“The Emeritus choir is sounding better and better” says Jim after the conclusion of a joyous sing along to ‘This is The Day That the Lord Has Made’. Song sheets fluttered the room, hands clapped in semi-unison, and the guitar jammed as the elders from the Emeritus Carmel Valley nursing home exercised their lungs. The spirit of worship and fellowship deserved a “Hallelujah!” after residents like Marge shared their amazing harmonic skills. The tune of ‘Amazing Grace’ provided just the key to switch these residents into gear as they sang out in full memory; Marge knew the whole thing by heart!

Emeritus Assisted living, Memory Care, and Nursing Home

“Save us Dave!” exclaimed Jerry the guitarists enthusiastically as song time concluded and Dave stepped up to share the word. The message was a study and reflection of James Ch.2 Verse 1-13. Today’s lesson was a reminder of the importance of showing courtesy, compassion, and consistency to all people. Hope and faith were restored as Dave reminded them that God shows no partiality in love and judgment. He also explained the safety, comfort, and true freedom that come with faith and giving oneself to Jesus. A cool breath of fresh air blew across the room as Dave ended his lesson with the sentiment that “Mercy triumphs over judgment”.

Jim and Lita (volunteers)

The visitors to Emeritus, the assisted living, memory, and nursing home in Carmel Valley, on this special Wednesday included Jerry, Jim, Dave, and Lita, a group from Horizon Christian Fellowship. However, this was not just one special Wednesday. The gathering happens to be a weekly even. The elderly ministry and outreach is an area of service that Jim explained had been praying about for decades until it finally came into being. Jim shared the heartwarming experience he encounters each time he hears the joyful sing along of hymns. He explained the most incredible part of the entire experience was the fact that most residents suffer from Alzheimer’s and short term memory loss causing many barriers to communicating. These barriers however, seem to be non-existent when it comes to singing and families are consistently uplifted as they watch their grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, and fathers participate. The Horizon elderly ministry gives us just another glimpse into the light of God’s love being shown through his followers who are truly showing compassion for all people!

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