Nursing Home Ministry
Church Ministry Serves Nursing Home
For the past 15 years an important but small church ministry has been providing Sunday worship services to the residents at the Thomas Upham House, a nursing home located directly across the street from our church in Medfield. The typical resident is elderly, ill and infirm. Many feel isolated from, or abandoned by their families. Many suffer from physical, mental and emotional stress associated with extended illness and advanced ageing. This ministry carries a message to them that God has not abandoned them and never will, that God will always remain at their side to give them comfort, peace, strength, guidance and the never-ending love they so desperately need.
This rewarding ministry provides two worship services each month to the patients. They start at approximately 11 o’clock, last 30-40 minutes, and are finished before noon. Members of the ministry worship in our 9:30 service, meet in the Narthex afterwards, and then go directly to the nursing home where they conduct the worship service for the residents.
Designed to be especially fulfilling of the residents’ needs, the worship service includes a Call to Worship, Prayers of Invocation, Prayers of the People, The Lord’s Prayer; scripture readings plus Psalm 23, multiple hymns, a sermon message; and a benediction. Individual members of the ministry assist by doing parts of the service which appeal to them or for which they have a special talent such as playing the piano or doing readings. Some prefer to extend a hand of fellowship to the residents while others provide a general support to the ministry, typically by adding voices to its small choir. Each person’s contribution is valued and the sum of all contributions makes a successful whole.
Those who have been participating in this ministry on a regular basis most recently under the leadership of Mike Polagye are Marge and Ken Swedeen, and Barbara and Howard Sanderson. A number of others also participate periodically as their schedules allow.
Won’t you please consider joining this much needed and fulfilling ministry? Additional talent and support is always needed. If you are interested or have questions, contact by email or telephone:
Michael Polagye, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) 508-520-0865
