Sunday ALF Ministry - What's Happening?
Celebration @ Mag. Manor
by Jim Plautz on 06/22/17
Two years ago someone told me that death is part of an ALF - that's why senior citizens come to live here. Well, it's still not easy, especially when four are lost in two weeks. Irma, a 92 year old resident informed me two Sundays ago that four residents had passed; Lila Numair, Ruth Previte, Ann Harding and Abbie (who was not part of our church group). That's quite a few for a 40-bed facility.
We celebrated their memory, said a prayer and prayed that these women were looking down upon us from God's Kingdom and praying that when it's our time, that our souls will be acceptable to the Lord. That's what we Christians believe.
Easter Update (Sunday) - Arden Court, Mag Manor and Brookdale
by Jim Plautz on 04/21/17
5 Easter Eggs, split among 8 Christians - 5 Catholics received Communion; Arden Courts is exclusively for "memory" patients. I walked in and asked "What Day is it? SUNDAY, was the answer. EASTER, a couple answered. I asked, why is this a special day? CHRIST IS RISEN, a man responded. Wow.
I also visited Magnolia manor (23 Eggs) and Brookdale (15 Eggs, including 4 for their Alzheimer's wing). I ran out of eggs, but got 4-5 volunteers to forgo their treat. We did a full Communion Service including scripture readings and a summation of Fr. Lipscomb's "Dragnet Homily".
What a wonderful Easter Celebration this was, for me, and many of the elderly ALF residents that could, otherwise, not attend church!
Easter Update (Wed) - Idlewild
by Jim Plautz on 04/21/17
11 Easter Eggs, 4 Catholics received Communion. This is a new ALF where one Catholic asked our Parish if someone could come and give her Communion once a week. I asked the Activities Director (Rebeca)if there were other Catholics. There were, and we now give a mini service in the small Theater for 4-5 Catholics and 5-7 other Christians who are gathered for an Idlewild Baptist Church service that immediately follows. We all say the Lord's Prayer before Catholics receive Communion and the rest receive blessings. Very nice - 10 minutes is all it takes.
Easter Update (Wed) - Brighton Gardens
by Jim Plautz on 04/21/17
20 Easter Eggs (with candy and scripture messages in each egg). We celebrated on Wednesday, with visits to both the Skilled Nursing and "Memory" units. The memory-loss patients are so!!! appreciative. I read a few of the scripture messages (e.g. Trust in the Lord .... Proverbs 3:5) for those needing help. Several in Skilled Nursing asked if I would be back Easter-Sunday (I can't, because I visit 3 other ALFs on Sundays and no "subs" are available). Sad!
Easter Update - Manor Care
by Jim Plautz on 04/21/17
10 Easter Eggs, each with candy from the Easter Bunny and a brief scripture message from the Lord. We celebrated a week early because I only visit once a month. Six Catholics included in the 10. Two ladies thanked me for coming. Good visit. Worthwhile.