I remember being bummed out on September afternoons after church in Minnesota. September was our church's month at the nursing home. I would think of a thousand excuses why somebody else should go. I'm sure my presence must have been something less than inspiring.
Nine years later, I understand something I did not realize back then: that many nursing home patients are mentally sharp, spiritually devout men and women, who are only a few years removed from full, active lives. And if they could, they would still be in church every Sunday morning. Our little half hour Sunday afternoon service was, for them, a way to connect with something deeply meaningful in their heart.
It is common for nursing homes to invite churches to put on mini services for their patients. It is not common, however, for churches to actually put their heart into that privilege. Indeed, for many it is a burden. Just like it was for me all those years ago. Why is that? Why do so many adults miss the fact that society's most vulnerable citizens desperately need what they have?
If we adults miss it, the good news is that our children don't have to. Last month, my daughters went to back to back services in our local town here in Oregon. They sang as our worship leader (our "go to guy," no less) led them in a few songs. Then they listened intently as someone gave a short message. After that, they did something else: They talked with the patients. They got to know their names, their stories. They prayed together. And now they look forward to seeing them again.
Religious services in nursing homes are optional, of course, for patients. But these services deserve to be treated with forethought, love and respect. If we value the patients, the least we can do is show them that they are worth our time.
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