PRICELESS CARE,
FAITH AND PRAYER T
A picture is worth a thousand words. But the sight of your family? That’s priceless.
he Landis Communities team practiced diligence over the past few months to ensure that residents at Landis Homes and Welsh Mountain Home can connect with their families via cell phones, Zoom and FaceTime calls.
Tough residents may not be able to hug their families in person for the time being, these virtual embraces are keeping a smile on many faces.
One poignant moment that Donna Mack Shenk, Landis Homes Director of Pastoral Services, recalls involved two sisters who lived together their entire lives, even before moving to Landis Homes. During the pandemic, one sister passed away. Te funeral director was able to connect a video call to the sister so that she could “be present” at the service and gravesite and see her other family members who were there.
Even more than connecting residents with others socially, pastoral staff are utilizing technology to keep residents engaged spiritually. At Landis Homes, the pastoral team saw a golden opportunity to further utilize the existing closed circuit TV system. According to Donna, in addition to regular morning devotions, the pastoral team has increased broadcasts to three times a day on the TV channel. Some residents have even been invited to sing on camera or lead hymns, so that their friends could see them via the TV.
During this season when meeting in the chapel for worship has not been possible, services have continued to be broadcast across campus. Some residents have been given the opportunity to share a sermon during the worship service. Community feedback has been so positive that Pastoral Services will be continuing these new ventures even after the pandemic. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to meet together for a worship service again,” said Donna. “We are paving the way for how we will do worship in the foreseeable future. It keeps being enhanced.”
To help encourage others, one resident began constructing small wooden crosses. Donna asked if he could make even more to give to staff members as well. “Tey’re beautiful,” said Donna, of the crosses. “Te wood shop closed due to the pandemic. So he went out and bought the equipment he needed to keep making the crosses in his garage. He’s got a little wood shop set up in there. Another resident agreed to help in his own garage.” Te crosses are each unique and these two residents are keeping Landis Homes well supplied.
Barbara Good, another resident, took it upon herself to inspire joy, laughter and encouragement through rocks. Tis might sound unusual, but Barbara and her daughter have begun painting rocks with inspirational messages and Barbara is placing them around campus. When someone finds a rock, it sparks conversation and brings hope. A recent treasure hunt even included some of Barbara’s hand-painted rocks.
Donna acknowledges that the past months and the uncertainty surrounding this time has been a challenge for staff and residents alike, but she’s been encouraged by the hope she’s seen demonstrated.
“Normally, this community is a praying community,” Donna said. “We have seen residents continue to grow in their spiritual life and their faith.”
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Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2020 An Invested Personal Connection
CULTIVATING WELLNESS
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