A week ago, Manor Care Health Services

held a nice luncheon for its many volunteers.

My relationship with Manor Care goes back

32 years, when Beulah Hill Baptist Church

began its nursing home ministry.

Countless people have tirelessly and selflessly
given to this ministry over the last three decades.

Seven of them were able to attend the
volunteer recognition luncheon.

Left to right are: Margie, Jim, Melissa,

Johnny, Jane, Ken, [Chipper], David

I could tell you volumes about the love

and dedication of each of these fine folks.

Johnny and Jim converse with other

long-time volunteers, Roland and Caroline.

Several tables of wonderful folks from all

over Moore County enjoyed a delicious 

meal together, including wraps, veggies,

potato salad, and ice cream cake.

Here's Margie with Brenda, assistant

activities director.  Brenda is very supportive

and assists us with filling the dining room

for our church services or for my 

monthly singalongs.

Kristen is the activities director and a

dynamo of ideas and creativity.  She

thinks I won't photograph her silliness.

But like me, she will sometimes behave.

She and the entire staff are wonderfully

encouraging to those of us who visit.

Meet Aaron, who assists at our other

ministry at Pinehurst Nursing and Rehab.

Donna frequently helps out at

both locations.

Jim (center) regularly leads and shares

devotions for us at Manor Care.  He had

to work on the day of the luncheon.  Jim's 

family has often provided special music

to enhance our Sunday services.

Faithfully serving in this ministry since its

inception in 1980 are my in-laws, Jack and

Thelma.  They have now passed the reins

on to fellow laborers, and the Lord continues

to supply workers who have a heart for 

the residents of these homes.

Here is Margie with Ray.  Ray passed away

in December and is greatly missed by all

who knew him.  For several years he was

my constant companion and sidekick at

the Sunday services as well as my monthly

singalongs.  Ray had a tremendous heart for our

 friends -- and he could play anything on guitar!

Rest home ministry is very rewarding.

You meet some of the most remarkable 

people.  They are deeply appreciative of

time spent meeting their spiritual needs.

I'm thankful to be a part of this endeavor.

The residents, staff, and my co-workers

are all a blessing to me.  And each time

we gather, God's love and presence are

evident in the relationships and special 

moments we share.

Here is our regular schedule if you would

ever like to drop in and join us:

Church Services

 Manor Care: 2:30 each Second Sunday

 Pinehurst Nursing: 2:30 each Fourth Sunday

Singalongs with Ken and Friends

Manor Care: 2:30 each Fourth Monday

(though this month it will be April 30)

Pinehurst Nursing: 2:00  each Third Thursday