FATHER DAVID’S BLOG OF 2/14/2020 — We need new SsAM volunteers to visit Regal Heights on the fourth Sunday of the month to offer brief worship services that includes the celebration of Holy Communion. This ministry takes about two hours a month including travel time.
Our current dedicated and faithful volunteers have given their time and talent over the years, but it is time for new people. The current volunteers have begun to diminish in number as a result of them getting older or simply wanting to retire after so many years of service.
Regal Heights Health Care and Rehabilitation Center is located in nearby Hockessin, Delaware. It provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew to share the love of God in Jesus Christ. This once-a-month ministry began about thirty years ago when St. Matthew’s members, Louise Lewis and Alma Roberts would visit St. Matthews parishioners who lived there. It began with parishioners from St. Matthews and then, after the consolidation of the two parishes in 1996, this ministry has continued to provide an active monthly worship service for the residents.
I recently met with Paulette Francis and Gloria Connor-Bungy and invited them to share their perspectives about their experience as volunteers. I would like to see this ministry continue and hope SsAM members will volunteer. I see this ministry as a wonderful way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others who are alone and are experiencing varying levels of physical and mental distress. It is also an important part of our pastoral care ministry.
What is required to be a part of this monthly ministry? You are invited to come and see what we do on the fourth Sunday of the month. We arrive between 2:00 and 2:15 and help the staff of Regal Heights escort folks from their rooms to the worship service. Volunteers help pass out song sheets as well as assist residents with turning the pages to find the hymns to sing. The worship service is about a half hour long, then volunteers help escort residents back to their rooms. The time commitment is not great and I promise you that you will get as much from the residents as they receive from you, the volunteer.
If you would like to learn more about this outreach ministry, please contact Paulette Francis or Gloria Connor-Bungy and they will be glad to share the joy they have received over the years visiting with folks at Regal Heights. The great thing is that anyone can volunteer! All that is needed is a wonderful smile and a desire to be in relationship with others. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, please contact the church or me.
Peace,
Fr. David+