The holidays provide unique needs and opportunities.
CARDS FOR CAREGIVERS
This year cards are of greater value than ever. Texts, emails and sending an e-card have their time and place. But, there is nothing like the tactile experience of receiving an envelope in the mail, holding it in your hands, ripping open the envelope, pulling out a card, seeing a beautiful picture and opening it to find a handwritten message of affirmation and care. It brings light to a dark mood and refreshes a tired soul.
There is a critical need among caregivers this holiday season. The challenges of caregiving have been extreme, made complicated and dangerous by nearly two years of Covid.
This week, I asked Jonathan, one of the owners of Home Care Assistance of Douglas County, if he thought his 50 Caregivers would appreciate receiving a card, not from their boss, nor from the people who depend on their care, but from a community who recognizes and appreciates their efforts, sacrifices, dedication and compassion. "I think they would love it, even if is only addressed to 'a compassionate caregiver.'"
A card will reveal that you invested time, thought and a little money to make sure a caregiver has the opportunity to feel valued when they read, "Who you are and what you do matters. Your work requires energy, skill and compassion. Thank you for pouring yourself out to care for those in need."
Here are a few places you and your care ministry can send cards and meet a need: Home Care Assistance, a Skilled Nursing Facility, a Memory Care Home, a Hospital, a Homeless Shelter, the County Human Services Department...
BLUE CHRISTMAS
Mountainview Christian Church, where I have served as Pastor of Congregational Care, for the last five years has hosted a Blue Christmas Service for people who have endured a loss and are feeling grief during the holidays.
Usually between 35-50 attend this intimate service, gathered around the fireplace in the Great Room (aka--Fellowship Hall}.
Would anyone attend an online version? With Covid spikes at the end of 2020, we asked that question as we planned an interactive online service. Our attendance tripled!
In addition to grieving the death of a loved one there has also been loss from divorce, unemployment, financial setbacks, missed events due to Covid, sickness, loss of peace and calm from social and political injustice and unrest. Everyone is in some degree of grief for some reason.
The Blue Christmas Service celebrates Jesus' birth into a world of darkness, on a dark night into a dark and dirty place to bring his love, joy, hope and peace to the dark and dirty places of our lives. Do you want a Blue Christmas Service script? Email me at bestcareministry@gmail.com.
Care ministry is caring for people in their times of need. The holidays provide unique opportunities to help people feel valued and cared for.
Have you got an idea to share? Send it to me at bestcareministry@gmail.com.
When we care for people in these ways it matters.
Your life matters,
Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478
