'Love Notes' Newsletter #67 - Happy New Year 2009



"Love Notes" Newsletter #67 - Happy New Year 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,  Sandy and I want to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!   We are going to be the Leaders of NC Kairos Torch # 2 to be held at a youth development center in Butner on May 1-3, 2009.  We are in the process of calling a team of 25-30 people from local churches and will hold five training sessions stating Feb. 28.  Please help us in prayer.  Also, please continue to pray for our twins, Adam & Matt, as they deal with progressing Muscular Dystrophy. They hope to start new jobs soon that will be physically less challenging.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As we enter into this New Year, we suggest that it is time to raise the bar in your ministry activities at the nursing homes. During the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, many friends, relatives, and volunteer groups make special visits and presentations. Now that the holiday activity has ceased, it is now more important than ever to come along side the residents and be their "Faithful Friends".  You will find some Christian New Years Resources at Annie's New Year Page.



Valentines Day, February 14, 2009, is an ideal time to show the residents how much both you and God love them. Visit our Valentines Day Page.



There you will find several examples of Devotionals and Cards that can be printed and handed out, as well as links to other useful websites. Make sure to read your group "The Father's Love Letter."



Since it is Super Bowl XLIII time, try this Devotional on God's Super Bowl at your next meeting. Print some extra copies to hand out during your presentation.



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to highlight some happenings from our web site this past month.

 

1.)  We are helping a young man in Michigan make a nursing home ministry presentation at his church.  He plans to start a group like Faithful Friends.

 

2.)  We have been requested by someone at a nearby church in Raleigh to help them in developing a Nursing Home Ministry.

 

3.)  We received this encouraging message from our December Drawing Winner:

 

I have been recovering from brain surgery and have not been able to check my e-mail.  It was a nice surprise this morning to find this waiting for me.  I have a deep love for the elderly.  I used to be an Activity Director in a Nursing Home and it is my prayer that God is going to open a door that I will be able to do that again soon. 

 

I took a break to become a stay at home Mom when my second son was born almost 15 years ago now.  I was planning to return to work when he started school, however God had other plans for me.  He blessed me with my third son.  I have had several health problems that has prevented be from returning to work.  Most recently I have been suffering with seizures that prevented me from driving. My Church has a nursing home ministry on Thursdays and a couple of ladies worked out transportation for me to get there.  I really have missed working with them.  I have always loved the elderly so much.  They are the sweetest people and so easy to love. They have so much to offer if people would only take the time to listen.  I have so many sweet memories that I will always will cherish of the many people that has crossed my path in working in a nursing home.

 

As I am typing this. I hear a voice that is telling me "you see, you see I told you so."  By this I mean that I have been praying that I would be healed through my surgery and that God will open a door for me to return to work and let me use my love for the elderly.  Your e-mail gave me a faith uplift. God is so GOOD!  Maybe this is his way of talking to me!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be sure to enter our January Monthly Drawing.  We have had only 8 entries to date and will be adding a DVD about Martin Luther as a bonus to our subscribers.  You may enter on our Home Page:

 



 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Be sure to watch the shot video on our home page about Clowning at the Nursing Home.

 

Here is a great devotional on the aging process that we found on Our Daily Bread.

 



 

Here is one from The Upper Room that may be useful.

 



 

Looking for a Hymn?  Try the Hymnary Web Site.

 



 

Here is a New Years Hymn form the Cyberhymnal.

 



'Love Notes" Newsletter #68 - March 2009 - Happy Easter

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners, Sandy and I are so thankful for all your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for our Kairos Torch Ministry. We have just finished our first Team Meeting with the 25 Volunteers that God has provided. Also, please pray that many of senior friends will find salvation during this Easter Season. Our twin sons continue to struggle with the onset of Muscular Dystrophy.

 

As we begin the Lenten Season and approach Palm Sunday and then Easter Sunday, we would like to encourage you to use this special time to focus the attention of the residents on the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Our Easter Season Web Page has information and resources for Lent, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday.

 



 

The residents will certainly appreciate a service with elements of the rich Christian Tradition in which they were raised. Consider bringing in a large wooden cross and giving out fresh palm items on Palm Sunday.

 

We  have added two Good Friday Handouts that were supplied by Tom McCormick.  You can print them out at:

 



 



This is an appropriate time to consider using a Christian Hymn as the basis of a short Easter Sermon. Check out our Special Web Page to help you in this regard. You may want to consider using the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

 



 

We suggest that you utilize the book The Final Week of Jesus by Max Lucado in your program

 

Make sure to register for our February Drawing. As of today, there have been only five entries. Just go to our home page sign up.  As always, our "Love Notes" subscribers receive an extra resource, which for February will be a New Hard Cover copy of the Large Print KJV Seniors Devotional Bible. ( a $60 Value!)  We will extend the Drawing to Midnight March 3rd.



Our January Drawing Winner was Rick Helms and here is the information he shared.

 

"From Sept 2008 thru December 9th 2008 I have had to have 4 heart procedures, which includes a triple-by-pass, a heart attack and then 2 stints. All during this time God was telling me to start a nursing home ministry at a local nursing home. Since then God has blessed me beyond words. I\'ve seen 2 people saved, assisted in sending three people home to meet the Lord; and several opportunities to teach and learn from the elderly. One thing the nursing home has done is to make me more appreciative of live, and that life more abundantly is through loving and not money. When you notified me about my winning January prizes the first thought that came to mind was another opportunity to serve and give my nursing home more. I will share these item with my little family at the home. Please continue to pray for my ministry, and that God will keep providing opportunities to serve Him.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to highlight Our Favorite Evangelistic Resources, many of which can be printed and handed out during one of your services.



 

Our all time favorite is "I Stand at the Door and Knock."

 



 

"Love Notes" Newsletter #69 - Happy Easter 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

Sandy and I are so thankful for all your thoughts and prayers for our Florida friends daughter, Kristin, who went to be with the Lord on Sunday at 7:10 PM.  She had several days of comfort and peace with her family, dog, and friends at a Hospice facility near her home.  Please continue to pray for her family as they go through this difficult time.  More information is at:

 



 

We ask that you also continue to pray for our twin sons battle with Muscular Dystrophy and for the upcoming Kairos Torch Retreat to be held at CA Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner, NC on May 1-3.  We have been helping to prepare 25 team members for this walk of faith.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

We again want to emphasize using this special time to focus on the salvation that comes from Christ alone.  We have updated our Easter Season Web Page which has information and resources for Lent, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday.

 



 

Our prayer is that many seniors will receive salvation through Christ during this special time.

 

We would like to highlight Our Favorite Evangelistic Resources, many of which can be printed and handed out during one of your services.

 



 

Our all time favorite is "I Stand at the Door and Knock."

 



 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an appropriate time to consider using a Christian Hymn as the basis of a short Easter Sermon. Check out our Special Web Page to help you in this regard. You may want to consider using the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

 



 

Review this Devotion on the Hymn "And Could it be."

 



 

Take a look at these Hymn Devotionals:

 



 



 

And these appropriate Daily Bread Devotionals:

 



 



 



 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You might want to include "The Final Week of Jesus" by Max Lucado in your program 

 

We would also like to call your attention to a new DVD that should be useful in a Bible Study for the residents.  It is "Mature Hearts - Scriptural Promises for Our Beloved Seniors" by Sandy Dunbar.  We will be adding this resource to our April and May Drawings.  More information is at:

 



 

"Love Notes" Newsletter #69 - Happy Easter 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

Sandy and I are so thankful for all your thoughts and prayers for our Florida friends daughter, Kristin, who went to be with the Lord on Sunday at 7:10 PM.  She had several days of comfort and peace with her family, dog, and friends at a Hospice facility near her home.  Please continue to pray for her family as they go through this difficult time.  More information is at:

 



 

We ask that you also continue to pray for our twin sons battle with Muscular Dystrophy and for the upcoming Kairos Torch Retreat to be held at CA Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner, NC on May 1-3.  We have been helping to prepare 25 team members for this walk of faith.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

We again want to emphasize using this special time to focus on the salvation that comes from Christ alone.  We have updated our Easter Season Web Page which has information and resources for Lent, Palm Sunday, and Easter Sunday.

 



 

Our prayer is that many seniors will receive salvation through Christ during this special time.

 

We would like to highlight Our Favorite Evangelistic Resources, many of which can be printed and handed out during one of your services.

 



 

Our all time favorite is "I Stand at the Door and Knock."

 



 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an appropriate time to consider using a Christian Hymn as the basis of a short Easter Sermon. Check out our Special Web Page to help you in this regard. You may want to consider using the hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross".

 



 

Review this Devotion on the Hymn "And Could it be."

 



 

Take a look at these Hymn Devotionals:

 



 



 

And these appropriate Daily Bread Devotionals:

 



 



 



 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You might want to include "The Final Week of Jesus" by Max Lucado in your program.  It is available at:

 



 

We would also like to call your attention to a new DVD that should be useful in a Bible Study for the residents.  It is "Mature Hearts - Scriptural Promises for Our Beloved Seniors" by Sandy Dunbar.  We will be adding this resource to our April and May Drawings.  More information is at:

 



 

"Love Notes" Newsletter #70 - May 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

As Spring is emerging this year in Raleigh, we stand in awe of God's Beauty and Presence. Although we miss our 23 year stay in Florida, the Lord is continuing to make it abundantly clear that this is where he wants to use us. Please continue to pray for the Kairos Torch Retreat that Sandy and I are leading starting tomorrow at 4 PM and going until 5 PM on Sunday. 25 volunteers will be ministering to twenty young men at nearby CA Dillon Youth Development Center

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 58th Annual National Day of Prayer will take place Thursday, May 7, 2009. Millions will unite in prayer as thousands of events will take place from coast to coast. Please visit our special web page for ideas and resources.



The theme for this year is "Prayer... America's Hope" and is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you."

Beth Moore will join Shirley Dobson to lead the nation in prayer as the 2009 Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

Please visit the Official National Day of Prayer Web Site.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mothers Day will be celebrated this year on May 10th. We will be celebrating Mother's Day in both our own homes and families, and also during our regular visits to the nursing homes. We have highlighted National Nursing Home Week, which begins on Mother's Day and continues for 7 days. Since a majority of the residents we visit are mothers, it is an ideal time to honor them and make them the focus our attention.

Traditionally, Proverbs 31 is the chapter in the Bible most often quoted at this time. Visit our new Mothers Day Celebration Page for devotions, links, and resources you may find useful in your presentations.Memorial Day is celebrated this year on May 25.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Nursing Home Week will be celebrated this year on May 10-16, 2009. This is a great time to start planning some activities during this period. Please visit our Special Web Page that has a link to the official web site for this holiday. You will find many suggestions and links to help celebrate this special time both with the residents and in your community.



Also, during the prior week, May 3rd-10th, the Hugs for Health Foundation is celebrating National Hug Holiday Week. The focus is on the health of residents in nursing homes, most of whom could use a good hug. Their official Web Page is at:



Be a "Hugger for Jesus" during your next visit.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to share our Memorial Day Page which has some Online Resources that may be helpful in a Memorial Day Presentation



At most facilities we have visited, there are usually a few residents who have served in the Armed Forces. Also, there are many of us who have lost friends and family in the active duty of serving our country. This is a great time to remember how we obtained the freedom to worship our Lord today and to pray for those brave souls who are still protecting that right. Bring small flags for the residents and tap into their huge reserve of prayer power.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Love Notes" Newsletter #71 - May / June 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

Summer has arrived and Sandy and I are as busy as ever.  Last weekend, we were honored to attend our grandaughter Emily's Pre-School Graduation and her annual Ballet recital.  We continue to mentor young men at CA Dillon Youth Development Center, and Larry has been active in helping with the Men's Ministry at our Church.  Of course, the nursing home ministry still remains near and dear to our hearts.  Larry will attending the annual CFCCM Meeting in Ridgefield, NC from September 29th to October 2nd.

 



 

We have an urgent prayer request for a special friend in VA named George, who is battling prostrate Cancer.  On Friday, June 12th, he goes for an evaluation by a new facility.  Please join us in prayer that the staff will make an accurate diagnosis and determine an effective course of treatment.  Also, please pray for a fast and complete recovery.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This year we were again both blessed and humbled to be interviewed on radio during National Nursing Home Week. George Carden of UNI News interviewed us over the phone. He then sends selected portions of the interview to a large number of Christian Radio Stations.



We sent news releases to many local media and our church, and our church secretary published it in our  Sunday Worship Folder.  We urge you to use this special day and National Grandparents Day to promote nursing home ministry and your local group.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father's Day is celebrated the third Sunday in June each year. We would like to share some Online Resources on our Father's Day Page that may be helpful in a presentation.



At most facilities we have visited, we have not found there to be a large number of fathers. Because of this, we suggest that you review the Text Version of a Father's Love Letter and use all or part of it in your presentation. It is a love letter from your heavenly Father and should have a powerful effect on the residents.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate our country, our heritage, and our freedom. We would like to share some Online Resources that may be helpful in a presentation.



At most facilities we have visited, there are usually a few residents who have served in the Armed Forces. Bring small flags for the residents, play and sing lots of patriotic songs, and use their huge reserve of prayer power to pray for our nation. You may find some additional resources on our September 11 Tribute Page.



 

You may want to purchase a copy of Americas Favorite Patriotic Songs to help with the music.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some Patriotic Holiday Program ideas  from one of our web site visitors.

• This was very easy for Memorial Day.  or could be used for any patriotic time.  allows you to create and print out military i.d. tags on paper.  I chose this text: Remember Jesus Christ Raised from the dead 2 Timothy 2:8, and a second tag with Jesus Christ Savior of the World.

I laminated the tags, cut them out and put them on split rings (i didn't have ball chain, which would have been better)  I like to have a small token with every lesson for the residents to take back to their rooms. 

The Bible lesson used Psalm 103 (forget not his benefits) so we had two scripture references for remembrance.  We remembered our war dead, thanked God for the vets who were present, and talked about the greatest soldier to ever walk the face of the earth.  The one who vanquished the foe once and for all. 

I did not have any appropriate music - so i found some great songs on itunes (which i am new at --- how fun!!) Over There, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, White Cliffs of Dover.  The residents enjoyed that, and I was glad to have such an easy source!

• Since I am a lady, I like to play a cassette recording of a man reading the scripture.  I personally love to hear a man reading the Word, and think the residents like it too.  I used an old KJV cassette Bible, but I think i should invest in a CD bible. 

• We have our church service in the dining room, starting with music while the people are finishing up their Sunday noon meal.  (We used to go at 2 pm, but found many of the folks napping.)    It works very well in the dining room, as we sometimes capture the attention of the staff and any visitors.   We capture many more -- about 90 percent of the residents, and they are feeling content and comfortable. 

I am so very thankful the Lord is blossoming a love in my heart for this outreach in our town.  It is so precious to worship with these folks.  I find the ideas for sermons and tokens and songs come very easily.  I have struggled over the years to find my place in the church.... and planning lessons and meetings for kids, adults, teens has always been a challenge.  But when I am thinking about what to say to the elderly, it is just so easy and quick. I must give God all the credit.  You all are a part of what is happening in my ministry life.

Roberta Edwards

"Love Notes" Newsletter #72 - July / August2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners, 

 

Sandy and I want to thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers.  We are pleased to announce that we will be part of the third Kairos Torch Retreat in NC at the C. A. Dillon Youth Development Center nearby in Butner on November 13-15.  Please pray that the weekend will again go smoothly and that God will be glorified in the outcome in these young men  Also, please continue to pray for our twin sons with their medical situation with Muscular Dystrophy. Our son Matt who lives here in the area has now gone on Social Security Disability and will be starting a home based internet based business called Unique and .  Also continue to pray for George, our good friend in VA, who has been receiving radiation treatment for prostrate cancer.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We will be attending a meeting of the Christian Fellowship of Care Center Ministries ( CFCCM ) from September 29 to Oct. 2 in Ridgecrest NC.  More information on this is found at:



Please be in prayer that the participants will take back to their home ministries much encouragement, enthusiasm, and many new ideas. We pray that the impact of this meeting will be a blessing to many residents in Care Facilities and to the participants and their ministries.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Sunday following Labor Day has been designated National Grandparents Day. This year it is celebrated on September 13, 2009. We want to lift up and honor all grandparents, but especially those who are confined in Healthcare Facilities. They need our love, compassion, and time. Take time today to go out of your way to wish a dear elderly person a hearty "Happy Grandparents Day!". It may just make their day, and yours also! This Holiday is a great time to promote your nursing home ministry and to celebrate the wonderful grandparents at the facilities you visit.

Please visit our special National Grandparents Day Web Page.

 



 

We would like to challenge you send out the News Release on our Web Page and see what God will do with it. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to share something appropriate that was written by Deb Gillard, who works with Larry in his Charlotte Office.   It is entitled "The Heart of Nursing Home Resident". You may download it at:



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As we remember the Anniversary of the September 11 National Tragedy, we suggest you revisit our September 11th Tribute Page and our Comfort and Peace from God's Word Page for some resources. Tap into the prayer resources of our special residents to pray for our nation.

 





----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our June Drawing Winner was Rev. Robert Jacobs of Thomasville, GA.  Robert was involved with the start up of Faithful Friends in South Florida and served as our Chaplain for several years.  He has his own web site at:



 

There is still time to enter our July / August Drawing for Ministry Resources. Since activity during the summer is slow, you should have a good chance of winning. You can enter on our main page at:

 



 

As a special bonus for our "Love Notes" subscribers, we will be including a "like new" Soft Cover Seniors Devotional Bible.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We came across our original "Love Notes" Newsletter and wanted to share it with you.

 



 

Here are two other resources we would recommend:

 

 - Bible Study on DVD specifically for the elderly

 

  - Great devotional from the Upper Room.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We get many requests for material for a short devotional that would be meaningful to the residents.  We recommend you revisit our Hymn Based Sermonette page:

 



 

A great source of material for this is found at The Center for Church Music Web Site.

 



 

A new hymn is detailed each week along with the lyrics, music, short devotional, and history.  This week "It is Well With My Soul" was featured.  Give it a try!

 

 

"Love Notes" Newsletter #74 - September 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

We are so grateful to all of you for your support, prayers, and friendship.  We have just finished our second training meeting for the third Kairos Torch in NC, which will occur on Nov. 13-15 at the CA Dillon Youth Development Center in Butner.  We are blessed to be sharing this ministry with 25 other team members and 21 residents at the institution.

 

Please continue to pray for our twin sons MS condition and for our good friend George in VA who has completed a series of Radiation Treatment for cancer.

 

Fall is our favorite time of the year and Larry had the blessing of sharing it at a NC Mountain Resort with 10 other ministries from across the US.  It was the Annual Meeting of the CFCCM, Christian Fellowship of Care Center Ministries.

 

 

 

There was much, prayer, fellowship, and sharing, and we all were enriched and encouraged by the experience.

Here are some new resources we learned of at the conference.

 

 -  Edna Welbourn of GLEAM Inc has been developing CDs specifically for those residents with Dementia.

 

 - Drs. Richard & Diana Walters have developed CDs and printed multi-sensory materials for ministering to Alzheimer's Patients

 

 - Chaplain Bill Goodrich's new book, "In the Garden with Jesus and Friends", is a great condensed guide for starting a new ministry at your church.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some new web pages that may be of interest:

 

 - The Heart of a Nursing Home Resident by Debra Gillard.

 

 - Music of the Soul from Daily Bread Devotional

 

 - God's Gift of Prayer from the Upper Room Devotional

 

 - Recruiting and Fund Raising for your ministry

 

 - Download a FREE CD from Diana McMahan's Musical Medicine Series.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some resources that will assist you in a Fall Presentation.

 

 - Annies 2009 Holiday Page 

 

 - The Autumn Season at Barb's Entourage

 

 - Christian Alternative to Halloween at Barb's Entourage

 

 - Garden of Prayer from Our Daily Bread

 

 - Healthcare Recognition Dates

 

 - The first week in October is National Letter Writing Week.

 

This would be a great time to write some personal letters to the residents at the facilities you visit. We             have some printable cards on our web site that also could be used.  Visit our Seasonal Page -

 



 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Make sure to visit our Home Page and sign up for the September Drawing for Resources.  We are adding a  Seniors Devotional Bible as an incentive for those who subscribe to our Newsletter.

 



 

Note: We have found a new source for the Seniors Devotional Bibles at -

 



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Love Notes" Newsletter #75 - Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

Sandy and I would like to wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all of your thoughts, prayers, and support over the years.  We will be participating in Kairos Torch #3 at CA Dillon Youth Development Center next weekend.  Please pray for the 20 young men at the institution as well as our ministry team.  We will following up the weekend with 6 months of one-on-one mentoring.

 

 Please continue to pray for the health of our twin sons, Adam & Matt and for our friend George in VA.  George has responded favorably to the treatment and the prayers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 26, 2009. This is a great time for a special program in your ministry. Please visit our Thanksgiving Page. for some ideas, links, and resources. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reach the hearts of the residents and show them how much they are appreciated.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Bible Week is celebrated each year Sunday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week. This year the date is Nov. 22 to Nov. 29, 2009. This celebration is an ideal opportunity to stress reading and understanding the Bible. Please visit our National Bible Week Page for more information.



You may also want to visit one from their Daily Bible Reading Website.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were blessed to have an information booth at a regional nursing home ministry convention in Norfolk, VA this weekend.  It was sponsored by Jerry & Dar Johnson of Christian Concourse Ministries.  Information about it is on their web site at:



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick and Marcia Ballard have a new web page for their Mountaineer Ministry.  Please take a look at this wonderful ministry.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We would like to recommend a powerful resource for your ministry. It is a book called "Prayers for Seniors:From Your Heart to God's Ears" by Lin Fagerland. Lin and her husband Jerry have a nursing home ministry called Home Free Ministries and the book is available from their web site.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our September Drawing Winner was Kay Watts of Orlando, FL.  Please visit her web page for some helpful and interesting information.



Take time to read her Guidelines for Nursing Home Outreach:



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Love Notes" Newsletter #76 - Merry Christmas 2009

Dear Friends and Ministry Partners,

 

Sandy and I want to wish you the most Blessed and Merry Christmas ever.  Our lives have been blessed and enriched by all of you.  Your friendship and prayers are really appreciated.  Please continue to pray for Adam & Matt as they face the challenge of dealing with progressing Muscular Dystrophy.  Also, please pray for the continued healing of our friend George in VA.  Please pray for the 20 students that our being mentored by our Torch Prison Ministry Group for the next 5 months.  Sandy and I have been greatly blessed by this ministry especially during this Christmas Season.

 

 

Our 2009 Christmas Letter is available online for those of you that may be interested.

 



 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Christmas is a time of giving and showing God's love to others. What a better time to focus on our needy friends in the nursing home environment. At this time of year they are experiencing both loneliness and depression.   We have a Special Christmas Page that will help you in planning your visits around the Christmas period. On this page we have compiled many suggestions, resources, and links.   Check out the gift ideas and printable materials.



While it is true that many groups and entertainers make the rounds during the holidays, it is the simple things from people, who see them regularly and care for them individually, that mean the most to the residents. For many, we are the only family they have. Won't you consider to bring each one a small gift and a card, give them a hug or a kiss, and tell them that Jesus loves them and so do you!

You may want to printout the Christmas Card we are giving to the residents along with a small gift.



We have used the "Is Someone Smiling Devotional" in our scheduled visits to the nursing home. We would like to challenge you to try printing out extra copies of this inspiring message and giving them to those people you meet in your everyday travels between now and New Years. We have seen some amazing things happen when we did!



 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Consider using at a Hymn Devotional from the Center for Church Music on "A Way in the Manager".

 



 

You might want to use a drawing we received in our prison ministry.

 



 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

You can get free Hymn Booklets with Christmas Carols in Large Print and an accompanying CD from Christian Concourse Ministries, Inc.

 



 

Also, they have a Care Package Program listed in their extensive Online Handbook.  It has many good ideas for gifts for the residents.

 



 

Other gift ideas can be found at:

 

 - From Rev. Terrance Wilson

 

 - Oriental Trading - Check out their Christmas Specials

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can get a free copy of Rick Warren's New Book "The Purpose of Christmas".

 



 

Also, check out his downloadable sermon resources.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Now is a great time to enter our December Monthly Drawing.  As a special incentive to our "Love Notes" Subscribers, we are offering in addition to the award the multi-sensory materials from Alzheimer's Ministry.  "The Good News Book" and "Remembering the Life of Jesus" are great evangelistic resources especially designed for memory disorder residents by Richard & Diana Walters.  You can get more information on their web site at:

 



 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

We would like to highlight several resources  that might useful during this Christmas Season both as resources and as gifts to the residents and those who care for them.

 

A Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas by Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen.  Available at your local bookstore.

 

Prayers for Seniors: From Your Heart to God's Ears by Linda Fagerland - Prayers for all occasions for both the senior and the minister.  Available from their web site:

 



 

Sharing the Care: When Someone You Love Resides in an Adult Care Facility by Lyn Roche - "The" Daily Devotional for the Caregiver and those ministering to the elderly.  Available at:

 



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download