When most of us hear “Healing service” what probably first comes to mind is desperate people looking for miracles. Perhaps people in wheelchairs, or someone using crutches who stands up and throws off these devices to walk unaided.
In fact, in Franklin there has been a quiet, unheralded healing service going on monthly since early this spring at a local nursing home, Franklin Health Care, on Chestnut Street. Members of the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Franklin have been bringing Eucharistic services to this Franklin facility for a long time, but recently brought in parishioners from Redeemer who have been conducting healing services in other locations for many years.
Church members bring music, a portion of scripture and singing to residents at the facility the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. Jack Potter, Rector Emeritus of the Church of the Redeemer, has been bringing the Eucharist to residents here for the past 17 years. Walpole resident Paul Potter has been providing nursing home ministry in various nursing homes in the area over the past thirty years.
And now Cumberland, RI residents Dick and Donna Tomassini have begun bringing their healing ministry to this nursing home as well. After a recent service, Dick reflected on the experience of spending time each month with the residents. “It’s been rewarding to minister to these people,” Dick said. “We got inspired to team up with those who were bringing music and the Eucharistic elements to the nursing home residents. By adding healing ministry, it’s bringing the various gifts together.”
And what exactly happens during these services? Contrary to what you might expect, the mood is quiet. Armitage and other church members sing favorite old hymns with the residents while Father Potter, the Tomassinis and Paul Potter go around the room and rest their hands gently on each resident as they pray individually with them. Many folks are in wheelchairs, some appear to be sleeping, but when they hear the music they often perk up. Those offering healing prayer ask each person what they would like prayer for. Dick noted, “Often, rather than asking for prayers for themselves, they ask prayers for their families.”
Staff members sometimes stop in during the healing service and will quietly ask for prayers. Armitage noted, “The staff in places like this have a tough job. We try to offer encouragement.”
Patty St. Jean, Activities Director at Franklin Health Care, said, “The residents love the music, love praying, love the guitar music. Some of the residents have real faith. They need God in their lives.” She continued, “The elderly need God more—well, we all do. Eventually we all have to leave our loved ones behind.”
Father Potter, who has been visiting with these nursing home residents in Franklin for many years, is grateful for the support of this growing team of parishioners from the Church of the Redeemer. “I feel very humble when I come here, having the privilege of praying for people,” he noted. “Now with the prayer team and more personal involvement with the healing ministry—it’s important.”
Paul Potter, who has been bringing the Eucharist to nursing home residents in a number of towns for over thirty years with his wife Mary, reflected on having the healing ministry added to what the group has to share with the nursing home residents. “Father Jack is awesome to help with this work that we have been doing, and it’s great to have Dick and Donna with us. The peace that fills the residents—they’re beautiful.”
For more information about the Church of the Redeemer’s many ministries including the nursing home and healing ministries, please visit http://www.redeemerfranklin.com/
Issue Date:
July, 2016
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