Flipbooks

ADVERTISEMENT Make a photo album. Get your family to print off photos of what's been going on with each family member over the past year. Label each photo with names and the event. When you call, you'll have something that you can refer to when you bring up stories. You can also make pages dedicated to shar- ing favorite Bible verses and words of encouragement. Make sure to check with the care facility first to see what kind of gifts can be received. 3. Watch an online service together. Most churches are now offering some type of online service. Make a date to watch the service at the same time and then connect after for a virtual coffee hour. Take notes during the sermon or highlight a fa- vorite hymn you sang, and then take time to share. Read a devotion together. Find a daily devo- tion that you can follow together as a family. The day you call to connect, ask about the devo- tion for the day. Be ready to share your thoughts and to listen to their insights on the Scripture. 4. Send it slow. Who doesn't love receiving a handwritten letter? Consider giving younger children a writing assignment to describe some- thing that's going on in their lives. Ask plenty of ques- tions in the letter so that your loved one has something to respond to. If your older family member is unable to write, ask the care facility if there's a staff member who could assist in writing replies. 5. 6. 7. Make art. Design something as a family that can hang on a wall or sit on a table where your loved one can remember how much you care. This could be a canvas everyone puts a handprint on with a Bible verse in the center or a digital piece of art using a beautiful stock photo and a favorite Christian quote. Consider the living space and where the piece of art could be placed. This list is certainly not exhaustive. Talk with the staff at your loved one's care facility to find out what other families have done to stay connected. Also, get clarifi- cation on the rules for visitation and gifts. Check with the care facility on the availability of a chaplain or pastor who may be able to visit with your loved one. Though it may seem difficult to do, the need is stronger than ever to keep connected. Study after study is show- ing that those in assisted living and care facilities are feeling more isolated than ever during this pandemic. Yet, there is hope. In Christ, we have a connection that will never fade, one that will always last. w About the Author Thomas Moll is content manager at Worship Anew, a media ministry based in Fort Wayne, IN. Thomas collaborates with church workers and mental health professionals to develop resources to support individuals and churches centered around their mission of sharing Christ's love. Learn more at worshipanew.org. Lutheran Life 23

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