by Sheila Goehring
COVID-19, a blessing in disguise? Is that possible? Maybe blessing isn’t the right word; regardless, positive things have happened in the life of Eastbrook Church that may not have commenced apart from the pandemic. One such positive result has been the formation of a small group of singers that visits with homebound members of our church family.
As Senior Director for Congregational Care, Pastor Ruth Carver keeps regular contact with members who, while appreciating the live-streaming of worship (another pandemic-born ministry), wanted to see, visit with, and still feel a part of their church community. So, in October 2020, Pastor Ruth sent out an open invitation for anyone who might be interested in singing some hymns and taking a little bit of Eastbrook to these people. Initially, eight of us responded, and a new outreach ministry began.
Our first outing took place on January 10, 2021, to four different residences. Still in the midst of the pandemic, these initial visits took place outside the windows or doors of our dear friends. Even in Wisconsin’s wintry weather, it was wonderful! We prayed together and harmonized a capella to sing various hymns.
Within six months, as things began to return to “normal,” we were able to enter each person’s residence, with masks on, of course. Reopening also meant our desire to add to this ministry by sharing communion with these church family members became a reality.
Fast forward three years, to present day. This small ensemble of eight to 15 singers has been privileged to visit with these Eastbrook family members at 45 different stops over 18 ministry outings. We sing, we pray, we share communion and hugs, laughter, tears, faith stories, and miracles with one another.
The hymn group sings with a homebound Eastbrooker in his living room in Milwaukee, in March 2024.
Each visit varies a bit, but generally starts with the group members introducing themselves. Pastor Ruth then shares about the significance of communion, and the group sings “Let Us Break Bread Together.” Scripture is read, the elements shared, general prayers of praise and thanksgiving are offered. The group sings two or three more hymns or carols, always including “It Is Well with My Soul.” We end by praying for the person or people we’re visiting, especially lifting up any specific needs or requests shared.
LISTEN: Sing along with members of the Hymns for the Homebound ministry, as they raise their voices to the hymn, “It Is Well.”
We have visited people in a variety of residential settings—individual homes and apartments, nursing homes, senior living centers with varying levels of care—from the heart of the city of Milwaukee, to surrounding communities, to the suburbs as wide as Waukesha, Pewaukee, and Oconomowoc. There have been visits to individuals, a couple or family, even a room filled with friends and fellow residents of the Eastbrook member, who invited them to share this faith moment.
Each visit has been unique and yet also shares a sameness in serving as the hands and feet of Christ to bring this small piece of Eastbrook to these precious homebound members. And, as many times as we’ve gone out, and as many people as we have ministered to, we always come away feeling that we were blessed.
One of the greatest blessings has been to visit with some individuals who were terminally ill. Group member Jerry Pickett reflected that, “being able to share a blessing, communion, worship and prayer is an honor for us, knowing that you will be one of the few to bless them this side of glory. But the blessing is also for us because we have the privilege of our brother or sister to lead the way for us.”
Those times have provided an opportunity to “Sing Me to Heaven.” We have then been privileged to sing at some homegoing celebrations, as well.
Each person, each visit is special. And each has its own story that could be shared. But one of our first visits, before we brought communion, will stay with me forever. We saw Dr. David Moberg, at the time 99 years young, on an early June day meeting outside at Luther Manor. After doing our usual singing and praying, there was some small talk, and the hymn “Children of the Heavenly Father” was mentioned. Dr. Moberg then began singing the hymn to us in Swedish, the original language of the hymn and the heart language of his emigrant parents. What a gift we received that day!
I am forever grateful for this ministry opportunity that has allowed me, allowed us—and God willing will continue—to connect or reconnect with some of our at-home Eastbrook brothers and sisters. To God be the glory! ■
In addition to ministering to our homebound community members, Sheila Goehring is a member of Eastbrook’s Worship Choir. To learn more about the various groups and opportunities to lead our community through music, arts, and prayer, visit eastbrook.org/worship-prayer.
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