Every Tuesday at 9am, staff and residents from across the campus meet in the Menno Hospital Chapel for a time of prayer. You are invited to join us!

A short devotional is led with a reminder of God’s Word and prayer requests are shared. Following the sharing, prayers are lifted to God – silently and in spoken word. One by one prayers are shared. Often a tear slides down the cheek of one who is sharing in the prayer circle. Sometimes as God’s love and kindness touches their heart, sometimes as they allow themselves to feel the suffering of others, sometimes for their own sufferings.

As we prepared for the New Year, Ingrid Schultz, Menno Place chaplain led us in the devotional and to the heart of God. She reminded us of how the Psalmist opened his heart to God in Psalm 103 and found gratitude for life…

Bless the Lord, O my soul…. and all that is within me bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul… and forget not all His benefits,

We then shared with each other our gratitude for experiences, people and understandings with each other and then we prayed -for those in the circle, for those whose names were brought forward and for all whose lives are touched by the service and care at Menno Place. We prayed for you.

Here is a New Year’s Prayer for you…

God,

bless this year

giving us

time for the task

peace for the pathway

wisdom for the work

friends for the fireside

love to the last.

Amen

From The Mothers’ Union Anthology of Public Prayers

 

Families & Friends are invited to enjoy our next Concert in Care

Since 2006, over 8,000 high-quality professional Concerts in Care have brought the rich experience of performance arts to people in residential care across Canada.

Date: January 5, 2015

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Hospital Chapel

Harpist Janelle Nadeau’s performances showcase a range of musical genres from Celtic, Spanish, classical and popular songs. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a major in Harp Performance. She is a member of the ensemble Winter Harp, a guest performer in various orchestras, and enjoys a career of performing around the lower mainland. Janelle was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Celebrity Cruises, has performed numerous solo tours and has won various awards. Her classical training, combined with her personal contemporary repertoire, provides a refreshing approach to the harp. Janelle’s small town farming roots are reflected in her warm engagement with each audience as she introduces each selection.

When the Clearbrook Mennonite Church on Peardonville Road in Abbotsford, BC came to the realization that they would need to close their doors, they began to pray for ways that their remaining funds could benefit charities that were close to their hearts. This was difficult after 62 years of vibrant ministry in the Clearbrook area of Abbotsford, BC.

One of the practical questions that needed resolution was how to disperse the remaining funds of the church. A long-time member of Clearbrook Mennonite Church immediately had a suggestion. Her husband spent some time as a resident at Menno Place when he was ailing at the end of his life. It was there that this church member became aware of the need for good condition wheelchairs for the residents and recommended a sizeable donation to Menno Place to purchase brand new basic wheelchairs for residents in need.

With the donation from Clearbrook Mennonite Church, Menno Place was able to purchase 5 wheelchairs with specialized cushions and tension-adjustable backs. When an elderly senior is no longer mobile, the occupational therapist assesses their mobility needs and may recommend a wheelchair for the individual. Historically, the cost of a wheelchair is not covered by most care facilities.

On January 1, 2016, all residential care facilities in BC will be required to provide a basic wheelchair to residents who are prescribed one as a medically required piece of mobility equipment. At this time the Ministry of Health is in discussions about how this will be funded.

At Menno Place, we are grateful for the donations from the community that provide us with the capacity to better serve our elderly and frail residents. Thank you to Clearbrook Mennonite Church for considering the practical needs of seniors and making this significant contribution!

We would like to extend an invitation for you to join us at our Family & Friends group meeting on Thursday, December 17 from 1:30-2:30 in Menno Home Chapel. We will have 2 guest presenters: Sharon Simpson, Director of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement and Joanne Sweeney, Volunteer Manager for Menno Place. We would also like to invite your loved one for this special Christmas meeting to enjoy a time of sharing and refreshment together.

Family & Friends provides an opportunity for two-way communication with the care facility, but also is a forum to share experiences, learn and exchange information. Sharing with others can be supportive and encouraging.

We value your input, so if you have suggestions for a guest presenter either from the facility or in the community, please let us know. Learning about dementia, caregiver stress, depression, legal issues, etc helps us all.

Best Wishes,

Dan Janzen (Social Worker) and Ruth Neufeld (Social Services)

The Annual Memorial Service for families and friends of deceased at Menno Hospital and The Apartments takes place Tuesday, November 10th at 6:30pm at the Menno Hospital Chapel.

Note: Menno Home holds their Annual Memorial Service in December – date TBA