"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18"

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Wednesday Mornings at Cedar Creek Assisted Living in Sherwood, Oregon is a time greatly anticipated by many, and especially by me. My special elderly friends join me in turning our hearts toward Jesus as we worship, pray, read the Bible and have fun. A Wednesday morning may have 8-12 people participate, last 30-40 minutes and include the following:

• Opening Prayer
• Wacky Wit (funny little short stories or sayings - this is greatly enjoyed)
• Time for Worship, three Hymns with QChord or piano accompaniment utilizing the Sonshine Society's Large Print Songbooks
• Bible Devotions using 100 Most Important Bible Verses in addition to verses from the Bible and a short time for participants to share.
• Prayer Requests (this is an exciting part - people feel valued to participate in praying for each other, family, caregivers, our community and the nation).
• Closing prayer by me and the group prayer of The Lord's Prayer Closing song: God Be With You Till We Meet Again

With prayer and God's direction, this seems to be the format with the greatest benefit to the residents. I usually decorate the table and bring small candies to share as we visit after our devotion time. The songbooks from The Sonshine Society and my recorded lesson plan keep our time together flowing smoothly and on task as we give God the very best in everything we do and say. I also look forward to further connections with a fun activity every Saturday and visit residents in their homes or before meals. This is a time to make new friends and develop relationships. Someone told me once "People don't care what you know, until they know that you care". My prayer is to have my words and actions be communicating that God Cares deeply and I do too.

My wonderful Community Group from church (6 families) has joined me in providing a 30 minute worship service once a month at Cedar Creek Assisted Living. This is a meaningful time to once again gather together to pray, worship and learn from God's Word. After the service, we have a short coffee time to form friendships, encourage one another and rejoice in God's great love for us. God has blessed our attendance and this has become a treasured time for everyone.

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"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

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Chehalem Health and Rehab is the other facility I visit weekly. The director has provided a list of confined elderly people whom I spend time with. These are usually short visits, prayer, Bible reading, or just being present and a smile. I see the same people every week and they are usually suffering and declining in their health, but I have the opportunity to remind them of God's love and faithfulness. This is an area where I have especially grown since I was quite nervous at first. Now, I think that God has answered my prayers and my commitment to bring hope and encouragement, even when it's not comfortable for me.


I am very grateful to ministries like Faithful Friends, The Sonshine Society, and God Cares Ministry that have provided information and resources helping me to minister to the elderly. God is working in Oregon and new opportunities seem to be coming up for me to expand God's work in this area. I have recently been commissioned as a nursing home chaplain and my training has started with Chaplain Dave Compton of Love Your Neighbor Ministries.

For more information contact:
Christine Leasure
22527 SW Dewey Dr.
Sherwood, OR 97140
503-625-9384

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"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" Job 12:12