by Debbie Jorgens
Late last fall, David Johnson stopped me after worship one Sunday morning to tell me a story about his mother, Anne, who was in hospice at the time and struggling with memory loss. David said he had gone to visit her and when he asked how she was doing she said, “I went to church!” David was intrigued since his mother definitely had not left the building, nor had she watched worship via livestream.
After a little more digging, David learned that the hospice chaplain had visited her. Anne’s faith was a very important part of her life, and she was visibly uplifted by the chaplain’s visit. David said to me, “I just wanted to tell you this to remind you that every time you go to visit people, you are bringing the church to them.”
I was moved by David’s words and appreciative of the reminder. I have heard similar words from Prince of Peace members who are not able to physically participate in worship and other events at church. They are always grateful (as I am!) for our conversations. That said, they are rarely surprised by a visit or phone call from me – after all, I’m a paid staff person, and congregational care and visitation is my primary responsibility!
What is most meaningful to our members who cannot attend church is the phone call, email, card, or visit from others in the Prince of Peace community. I cannot begin to express how encouraging it is for them to be reminded that they are missed and that they’re in the thoughts and prayers of fellow congregational members. A simple act can mean the world to someone who needs to be reminded that although they cannot physically come to church, they are still a valued part of our community!
So please remember, as David reminded me, that when you reach out to our members who are sick, hospitalized, in transitional care, homebound, or going through a rough patch in life, YOU are bringing the church to them. And God is using you to be a greater blessing than you can even imagine!