December 2011 - Christmas Caroling

On December 10, we again visited the Misericordia Nursing Home to sing Christmas Carols for the residents.  We sang for about 30 minutes, mostly traditional Christmas Carols but also a few more modern worship songs.  We were very well-received and had a few residents singing along!  Our group was small but we persevered and sang for the glory of the Lord!  Prior to our visit, we had colored and signed Christmas cards for the residents, so after the singing we handed out the cards.  We made sure each resident received one, even if they were in their rooms and/or sleeping.  Everyone continues to be blessed by this outreach.

Front of card

Inside of card

(Photos will be forthcoming!)

September 2011 - Rest Home

We decided to revisit the Rest Home badge this year for a few reasons.  First, I think it was a really great experience for the residents AND the children last year and I'd like to continue visiting there.  Also, we have some families who either didn't complete the badge or weren't in the Club last year and I want them to have the opportunity to earn it.  Even some of the parents were moved out of their comfort zone, I think, when we went and spoke to the residents and also sang Christmas carols and other songs for them.  I think that's a good thing.
At last evening's meeting, we did a Bible study/character lesson on "Compassion" that naturally led into talking about how we can show compassion and love to others, namely the residents at the nursing home.  The children then worked on coloring simple Christmas cards I had made up, printed with John 3:16.  We will hand these out to the folks when we go caroling there in December.  In the Keepers book, they mention that when you visit these people, it may be their first or last opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Wow.  So I wanted to be sure to include a simple Gospel message on the cards rather than the usual Merry Christmas or other "holiday" greeting. 

February 2011 - Singing

For the month of February, we decided to visit the nursing home again.  This time we practiced our singing first!  Turns out there is a badge for Singing in the handbooks, so this will be a bonus badge. We sang a variety of hymns, contemporary Christian songs as well as old favorites and Sunday School songs.  Again, the residents were happy to see us.

December 2010 - Rest Home, part 2

On December 4, we visited Misericordia Convalescent Home for the second time. This time we sang Christmas carols to the residents. Some of the residents remembered us and we had a nice time of fellowship after the singing. A blessed time was had by all!

October 2010 - Rest Home

For the month of October, we worked on our "Rest Home" badge. During our first meeting, we made a craft to take to the nursing home residents. For our second meeting, we visited a nursing home. We spoke with the residents, asked them questions about their lives and childhoods, and gave the gifts we brought. It was an enjoyable time for the children and the seniors.