facility residents.
Programs are at the heart of ministering to the needs of residents
because they are organized and designed and scheduled in advance to
do just that. Programs are the most effective and efficient manner
for bridging between the community and the facility population.
Programs give the volunteer a framework for their service so that
time and resource commitments are predictable and manageable. Having
a prescribed program in a nursing home helps the organizers when
recruiting volunteers. By defining a program of activity, the
volunteer, the activity director and the resident are shielded from
unrealistic expectations.
All activity
directors are skilled in "Programming." In fact, it is a field
of study which some have college degrees in. Go to the activity
director at the facility in which you volunteer and get assistance
in setting up and improving your program.
In this section we provide a brief definition and some tools for
several programs which are popular in care facilities.
Care Package Program
Although normal supplies are adequate, the residents of long-term care
facilities, especially nursing homes and assisted living facilities,
could often use personal items and clothing. There are many
opportunities here for small groups and local churches to be a
blessing in a tangible way to these sweet people. Below is a flyer
you can download and use to promote the "care package program." On
it is the list of items approved by activity directors to bring to
the facility.
There are a number of ways you can go about sharing your gifts. Of
course, you will need to contact a local facility to coordinate your
intentions with the activity director. You can accumulate them and
take them gift wrapped for Christmas or monthly birthday parties.
Label each gift-wrapped package with a tag identifying the content.
You can deliver them loose to the activity director at a facility
near you for them to distribute at their discretion. Also, in the
Hampton Roads area, you can call Christian Concourse at (757)
714-3133, and we will make arrangements with you to see to their
appropriate placement.
Care Package Flyer ( click here for a free ".pdf" download - a single 8 1/2 X 11 page)
Note: you must have Adobe Reader loaded on your machine to use this file. Click here to go to their website to download a free copy.
Care Packages For Your Friends At Local Nursing Homes
Help show these sweet people that they are not forgotten! Pick up some of the items from the list below on your next trip to the store. Take them to your local care facility . . . or, if you are in the Hampton Roads area call Christian Concourse to deliver them for you: (757) 714-3133
| Combs / Brushes | Wrapping Paper | Cellophane Tape |
| Regular Socks | Warm Socks | Ribbons |
| Lotion | After Shave | Deodorant |
| Tone / Dove Soap | Small Cologne | Toothpaste |
| Jewelry | Polident | Lap Blankets |
| Puzzles | Change Purses | Blush (Rose) |
| Nail Polish | Scarves | Emery Boards |
| Polish Remover | Slumber Caps | Mouth Wash |
| Hair Rollers | Panti-Hose | Knee-hi's |
| Stationary | Writing Pens | Powder |
| Audio Tapes | Video Tapes / DVD's | Shampoo / Rinse |
| Lg. Print Bibles | Note Pads | Small Kleenex |
| Hair Tonic | Gloves | Wallets |
| Baby Dolls | Ethnic Baby Dolls | Stuffed Animals |
Horticulture Therapy
Horticulture therapy (or garden therapy) is helping care facility
residents to work with or be around living plants and gardens of all
sorts and sizes, indoors and outdoors. The range of plants with
which the volunteer could work would include small potted vegetables
and ornamentals, cut wildflower bouquets, raised planters (for
wheelchair access) on outside patios, flower beds in courtyards, and
complete vegetable gardens on the grounds of the facility.
It would be best if the volunteer had some education or successful
experience in whatever level of horticulture they wish to pursue
with the residents. If that is not the case, the volunteer would
need, at least, to be willing to read and follow the instructions of
a good book on the subject. Let us note here that the type of
horticulture therapy should be chosen in the light of the interests
of specific residents. In the same vein, it is best when the program
is designed to keep the residents closely involved with the complete
process, giving them hands-on opportunities as much as possible.
There may even be the occasion for the resident to supervise the
activity in the light of their past experience with plants.
For training classes, resources and ideas in fashioning a
horticulture therapy program, contact your community garden club or
a local lawn and garden center or nursery.
In the Hampton Roads area, the "Master Gardeners" volunteer program of Virginia Cooperative Extension provides excellent training for those seeking more formal instruction. They can be reached at (757) 683-2816. For answers to specific questions concerning gardening, you can call their hotline at (757) 683-2855. The Norfolk, VA Master Gardner program's website is www.nmgv.org.
There are "Master Gardner" programs associated with colleges in many places throughout the United States. The Virginia State organization of "Master Gardeners" has a website at: http://www.hort.vt.edu/mastergardener/
Pet Therapy
Pet therapy, or animal assisted therapy, is recognized by professional care-givers as a program which has great benefits to residents of care facilities. It is remarkable to see the change come over the elderly nursing home residents' faces when the animals visit. For many of the residents who are limited to a wheelchair and their imaginations, the distractions like the ones the animals provide are the highlights of their day. Think, for a moment, how you would feel, as a lifelong friend to animals, to be bed bound and have no contact with pets of any kind. You would be VERY happy to have someone stop by your bed with their dog or cat that you could look at and pet. Most activity directors would be thrilled to have faithful pet therapy volunteers. Visits can be made any day of the week and at any time of the day except mealtimes. So it is easy to fit this volunteer program into your schedule.
If you have invested in professional obedience school for your dog,
it only takes a couple of hours a month to put that training to work
bringing good cheer to others. What a great way to let your dog do
something besides lying around the house and eating. Most friendly
dogs LOVE to be petted by other people and show off their trick
repertoire for a treat. Your dog will have fun and SO WILL YOU!!!
Dogs do not have to be purebred; they just have to be well-groomed, clean, controllable, and have an owner who is willing to volunteer some time. Cats are also very popular with the elderly. Baby goats, goslings, rabbits, and even turtles have been brought by children to nursing homes for very successful pet therapy sessions.
If you have a dog, ask yourself these simple questions:
Does my dog love people?
Does my dog like to be petted?
Does my dog have a sweet disposition?
Is my dog well-mannered, not jumping up on people?
If your answer is "Yes" to each of these questions, then there
probably is an activity director at a local care facility who would
love to talk to you! There is a place in pet therapy for all dogs,
both big and small, mixed breed and pure bred, show dog or house
dog.
As a practical consideration, pet therapy must always be done with
the immediate accompaniment of designated care facility staff. In
addition, there are organizations which provide specific training
and registration for the therapy dog and its owner. For more
information, contact a local canine training center, or communicate
directly with the following certifying organizations:
|
Therapy Dogs Inc. Phone: 877-843-7364 Website: www.therapydogs.com |
Therapy Dogs International |
Caregiving One-On-One
or..."Personal Visits" or..."Individual Ministry"
A "One-On-One" program is just that: a volunteer going to see
residents one at a time. Sometimes this involves just one resident
per visit to the facility, while other volunteers prefer to visit
several, one at a time, per visit. Sometimes, a volunteer will be
involved with only one resident, period. It is important for the
volunteer to work closely with the activity director in tailoring
this type of program to the needs of specific residents.
"One-On-Ones" is the program of choice for many Christian
volunteers. It seems that some are specially gifted in this type of
intimacy . . . they thrive on giving it and the residents greatly
appreciate getting it. As Christians, we know that this is mature
love, or charity, in its purest form. It is an unselfish, thoughtful
sharing of time, attention, compassion, respect, touch, patience and
kindness.
A volunteer giving residents personal concern and compassion,
specifically directed toward them as individuals, is at the center
of all care facility ministry. Entertaining a group is good.
Performing for audiences in care facilities is meaningful and meets
a need. Whatever the skills and talents are that we take to a
nursing home, our presence provides valuable, irreplaceable input. And
the exercise of the skills and talents on behalf of those who are
hurting and lonely should be a function of our empathy and feeling
for their needs.
No matter what type of volunteering we do in a long-term care facility, we
will inevitably find ourselves in circumstances where we are
one-on-one with a resident. Whether we are comfortable or not with
this type if interaction, there are several things we will benefit
from if reminded of them. In the following paragraphs is information
from other sources which deal with many of the issues and
circumstances faced in one- on-one settings.
Tips On Visiting Friends and Relatives
(This section copied from a pamphlet published by the American Health Care Association.)
What do you think life would be like if you were living in a nursing
home? You might be conscious of being physically removed from your
familiar home and community. You might feel lost, unsure of how you
will adjust to this new place. You may feel that you've somehow been
rejected.
During this time of transition, the need for human interaction is
especially important. Maintaining ties with friends and family helps
to assure the new resident that he or she has not been abandoned,
that important relationships will continue just as they did outside
the nursing home.
You, as the visitor, may feel anxious at the thought of visiting a
long-term care setting. "Nursing homes depress me," many people say.
At first, the sight of so many elderly people who have suffered some
form of disability may be upsetting. But you must learn to look
beyond the physical appearances. Think of each resident as an
important individual who has lived a long and full life, and whose
uniqueness does not depend on physical appearance.
You may be bothered by those who appear to be confused or
disoriented. Keep in mind that these people can be reached by
simply holding their hands and looking into their eyes. Even a
person in the later stages of
Alzheimer's Disease will still respond
to tenderness and affection.
As you make plans to visit someone living in a nursing home,
remember that the facility is that person's home, and you should
show the same sort of respect you showed when the resident lived
outside the facility. Call and ask what time is convenient for you
to pay a visit. A resident may feel more energetic or sociable at
certain times of the day. Or he/she may simply have other plans. In
addition, he/she will have that visit to look forward to, which
extends the pleasure. Most facilities have very liberal visiting
hours lasting 10 to 12 hours during the day. Be sure to check on
these hours before you visit so you don't interrupt meals,
bath-times
or other regularly scheduled events. Some nursing homes encourage
visitors to join residents at mealtimes. If you decide to do so, you
should expect to pay for your meal.
One word of caution about visiting: there is a tendency to
"promise
a rose garden" and be unable to deliver. Do not promise to visit and
not come. If you cannot keep an appointment, call in advance and
immediately suggest an alternate time.
When you and your friend or relative are planning your visiting
times together, look over your schedule carefully and realistically.
Decide how much time you can spend each week or month. Realistic
planning avoids disappointment for the resident and feelings of
guilt or anger for you.
Who Should Visit?
Anyone who was important to the resident outside the facility [as well as willing volunteers], should visit him/her in the nursing home, children included. Young children rarely react negatively to aging or sick individuals. On the other hand, teenagers and older children may need some time to adjust. Staff members, particularly activity directors, can be helpful in aiding this process.
Planning for the Visit
Some people feel that they don't know what to do during a visit to a
nursing home. In this case, simply ask yourself what activities you
enjoyed with this person outside the nursing home. Did you listen to
music together? Did you play cards? Did you watch old movies? There
is no reason you can't continue to share these same activities in
the facility. And there are many other activities that you can try
to help make visits rich and interesting.
One idea which is always very therapeutic is to bring the family pet
to the nursing home. The benefits to the elderly of contact with
animals is widely acknowledged. Seeing the family pet would be
especially uplifting. Be sure to contact the administrator in
advance to make arrangements.
If you videotape family events - graduation ceremonies, little
league games, school plays, and the like - make arrangements to show
the videos to the resident if he/she cannot attend these events.
This will give him/her a better sense of contact with family and the
outside world. Showing the resident family photographs will serve
the same purpose.
Or why not treat the new resident (female) to a manicure or fix her
hair? This sort of physical contact is very important to the nursing
home resident. And your acknowledgment of her concerns about her
physical appearance will mean a great deal as well.
Elderly people often have difficulty writing letters. You can have a
very productive visit by taking dictation from the resident. And the
resident will most certainly receive mail in return, which he/she
will cherish more than you can imagine.
If the resident is a fan of games, bring along your checkers or
chess set, scrabble board, or deck of cards.
And when you're at a loss for ideas, check with the facility's
activity director. They will likely provide you with a whole list of
ideas and possibly materials with which to work. (See
the
"Games and
Activities" section in this handbook.)
The Visit
When people come to visit you, they come to the door and knock or
ring the bell. A resident room in a nursing home is an individual's
home. Knock before entering and ask permission to enter. If the
resident is unable to respond, then announce yourself before walking
in.
Greetings usually involve some sort of physical contact. You shake
hands or hug or kiss. Touching tells us that we are accepted, human,
and desirable. Staff members try, of course, to provide affection,
but they can never fill the shoes of the family and friends of the
resident. Once in the room, make some form of physical contact
unless it is absolutely inappropriate.
A Note on Visiting a Comatose Resident
There are some instances in which you may think visiting is pointless. Visiting is never pointless. Even if a resident is comatose, you should continue visiting. No one knows exactly what senses remain in a comatose person; however, we do know that hearing is the last sense to disappear. Visit, announce yourself, and touch the comatose person as you always have. Then you can sit by the bedside and hold the resident's hand, stroke the forehead or whatever is comfortable for you. You can even talk quietly, or read the Bible, since the resident may hear exactly what you are saying.
Visits Outside the Nursing Home
Many residents are able to leave the facility for a meal, a day, a
weekend, or a vacation. And these sorts of outings mean a great deal
to them. Visits outside the nursing home reinforce the fact that the
resident is still a vital part of family and community. In addition,
it may reinforce the benefits the nursing home affords. The
difficulty of bathrooms and steps that are not designed for
handicapped people will become readily apparent.
If you are considering taking a resident out of the nursing home,
plan first with the resident. Then be sure to tell the staff, so
they can have medicines and special equipment ready. It is wise to
give a week's notice if any special arrangements need to be made.
Visiting should be pleasant and enjoyable for family, friends and
nursing home resident. Plan ahead, involve the resident, and above
all: don't let his/her "nursing home resident" status interfere in
the wonderful relationship you have always enjoyed.
Ideas for One-On-One Activities with Residents.
(Taken from the web site of the American Health Care Association and from material compiled by Phyl Gordan in "The Adopt-A- Grandparent Girl Scout Patch Program," used by permission. )
Take note of special occasions like Saint Valentine's Day, Mother's
and Father's Days, holidays, and birthdays. Mail can double as
decorations for the resident's room. Select bright, colorful note
cards, scenic postcards or page-a-day calendar classics they will
enjoy seeing on their walls.
Choose one topic concerning the elderly and read newspaper articles
and/or magazine articles on this topic. Discuss this topic with the
resident.
Find out what country the resident comes from (or his/her ancestors)
and plan a discussion around that country.
Discuss your family name and share interesting findings about it. If
possible, ask the resident to share the story of his/her family
name.
Teach a resident a craft, e.g., drawing, painting, clay sculpture,
pottery, graphics, macrame. Consider their physical and mental
limitations.
Make a grocery list including prices for one meal. Discuss cost of
food now and "back then" with the resident.
Ask the resident what invention during his/her time meant the most
to him/her. Discuss with them what the world might be like after the
year 2050.
Learn several songs from the period between 1920 and 1960. Sing them
and/or play them on an instrument for the resident. Encourage them
to join in singing. Ask him/her to name some of his/her favorite
songs.
Ask the resident about his/her childhood Christmases.
Have a picnic indoors with an outdoor centerpiece.
Learn some exercises that the resident can do and teach him/her to
do them.
Make a time capsule and give it to him or her to be opened in a
year. Be sure the resident contributes to the capsule.
With the resident, invent and make a toy that will teach a small
child to count or learn his ABC'S.
Find out what his/her hobbies or special interests were/are, and
discuss them.
Bring large print books from the public or church library and return
them (a great way to help the confined reader!).
For more ideas, see Section 11, "Games & Activities."
"Church Services"
Many care facility residents feel deeply the need for gathering with
other believers in a fashion similar to the memories they hold dear
from their experiences in their home church. They want to sing the
old hymns and choruses they learned years ago. They want someone to
pray with them for their needs and concerns. They want someone to
share with them encouragement and exhortation from God's Word. In
simple terms, they usually feel like they have "been to church" if
the program provided by volunteers includes a song service, a prayer
and a short sermon. Solo singing is especially enjoyed.
We have witnessed many different styles of conducting care facility
church services. Most are rewarding and enriching to the spiritual
lives of the residents. And most conform to the basics listed in the
previous paragraph. We encourage you to be creative and enthusiastic
in your efforts to meet this great need in the lives of the
residents to whom you minister. Here is a description of how we, at
Christian Concourse, do a church service in a nursing home,
realizing that many other formats will serve just as well.
Our Goal
As we discuss in Section 6,
"Profile of the Care Facility Population," Christian nursing
home residents share a spiritual need with everyone else: they need
encouragement in their faith in Jesus Christ. To this end (using
songs, poems, Bible readings, prayers, exhortations and sermonettes)
we try to include in our "Church Services" the following four
ingredients:
- Remind them of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
- Encourage them in their faith in Him.
- Tell them the "Old, Old Story" over and over again!
- Pray with them.
Setting Up
My wife and I conduct the services together whenever possible. It is
good to get to the facility early, in order to help assemble
residents whom you know want to participate. On weekends, often
there are no facility staff members available to assemble the
residents for you. Therefore, it is good if you minister with a
group, several of whom are assigned this task. It is also important
to have a staff member (preferably) or several in your group who sit
among the residents and tend to their needs during the service.
We carry into the facility a portable "Karaoke Box," a briefcase,
and a music stand.
One choice for the "Karaoke Box" is a lightweight Radio Shack
Karaoke System. It has a dual cassette tape player/recorder, a CD
player, twin microphone jacks, all the necessary controls and plenty
of amplification for just about any care facility room. One hand-held
microphone comes with the unit, and we purchased a lapel mike for my
wife to use in her energetic leading of songs. My natural voice
carries fine in most settings, so I just use the karaoke box for
backup music.
The briefcase contains all the materials that we use during the
service: an ample supply of "Our
Hymn Book" and its accompanying CD, volumes of inspirational poetry, Bibles,
devotional materials, an extension cord, two hand-held microphones,
and the lapel mike.
The music stand folds up into its own carrying case and serves in
the place of a podium to hold songbooks so our hands will be free.
Some facilities have podiums, but most do not.
Opening the Service
We always begin the service with an enthusiastic greeting. We
introduce ourselves and the ministry of Christian Concourse briefly
for new residents and for those who have met us but may not remember
our names. We tell the residents what it is we have come to do: to
encourage them in their faith in Jesus Christ. And encourage them in
their faith in Jesus Christ is precisely what it is we do in the
process of the service, because most of those who willingly
participate in a care facility church service have already,
according to their understanding, placed their faith in Jesus
Christ. At the same time, somewhere in the course of every service
we conduct, I will quote John 3:16, encouraging anyone who has not
already done so, to ask the Lord to forgive them of their sins and
place their faith in Him.
In the opening of every service, we pray. In the prayer we thank God
for the opportunity of being there. We thank the Lord for our
friends who have gathered with us; we ask the Lord to encourage each
one in their faith in Him and minister to each one of us according
to our needs.
The Song Service
Following the opening of the service, we begin singing. We use a
two-CD set called
"Our Hymn Book" produced by Christian Concourse. The CDs, with
36 old fashioned hymns and carols, come with a song booklet which is
designed specifically for use with them in nursing home ministry.
A word about the songs you select: though the residents
typically enjoy any
type of singing, our experience is that they greatly appreciate the
old hymns which they are most likely to remember the words to. No
matter what style of music you prefer to use, it will be a blessing,
but we suggest that you not forget to include some of the old songs
for them to sing along with too. If you give songbooks to the
residents, they should be large print, and you will need to wait
patiently for each one to find the next selection.
Remember this:
your tastes are not as important as the residents' needs.
When we sing, we do so with much feeling and enthusiasm and energy.
We do everything we can to encourage the residents to sing with us
and clap their hands to the faster tunes if they are able and are so
inclined. Often, we comment on the songs, before or after singing
them, regarding their message and their relevance to them in their
situation. As often as possible, we try to tie together our
sermonette with the message in the song on the tape that we use to
precede or follow it.
Occasionally, a facility will have songbooks which their residents
are accustomed to using. You can offer them choices, keeping in
mind, though, that it is better to allow them to decide for
themselves what to use for their song service. Sometimes, a facility
has a resident who is expected to play the piano for the service.
Sometimes, you will be asked to lead songs which you did not prepare
for. In every case, you will need to be as obliging and good natured
about it all as possible. We try to think of it this way: it is the
Lord who does the blessing and the ministry in our service; and we
don't want to get between Him and the residents' hearts with our
inflexibility.
Our Hymn
Book
As mentioned previously, Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc.
publishes a large-print booklet called
"Our Hymn Book." It includes 31 all-time favorite gospel hymns
and 5 Christmas carols. With the hymn book, we have produced a 2 CD
set of instrumental accompaniment compact disks that have on them
all the songs in the booklet. As our resources allow, they are
provided without charge to anyone requesting the materials who is
willing to volunteer to help us distribute them to individuals
receiving long-term care.
Christian Christmas Carols
In addition, we have a large-print booklet called "Christian
Christmas Carols" which also comes with an instrumental
accompaniment CD. It has twelve of the most favorite old
Christmas carols. These, too, are available without charge to
anyone who is willing to volunteer to help us distribute them to the
residents of care facilities.
Worship Service Programs
In addition to the information on this page we also have on this
site,
"Worship Service Programs" to help with conducting "church
services" in care centers. This is a free download which you
can use to make "Church Bulletins" that include a poem, a responsive
reading, hymn selections from
"Our Hymn Book" and a short devotional with opening and closing
prayers. Please follow the link above for more information.
More Info
If you would like more information on any of our free materials, call, write or leave a message in our
Guestbook today. Phone: (757) 714- 3133 Mail: Christian
Concourse, 1543 Norcova Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502.
Sonshine Society
Another source for sing-along tapes and large-print songbooks is
The Sonshine Society,
P.O. Box 327, Lynnwood, WA 98046-0327, phone (425) 353-4732.
They also have a wonderful devotional book with great material for
sermonettes.
There are
other CD and MP3 recordings available that may meet your
needs just fine. Some are a "split-track" recording with which you
can use just instrumental music or have singing backup by adjusting
the left and right speaker output on your player.
Poetry
Often, strategically placed between songs, we will read a poem or a short inspirational devotion which enhances the sermonette in some way. Many residents look forward to this with keen appreciation for the poetry and its message. A good source for Christian poetry is Salesian Missions Publications, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801, phone: (914) 633-8344. Also, visit section 12 of this handbook, "Poetry," for poems for use in LTC ministry.
Prayer
As mentioned above, we pray in the opening of each church service we
conduct in care facilities. This is formally called an invocation.
At the end of each church service we also pray. This is formally
called a benediction in which we again ask the Lord to touch and
strengthen hearts and thank Him for the blessings we have received.
In our prayers, we often ask the Lord to forgive us of our sins, to
lift suffering off those who are hurting and to save the souls of
those we each may know who are lost. We consider these prayers to be
vital "bookends" to our efforts.
On occasion, it is obviously appropriate to pray in the middle of
the service. This prayer may be a way to draw the audience back into
a worshipful attitude after some disruption or distraction. Or we
may pray for specific needs that we are aware of in our group. In
some cases, residents will pass along to us prayer requests and the
names of those in the hospital or those very ill and in bed.
At some point in our prayers during the service, we are careful to
pray for the staff of the facility and for the residents who were
not able to make it to the service. God is good, and He gracefully
responds to the prayerful faith in our cry, and the faith in the
hearts of our audience, for His intervention on their behalf.
Some do not feel comfortable praying extemporaneously in public.
If that is the case, a good source for written prayers are books by Word Ministries, Inc.
Sermonette
After prayer and singing and poetry, we preach. The message is not a
long, drawn out dissertation on systematic theology, but rather a
short sermonette that varies in length from 5 to 20 minutes long,
depending on the type of audience and the situation. We use down to
earth illustrations of Biblical truths that are universal yet
relevant to the circumstances and experiences unique to the group we
minister to. This takes some consideration . . . experience is the
best teacher. We try to look at our audience. We consider what they
have been through in their lives. We consider the state in which
they find themselves now. We consider how long many of them have
been faithfully walking with Jesus! In this light, we make a
concerted, determined effort to strengthen their faith in Him with
our words - from our heart.
The following are three examples of the type of material we use in
the sermonette.
Sermonette Sample One: "God Strengthens!"
"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I
pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding
the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, . . . ." 2
Timothy 4: 16-17 (KJV)
Often, we feel deserted and betrayed by others. Paul certainly felt
this way. He is writing this letter to Timothy, a beloved student.
From a dark, damp, cold Roman prison cell, Paul awaits execution.
During the trial he had no one to help him defend himself before the
Emperor. The charge, the verdict, and the sentence were unjust. He
was going to pay with his head for trying to help folks avoid hell!
And he was just being obedient to what the Lord had called him to
do! Think about it . . . after all Paul had done for so many people
. . . and how faithfully he had served Jesus for all those years!
Now he was going to be executed for it. If anyone ever had a reason
to get mad at God, Paul did. BUT, instead of getting mad at God, he
leaned more heavily upon Him. And what did the Lord do? Commute the
death sentence? Destroy the Emperor? Confuse Paul's accusers? Help
Paul escape from prison? No. What DID the Lord do? He stood with
Paul, because Paul kept his heart open to Jesus. He loved Jesus. And
he never stopped loving Jesus, no matter what. And what else did the
Lord do? He strengthened Paul! The God of the universe not only kept
Paul company through his trial, He also gave him the possession of
strength inside, of personal fortitude, of supernatural calm in the
storm!
Oh! How often this is unlike my response to the troubles of life!
I'm subject to get upset with God and everyone around me if things
get too bad. But, like Paul, when I lean on Jesus in the storm, when
I call on Him, instead of blame Him, He always comforts me with the
reassurance of His presence and with the strength to keep my peace
and joy in the thick of it all. This is not theory or cold theology.
This is not fables and dreams. The experience of His strength
imparted to us is real and vital and available to us all, all the
time! May we be evermore encouraged to seek the Lord, not run from
Him and blame Him and get bitter in trials. And if we could talk to
Paul now, I'm sure he would say it was worth it all.
Sermonette Sample Two: "How Much Rat Poison Is Too Much?"
Imagine with me being at a delicious July 4th cookout in your back
yard. Roasted silver queen corn, a baked potato right out of the
coals, and corn bread from your grandmother's special recipe baked
in a Dutch oven over the open fire . . . all of it floating in real
country, hand-churned butter. And right in the middle of the huge
platter on which this feast is served, is a great big, thick, juicy
T- Bone Steak!
And your next door neighbor's rambunctious little boy comes over and
sprinkles rat poison over this scrumptious meal while you're up to
get a refill of ice tea before you get started!
The foaming white ooze on your T-Bone immediately alerts you to the
prank and your neighbor's belly laugh over the fence tells you who's
to blame. You stomp over to the edge of your yard and start to vent
your anger when your neighbor defensively blurts out, "Hey, wait a
minute, my little boy only put a sprinkle of the stuff on your
plate. It won't hurt you!" Relieved you calm down and settle back
into your chaise lounge to enjoy your banquet.
WRONG! You wouldn't touch the stuff would you? Why not? Because you
don't want ANY rat poison on your T-Bone. None, zero, zilch, right?
Ezekiel 18: 4 quotes God as saying,
"The soul that sins shall surely
die." God doesn't want any rat poison on His plate either!
And in Romans 3:23, Paul states that
"all have sinned and come short
of the glory of God." So we have a very big problem! We all live
under a death sentence. But, unlike your neighbor, our Heavenly
Father doesn't think it's funny. In fact, He was the only one who
could justly do anything about it . . . He was the only one who
could clean that lovely meal of its contamination. And He did!
Praise God!
"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him,
shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3: 16 (KJV).
May each of us NEVER FORGET this simple message. A lot follows our
faith in Jesus Christ because it releases to us an eternity of
wonderful, growing life, but without that uncomplicated faith we are
DEAD!
Sermonette Sample Three: "The Power of Love"
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one
that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of
God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the
world, that we might live through him." 1 John 4: 7-9 (KJV).
The following is a true story. In the early days of aviation, a
small postal service company was trying to establish air mail over
the Andes mountains between Peru and Argentina. They hired a young,
brave pilot who was newly wed. The couple was deeply in love. Not
long after taking the job, due to unexpected problems, the young man
ran out of gas in the middle of the huge mountain range. He crash
landed in a frozen, jagged wasteland in the middle of the Andes. For
days he waited for rescuers to find him. He saw one plane searching
for him, but they did not see him or the flare he fired. A few hours
later a blizzard swept into the mountains and he realized that the
search would be called off.
Though the usual rule is for survivors to stay at the crash site, it
became clear to the downed flyer that his only hope was to find his
way out of the mountains before he starved or froze to death. Most
of his thoughts were absorbed by the vision of his little wife
waiting and praying patiently, as she did on each of his flights,
for him to come home. Scaling peak after peak, the prospects of
success diminished each time he broke the next crest just to see
more of the forbidding wasteland stretching as far as he could see
in every direction. After many days of struggle, fighting frostbite
and overwhelmed with the hopelessness of his situation, he finally
decided in his frozen delirium to lay down and die. He built a
pillar of rocks around him to mark his body and began to say goodbye
to his beloved wife. But the thought of her tormented despair . . .
the longing in his heart to comfort her . . . . Deep within his
being he could hear her calling, "Don't give up! I love you! I need
you!"
Somehow, someway, the lost pilot's stiffened limbs moved. The rocks
piled to mark his death slowly rolled away. He dragged his body
erect with determination, ignoring the agony, ignoring the
hopelessness. A few hours later, exhausted and frostbitten, the lost
young man crumbled off a shelf of snow on a mountainside into a
valley of grass where a shepherd found him and brought the rescuers
to his aid.
As soon as the delivered newlywed, warm and recovering, could get to
a phone, he called his precious wife. All he said was: "I love you,
thank you for saving my life!"
Each of us, in our own situation is much like that pilot. We find
ourselves often in desperate circumstances, enduring hardship and
pain. Christians are all on a spiritual trek over hostile territory,
struggling with our own weakness in the face of insurmountable odds.
How many times have we felt like giving up? The lost pilot found
strength in the love he and his wife shared for each other. May God
grant us such a vision of His love for us, that no matter what comes
our way, the love He has for us and the love we have for Him will
keep us faithful until we hear our name on His lips calling us home!
When we are tempted to give up, let us remember how He loves us.
A Word About Bible Translations
Because most of the dear souls in the facilities to whom you will be ministering are elderly, we would remind you that the majority of them were raised with either the King James Version being used in the church and in the home or the Revised Standard Version. We know that, today, there are many newer versions which have advantages for many different reasons. But, if you use them, it may not make a big difference to most, but a few in your audience will not think you are reading from Holy Scripture unless it is the "KJV" or the "RSV." For this reason, if you are really uncomfortable with the wording of these classic translations, we suggest you try the excellent work of the New King James Version or the New Revised Standard Version. For clarity, it may often be appropriate to read a verse or two from more than one translation.
Memorial Services
How to Do a Memorial Service
In the event of the death of a resident, the care facility may choose to offer a memorial service for the staff, residents and family members to participate in. In the following material a sample invocation and benediction is included, along with a generic announcement to be used on the bulletin boards of the facility, a "Sample Letter to Friends and Family," and generic Memorial Service Programs. The programs (or service bulletins) offer a format for a service including an invocation, a popular hymn, a responsive reading, a time of reflection on the lives of those who have passed, an appropriate poem and a benediction.
By using these materials and following the simple programs provided, a staff member, a capable resident or a volunteer from the Christian community can conduct the memorial service. The "Sample Notice to Staff and Residents" can be used to invite them to join in the memorial. Use the "Sample Letter to Friends and Family" to invite the loved ones of the deceased to the service.
Memorial Service Invocation Prayer:
Heavenly Father, We set ourselves aside in these moments, Before
Your Presence, To commemorate the lives of these, our friends and
family.
We ask you for comfort in this time of loss. May the good memories
of our loved ones who have gone before us Serve to inspire us here
to a better life in Your sight and before our fellow man.
Thank you Lord,
Amen.
Memorial Service Benediction Prayer:
Father God, Truly, You are the Hope of life And we acknowledge Your
Providence and Care In the lives of these our loved ones. We thank
you for letting us be near them And to know them. We thank You for
their lives. And we now commit them into your loving Hands.
Amen.
Sample Notice To Staff and Residents for Memorial Service
TO: All Staff and Residents
FROM: Activities Department
DATE: xx/xx/xx
R. E: Memorial Service
A brief Memorial Service will be conducted in the dining room,
Tuesday, August 19, XXXX at 2:00 PM. This will be a time of
reflection on the memories of those residents who have passed away
recently.
This commemoration will be conducted by the Activities Department.
The service will last approximately fifteen minutes. All residents,
staff members, and friends and family of the deceased are encouraged
to attend.
Thank you.
[Activity Director]
Sample Letter to Friends and Family for Memorial Service
xx/xx/xx
Dear (friend or relative of deceased):
facility name will hold a brief memorial service for all the
residents that have passed away in the recent months.
__resident's
name__ will be remembered on Tuesday, August 19, XXXX at 2:00 PM in
the dining room. This service is conducted by the Activities
Department.
We know that it helps to share with others who understand and care
about your sorrow; therefore, friends, residents and staff will be
encouraged to attend. Please let me know how many family members and
friends you are aware of that would like to attend. Call me at (757)
XXX-XXXX.
Sincerely,
John or Jane Doe
Activity Director
Memorial Service Programs
For use in long-term care center memorial services, the following eight segments of this webpage can be copied and
pasted into a word processor to be formatted as bulletin style
programs. They are actually four "service programs" (front and
back) which provide an easy format for a memorial service.
Each
program includes an
invocation,
a popular hymn,
a responsive
reading,
a time of reflection on the lives of those who have passed,
an appropriate poem and
a benediction.
Please fashion the text and
clip-art below into your word processor as needed for use in your
facility,
or.....
for a .pdf file of these memorial service programs click here (a free ".pdf" download).
Note: you must have Adobe Reader loaded on your machine to use this file. Click here to go to their website to download a free copy.
----------------------
Below are the contents for the front and back pages of the first Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
Responsive Reading
As we cry You do not shun us, O God,
In our need, precious Father, You come to us,
Not as a lofty ruler, gazing from on high,
Not as a ghost, gigantic in its outlines!
Father, You come to us as protector of our soul.
You come to us in meekness and tenderness of heart.
As You share our tears You strengthen our hope.
We marvel at Your faithfulness,
For Your Word and Your mercy endure forever.
Only Your Grace is a sufficient answer to our weakness.
You come and teach us love and humble rest
Bringing with You encouragement to our frail faith.
We praise You for Your constant presence in our lives!
Be Forever Mine
by John Newton
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
----------------------
Memorial
Service
----------------------
Below are the contents for the inside pages of the first Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
Amazing Grace
by John Newton
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.
Amen.
----------------------
Order of Service
Invocation
Song: "Amazing Grace"
Responsive Reading
In Loving Memory of:
Poem: "Be Forever Mine"
Benediction
----------------------
Below are the contents for the front and back pages of the second Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
Responsive Reading
Taken From Psalms 28
Unto thee we will cry, O Lord our rock;
Hear the voice of our supplications, when we cry to Thee.
In times of trouble the Lord is our strength and shield.
We lift our wounded hearts to Him in His presence: Save Thy people,
and bless Thine inheritance, O Lord,
For You are the saving strength of Your anointed.
We trust in You with our heart: You are our only help.
We regard Your works and the operations of Your hands;
Blessed be the Lord, for He hath heard our prayer!
The Lord is our strength!
Surely, the Lord doth build us up!
Therefore, our heart greatly rejoices!
With melodies from our soul we do praise Him!
Don't Worry, But Pray
by Lissie DeArmond
God knows every heartache, each burden and care,
The troubles and trials often you bear,
His presence is with you each swift passing day
Then trust in His goodness, don't worry, but pray.
The clouds may hang heavy, no sunshine appear,
Amid the dark shadows the Comforter's near,
"Fear not, I am with you," I hear the voice say,
Then trust in His goodness, don't worry, but pray.
Just pray when you're weary at heart and oppressed,
Look unto the Savior and you will be blessed,
He knows ev'ry struggle, along the life-way,
Then trust in His goodness, don't worry, but pray.
----------------------
Memorial
Service
----------------------
Below are the contents for the inside pages of the
second Memorial
Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
What A Friend
by Joseph Scriven
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
O What peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do they friends despise, forsake, thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
----------------------
Order of Service
Song: "What A Friend"
Invocation
Responsive Reading
Poem: "Don't Worry, But Pray"
In Loving Memory of:
Benediction
----------------------
Below are the contents for the front and back pages of the third Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
Responsive Reading
Dear Lord, in our changing world we seek your face; Through the ages
you have proven you are ever the same.
Our hope and trust is answered by your ever-present hand.
Through the ages you have proven you are ever the same.
Our breath and our lives are testimonies of your mercy.
Through the ages you have proven you are ever the same.
Though we wander and waver in our faith you find us.
Through the ages you have proven you are ever the same.
With renewed comfort we commit our lives to your grace.
Thy Wings Of Love
by Thomas Moore
O Thou who driest the mourner's tear,
How dark this world would be,
If, when deceived and wounded here,
We could not fly to thee!
But, thou wilt heal that broken heart,
Which, like the plants that throw
Their fragrance from the wounded part,
Breathes sweetness out of woe.
O who could bear life's stormy doom
Did not thy wings of love
Come brightly wafting through the gloom
Our peace-branch from above!
Then sorrow, touched by thee, grows bright,
With more than rapture's ray;
As darkness shows us worlds of light
We never saw by day.
----------------------
Memorial
Service
----------------------
Below are the contents for the inside pages of the third Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
In The Garden
by C. Austin Miles
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear Falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet, the birds hush their singing
And the melody That He gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing.
Chorus
And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share, as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
----------------------
Order of Service
Invocation
Song: "In The Garden"
Responsive Reading
In Loving Memory of:
Poem: "Thy Wings Of Love"
Benediction
----------------------
Below are the contents for the front and back pages of the fourth Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
Responsive Reading
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil:
For thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
by Isaac Watts
O God, our help in ages past,
My hope for years to come,
My shelter from the stormy blast;
And my eternal home!
Under the shadow of thy throne,
Still may I dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And my defense is sure.
O God, our help in ages past,
My hope for years to come,
Be thou my guide while life shall last,
And my eternal home.
----------------------
Memorial
Service
----------------------
Below are the contents for the inside pages of the fourth Memorial Service Program (8½ X 11 folded over).
----------------------
'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
by Louisa Stead and W. J. Kirkpatrick
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Chorus
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more!
----------------------
Order of Service
Invocation
Song: "'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus"
Responsive Reading
In Loving Memory of:
Poem: "O God, Our Help In Ages Past"
Benediction
----------------------
Copyright © 2010 Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. 1543 Norcova Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: (757) 623-7228 All rights reserved. Copies permitted for care facility ministry.
----------------------End Memorial Service Programs
Volunteer Chaplaincy Program
Introduction
As discussed
elsewhere in this handbook, increasing numbers of elderly
citizens are being cared for in long-term care facilities. Unique
challenges to pastors are brought about as many of these elderly
parishioners and family members are forced to make decisions that
place the elderly far from their home church. Also, it is not
unusual for a care facility resident to have lost contact with their
church because they are of a previous generation and few of their
contemporaries are still alive. Thus, clergy and lay people from the
home church cannot or do not always effectively minister to the
spiritual needs of seniors belonging to their congregation who now
live in nursing homes.
In the light of this growing need for chaplain ministries in care
facilities, Christian Concourse encourages qualified volunteers to
consider helping to fill the void of this vital Christian service.
Our suggestions around which you can fashion your own chaplaincy
program with a specific facility are described in the following
paragraphs. Our special thanks goes to Rev. Ed Strange, a gifted and
anointed chaplain, for his
assistance in formulating this program.
The purpose of a volunteer chaplaincy program is to provide
Christian pastoral services for elderly residents. Occasionally,
their family and the staff of the facility caring for them will
request such ministry. The activities a care facility chaplain
offers could include Christian encouragement, serving communion,
conducting baptism, Bible reading, hospital visitation, funeral
services, bereavement support and prayer. If possible, the chaplain
would be on call for emergencies and deaths.
Though it is a matter of the policy of each care facility, we
recommend that a chaplain be a licensed minister. We should
immediately note that there may be exceptions to this rule and each
candidate for this program should be considered on the basis of
their specific skills and qualifications.
Chaplain Pastoral Visitation
In order to establish a meaningful pastoral relationship with the residents, it is recommended that visitation to care facilities be a minimum of twice weekly. During these visitation periods, which should be scheduled with the facility activity director, residents may be seen upon request or by referral from staff or family members, but never without the residents' expressed consent. A general availability of pastoral care to encourage residents is also important. Allowing for specific facility regulations on privacy, the "Chaplain's Information Form" (which follows this article in text form or click here for a .pdf file of the form) should be provided to the minister for each resident that is referred to him or her for a pastoral visit. These forms must be kept in the facility in a special notebook for the minister to refer to and annotate as necessary. The only ones with access to this notebook would be the minister, the staff of the facility, and the resident (upon their request).
Chaplain Visitation Log
In some long-term care settings it would be helpful to the staff
of the facility, especially the activity director, if a log were
kept documenting the various resources and activities that the
volunteer chaplain has shared with which residents. A log like this
would also be helpful to the chaplain in sharing the practical
aspects of his or her ministry with supporters. For an example
of such a document, developed in the field and used for such a
purpose,
click here for a .pdf file of the Chaplain's Visitation Log.
Hospital Visitation
There is a special need for regular visits from the familiar
chaplain for residents when they are hospitalized. Often, family
members will need assistance during this critical period. It is
necessary to establish good communication procedures with the care
facility in order to effectively provide services when residents are
hospitalized. Families should also be informed of the availability
of pastoral care as part of the facility's commitment to the
spiritual needs of the resident and their family. It should be noted
that the hospital stay for elderly patients is often longer than
most because the elderly are prone to complications due to their age
and chronic medical conditions. Family members appreciate visits and
receive much needed support when pastoral care is readily available
and frequent.
It should be noted that a resident's recovery from hospitalization
may require several weeks or months in rehabilitation at a nursing
facility and they may not return to their original facility.
Pastoral care should be continued if possible to encourage these
residents, and they should be referred to another pastoral care
giver when necessary.
Family Bereavement Support And Funeral Services
Bereavement support may be extended to family members in the event
of a resident's death. This service may be optional where pastoral
care is limited or the minister is unavailable to perform such
services for the family. When bereavement support is available, the
care facility should inform the family upon notification of the
resident's death and provide information for contacting the minister
concerning his/her availability for pastoral bereavement support
(and funeral services if desired). The facility should notify the
chaplain of the death of a resident as soon as the information is
available in order for the minister to offer his condolences and
support to the family.
Family support may also include a written sympathy card from the
minister which reflects the chaplaincy program of the care facility.
This should be done as expediently as possible and with the support
of the care facility administration.
Bereavement Support for Facility Residents and Staff
In most cases, facility residents and staff are unable to attend
funeral services for those residents who have died. Bereavement
support within the facility itself then becomes an effective way to
allow residents and staff to express their feelings and loss. It is
also a comfort for them to know that they will be remembered by
their extended family when they themselves die.
This support can be accomplished by the resident chaplain in two
ways: First, individuals who were close to the deceased resident can
be referred to the minister for visitation when the staff feels it
would be appropriate or helpful. Second, a memorial service may be
held within the facility for those residents, staff and family
members who wish to attend. For ideas and materials for performing
Memorial services refer to that heading in this section of the
handbook.
It can be noted that where closure is provided and when bereavement
support is available, residents suffer less depression and express
less behavior that serves to act out their own anxiety and fear.
This allows the facility staff to focus more of their attention on
present needs rather than the continued anxious behavior of
residents who are left with unresolved grief at the death of others.
Click
here for a .pdf file of the Chaplain's Information Form
Chaplain's Information Form
Resident's Name:
Room No.:
Age: Circle One: Male / Female
Religious Preference:
Referred By (facility staff member):
Date:
Physical Concerns:
Reason For Referral:
Comments:
Chaplain:
Date of Initial Visit:
Comments:
Copyright © 2004, 2010 Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. 1543 Norcova
Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: (757) 623-7228 All rights reserved.
Copies permitted for care facility ministry.
Computer Lending Program
As equipment is made available to us through donations from the
community, Christian Concourse places computers in care facilities
in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. These machines are on loan
to the activities department or to individual residents. There is no
charge to the facility or the individual for this service. We have
some public domain software which we load on each unit, including a
comprehensive Bible study program and games.
For care facility staff and residents: To avail yourself of this
opportunity, simply call Christian Concourse Ministries and share
your need with us. As soon as we have the equipment that would
answer your specific conditions, we will inform you. It is that
simple. All we will need is a signed, completed copy of our Computer
Equipment Loan Agreement which we provide when we deliver the
equipment. A sample of this agreement is on the next page.
For Christian volunteers: If you have practical skills in computer
assembly and/or you could help someone learn how to use a computer,
we would be happy to hear from you. You may be able to help us in
this very rewarding service to care facility residents.
For equipment donations: If you would like to donate useable
computer equipment (Pentiums and Celerons) or Windows® compatible
software (Windows 98 or better) we would be delighted to hear from
you. In the event that you are not sure what you have, we will take
it anyway. Just call us and we will pick up your gift.
Christian
Concourse Ministries, Inc. is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation
registered with the State of Virginia and the Internal Revenue
Service of the United States. Therefore, the fair market value of
your tangible property donation will probably be tax deductible --
please, refer to a qualified tax consultant for your specific
situation.
For a .pdf file of the Computer Equipment Loan Agreement click here.
Computer Equipment Loan Agreement
I...[name]......
accept the loan of the computer
equipment listed below from Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc.
I am a resident or staff member of:...[facility]......
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
I understand that my only responsibility for the below listed
equipment is that I may not sell or give away or loan this equipment
and I (or the above contact person) am expected to contact Christian
Concourse as soon as I no longer have use of it. I understand that
Christian Concourse takes no responsibility as to the condition of
the equipment or its performance and that Christian Concourse takes
no responsibility for software being run on the machine, nor do we
provide training for its use.
Equipment on Loan From Christian Concourse:
Received by:
Date:
Delivered by:
Date:
Returned Equipment Received by:
Date:
Copyright © 2004 Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. 1543 Norcova Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: (757) 623-7228 All rights reserved. Copies permitted for care facility ministry.
Transportation
Though some facilities have a van or small bus, just about all
long-term care facilities could use assistance transporting their
residents. It is not unusual for an activity director to have to
leave behind some residents when going on an outing. If you have a
spacious vehicle or a church bus, you may be able to help. Call your
local care facility for the possibility of meeting a great need.
If you do not have a vehicle, you may still be able to aid in
transportation by being a chaperone. The more able-bodied volunteers
that attend an outing, the greater the number of residents will be
that are able to participate. Help is needed with boarding the
vehicle, holding doors, pushing wheelchairs, and many other tasks.
Depending on the kind of facility under consideration, the types of
trips might include museum tours, sightseeing, movies, shopping mall
visits, attending concerts, doctor and clinic visits, going to
amusement and theme parks, state fairs, sports events, fishing
trips, church services and special religious events . . . to name
only a few.
Church Shut-In Visitation Program
On the following pages are the tools for a Pastor or leader within a
local congregation to use in developing a "Visitation Committee."
Those who would be "recipients" of the ministry of the group would
include shut-ins, hospitalized individuals, and care facility
residents.
Such a program within the church helps to insure that all members
and friends of the congregation who should receive phone calls,
visits and postcards will get them from people who care enough to do
it. This type of activity in a local congregation greatly increases
the effectiveness of the ministry and outreach of the church.
Visitation Committee - Leaders Worksheet
Study this outline, filling in your ideas where applicable. Then, just follow the outline in the first meeting with the members of the group, getting their input and adjusting where necessary.
Use the forms for documenting and organizing your activities:
Privacy Note: Please be careful to respect the privacy of all the
individuals you visit. Never visit in a private home or a care
facility or a hospital without the individual's expressed consent.
Be careful to maintain their privacy in filling out these forms and
sharing them with others. Also, you must familiarize yourself with
and observe all the privacy rules of the institutions in which you
minister.
Regular Visitation Recipient
Use this form to build a notebook of individuals who will receive
phone calls, personal visits, or postcards from members of the
committee. This will keep all the necessary contact information in
one place.
Visitation Report Slip
The committee leader will fill out this slip for each one who is to
receive a visit, etc., and give them to the appropriate committee
members. They are to be completed by the committee members and
returned at the next meeting of the committee to report their
activities to the group.
Individual Visitation Record
Blanks of these forms are to be placed behind each of the informational "Regular Visitation Recipient" forms in the notebook. The leader will fill these out using the "Visitation Report Slips" handed in by committee members. From this information, the committee leader can make detailed reports to the Pastor and leadership of the church on who is visiting, who they are visiting, and how often.
Visitation Committee - Leader's Worksheet
A. General
1. PURPOSE -- What is the Biblical reason for the Visitation
Committee?
2. OBJECTIVE -- What are the practical objectives to be
accomplished by this group?
3. DURATION -- How long will this group plan to exist?
B. Meetings
1. Monthly/Bi-Monthly? (Week, Day, Time) - How often and when
will the group meet?
2. Length - How long will each meeting last?
3. Meeting notes - Who will keep the notes of each meeting?
4. Format - The following 4 point format is suggested for each group
meeting:
i. Devotional.
ii. Prayer.
iii. Visitation reports.
iv. Visitation assignments.
C. Coordinator - the person who will lead or facilitate the group.
1. Term of Office - how long will each Coordinator hold office?
2. Responsibilities - The following responsibilities of the
Coordinator are suggested:
i. Make
monthly reports to pastor or church leadership.
ii. Recruit members
for group.
iii. Determine who needs
visitation on an ongoing basis.
iv. Maintain records of
recipients of visitation.
v. Prepare meeting
agendas.
vi. Assign visitation
responsibilities to caregivers.
D. Membership
1. Requirements for participation.
2. Length of commitment.
E. Covenant - each member of the group should be able to commit to
the following:
1. Attend each scheduled meeting.
2. Get to know one another better.
3. Encourage each other in faith in Christ.
4. Mature in Christ by developing the discipline to:
i. Pray regularly
for each other.
ii. Pray regularly for
assigned care facility resident(s).
iii. Visit, call or write -
monthly - assigned care facility resident(s).
F. Documentation of actions of the committee:
1. Notes kept for all meetings of the group.
2. Monthly visit reports.
i. Number of visits.
ii. Hours of visitation.
iii. Individual residents
visited.
iv. Special needs of residents.
Regular Visitation Recipient
Beginning Month:
Of Year:
Recipient's Name:
Home Address:
Home Phone:
Family Contact: Phone:
Facility Name:
Facility Address:
Room Phone:
Facility Contact:
Phone:
Condition:
Special Notes:
Copyright © 2004 Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. 1543 Norcova
Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: (757) 623-7228 All rights reserved.
Copies permitted for care facility ministry.
Visitation Report Slip
Name of Person to Visit:
Date Assigned:
Information:
Action (circle): Call Visit Card
Date of Action:
Length of Visit:
Hrs.:
Minutes:
Caregiver(s):
Comments About Visit:
Copyright © 2004 Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. 1543 Norcova
Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: (757) 623-7228 All rights reserved.
Copies permitted for care facility ministry.
Individual Visitation Record
Name of person visited:
Fill in one line for each phone call, personal visit, or card sent
to this individual and the hours spent in so doing. For "Hrs." -
Count any portion of an hour as one (1) hour then multiply hours by
number of caregivers visiting. Use more than one row for notes
if necessary.
Date / Call / Visit / Card / Hrs. / Note / Caregivers
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2004, 2010 by Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc., 1543 Norcova Ave., Norfolk, VA 23502 Ph.: 757-714-3133. All rights reserved.
Content - © Copyright 2010, Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
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