CAREGIVERS DAY

MUSIC & WORSHP RESOURCES

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist

Worship Planning Notes

Caregiving can be difficult, tiring, isolating, and exhausting. This reality that is more and more common deserves recognition by the Church. It needs to be preached about, discussed, and made part of our Christian Education classes.

Some suggestions for this worship service:

(a) Try to create a warm, intimate worship atmosphere. Some options:

• Hold an evening candlelight service.
• Hold an early morning prayer service.
• Hold service in a smaller worship space.
• Hold a service in the round.
• Structure service with small groups. Attendees could be grouped into smaller groups. Interspersed with corporate worship could be experiential activities (prayer, sharing, discussing God's promises, etc.) within the small groups.
• Choose warm colors to incorporate throughout the worship space, i.e., yellows, oranges, browns, yellowish greens, warm reds, etc. They could be introduced through flowers, color schemes of printed materials, attire, banners, etc.

(b) Music

• Choose songs that speak of God's caring for us.
• For each song in the service, list a corresponding Bible verse of one of the promises of God.

(c) Prayer

• During intercessory prayers, begin naming the one offering care as well as the one for whom care is being given.
• Take notice of your prayer language. Use positive images where possible— rewarding, hopeful, thankful, grateful, loving, peaceful, etc. Pay attention to how you use words with negative connotations—duty, burden, tired, exhausting, stressful.
• Include an anointing segment in the service.
• Create a small, personalized booklet of individual prayers and encouraging Scriptures for those in your congregation who are caring for loved ones.

(d) Bulletin

• Place quotes in your bulletin at the end of the service outline to remind the congregation that their support of caregivers does not end with this service, and to encourage caregivers of their special place in others lives:

"Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer."
—John Greenleaf Whittier, 1807–1892

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing."—1 Thessalonians 5:11

1. Call to Worship, Litany, or Congregational Reading

Introit
(a) Fill This Place. By Stanley Brown

(b) I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me. By Laymon Hunter

Call to Worship
(c) From the Care Giver to Caregivers. By Michelle Riley Jones

The One who cared about you before you were born,
the One who loved you in your mother's womb,
the One who formed and shaped you in His image,
the One who called you to care for others:
We are here to worship our true and living One God;
our Creator, Comforter, and our Sustainer,
He who has crowned us with loving kindness and compassion.
And He says, "You will call, and I myself shall answer you" (Job 14:15).
We are here to worship the Care Giver to caregivers, and to us all,
and to receive the blessings of His care. Amen.

Litany
(d) Hear Some Caregiver Pray. By Michelle Riley Jones

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) Something Within. Text and Tune, (SOMETHING WITHIN), by Lucie E. Campbell
"I met God one morn', my soul feeling bad, Heart heavy laden with a bowed down head. He lifted my burden, made me so glad, All that I know there is something within."

(b) Lord, Keep Me Day by Day. By Eddie Williams
"Lord, keep my body strong so that I can do no wrong.
Lord, give me grace just to run this Christian race to a building not made by hand."

(c) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (MARTIN), by W. Stillman Martin
"No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you.
Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you."

(d) My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. By Isaac Watts
"The sure provisions of my God Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode, And all my work be praise!"

(e) Standing on the Promises. Text and Tune, (PROMISES), by Kelso Carter
"Standing on the promises I cannot fall, listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God."

(f) Does Jesus Care? By Frank E. Graeff. Tune by H. Lincoln Hall
"Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares."

(g) Hymns That Brought Me Through. By James Cleveland

(h) I Need Thee. By Annie A. Hawkins

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) We Are Our Heavenly Father's Children. By Roberta Martin. Arr. by Robert L. Morris
Audio Sample: https://resources/giamusic.com/mp3s/6567.mp3

(b) King Jesus Is A-Listenin.' By Victor McKoy

(c) Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit. Spiritual. Arr. by Dale Adelmann. For AATTBB, a capella

(d) All My Help Comes from the Lord. By Cleophus Robinson

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs or Praise Teams

Praise Teams
(a) There's a Lifting of the Hands. By Israel Houghton

(b) You Are My Strength. By Reuben Morgan

(c) It Is Well. By Horatio Spafford. Tune, (VILLE DU HAVRE), by Philip P. Bliss

(d) My Life Is Available to You. By Darwin Hobbs

Choirs
(e) My Help. By Jackie Gouchee Harris

(f) I've Got a Reason. By O'Landa Draper

(g) In God's Perfect Hands. By Kurt Carr

(h) All of My Help. By Hezekiah Walker

(i) Oh How We Love You. By Preashea Hilliard

(j) Right Now Lord. By Martin "Lute" Wardlaw

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Wonderful Merciful Savior. By Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse

(b) Healing. By Richard Smallwood

(c) My Help. By Jackie Gouchee Harris

6. Anthems
(a) I Will Look to the Hills. By Charles Garner
Audio Sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/6338.mp3

(b) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas Chisholm. Tune by William Runyon. Arr. by Nathan Carter. For mixed chorus, solo, and piano
Audio sample: http://resources.giamusic.com/mp3s/5590.mp3

(c) Beautiful Hands. By Ron Hamilton. Arr. by Hamilton & Buda. For SATB choir

7. Modern Songs
(a) Dwell in Me. By James Johnson, Jonathan Nelson, and Kenneth Shelton

(b) Only Help! By Lowell Age and Tye Tribbett

(c) Here in Our Praise. By Derek "DC" Clark, Fred Hammond, and Michael Bethany

(d) I'll Hold On. By Jerome Armstrong, King Logan, Michael Bethany, Michael White, Reggie Miller, and Terrence Battle

(e) Leanin'. By Elisha Hoffman. Arr. by Alvin Chea and Christian Dentley

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) I Feel Your Presence. By Hezekiah Walker

(b) Still. By Percy Bady

(c) Created4This. By Vashawn Mitchell

(d) This I Give. By Darius Paulk

9. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) The Overflow (Fill Me Again). By Anthony Brown and Justin Savage

(b) Holy Spirit Fill This Room. By Martha Munizzi

(c) His Strength. By Rick Robinson

(d) Meet Me Here. By Delana Rutherford, Elder Rod Lumpkin II, and Myles Rutherford

(e) Pulling Me Through (Live). By R. A. Vernon

10. Sermonic Selection
(a) He'll Meet My Need. By Carol D. Antrom

(b) My Help Cometh from the Lord. By Mattie Moss Clark

(c) Faithful Over a Few Things. By Glenn Burleigh

(d) None Like You Oh God. By Christian Dentley, Dana Brathwaite, and Joy Jones-Harr

(e) It Is Well. By Erica Campbell, Tammi Haddon, Tina Campbell, and Warryn Campbell

(f) For We May Never Know. By Marvin Winans

11. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. Tune, (GOD CARES), by W. Stillman Martin. Instrumental arr. by Todd Ledbetter

(b) Lead Me to That Rock. By Hezekiah Walker

(c) Near to the Heart of God. By Cleland McAfee. Instrumental, for Sax

(d) In the Arms of Jesus. By Alvin Darling

(e) Come Unto Me. By Mark A. Williams

12. Benediction/Sending Song or Instrumental
(a) Jesus Christ Is the Way. By Walter Hawkins

(b) Great Is Our God. By Christopher Lowe

(c) Be with Us All, Lord. By Uzee Brown

Benediction Prayer
(d) Go With Us Now. By Michelle Riley Jones

The one who does not overlook the work you do,
and the love that you have shown to others,
whose love will lift you as you have cared for and lifted others;
the one who will cover you with His own hand.
the one who has never let you go,
and whose gentle voice reminds you "I am with you always,"
will go with you now.
Amen.

(e) Beatitudes for Caregivers. Author Unknown

Blessed are those who care and who are not afraid to show it—
they will let people know they are loved.

Blessed are those who are gentle and patient—
they will help people to grow as the sun helps the buds to open and blossom.

Blessed are those who have the ability to listen—
they will lighten many a burden.

Blessed are those who know how and when to let go—
they will have the joy of seeing people find themselves.

Blessed are those who, when nothing can be done or said, do not walk away,
but remain to provide a comforting and supportive presence—
they will help the sufferer to bear the unbearable.

Blessed are those who recognize their own need to receive,
and who receive with graciousness—
they will be able to give all the better.

Blessed are those who give without hope of return—
they will give people an experience of God.

Amen.

13. Other Suggestions

(a) Spirit Spa for Caregivers. Create a special afternoon service that combines the elements of worship with spa activities. The full service could span a half day or a full day, with each person's schedule being no more than 2 hours and varying to allow for smooth flow (i.e., one caregiver may visit stations in order of 1, 2, 3, 4; while another's schedule may be 2, 1, 3, 4). Secure pro-bono or paid services of spa technicians. See sample outline below:

• Worship elements

• All stations can be equipped with soft worship music.
• Worship facilitators can float through the various stations to share Scriptures connecting the spa activity with God's promises, to pray with each caregiver, and to learn if there are any special prayer requests or needs the caregiver has.
• Build in a segment for a brief (5–7 min.) homily sharing thoughts on the blessing of allowing others to minister to them. This can be scheduled at certain times throughout the day period.
• In lieu of a homily for a small group, you can also set up one-on-one time with a pastor, elder, or minister.
• Share information on ongoing services of the church or the community that can support caregivers and those for whom they provide care. Be sure that you have printed information from agencies that provide low, no-cost, and sliding scale services as well as information from state and local agencies.
• Spa elements
• Personnel: friendly, caring greeters and technicians;
• Environment: soft music, dim lights, candles, oil air fresheners, etc.;
• Comforts: white, silk shawls as an alternative to robes; spa slippers; spring water infused with fruit, cucumber, mint, etc.; hot herbal tea; fresh juices; fresh-cut fruit and organic snacks; comfortable seating;
• Schedule: Have scheduled arrival times so that you can pamper each guest fully; and
• Spa stations can be set up throughout the facility, but within reasonable proximity to each other.

Spirit Spa for Caregivers

A Worship & Spa Service of Caring for Caregivers

Welcome

Welcome: Care Giver to Caregivers. By Michelle Riley Jones (1c)
Scripture: "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
Music: Have soft music playing as persons arrive: God Will Take Care of You. By Civilla D. Martin. (11a); My Help Cometh from the Lord. By Mattie Moss Clark (10b)
Activity: Welcome and embrace caregivers and greet them with a white robe or shawl and slippers. Also, offer water, juices, tea, etc. to people as they arrive.

and then lead them to a place to relax

Scripture: "Come unto Me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Music: Holy Spirit Fill This Room. By Martha Munizzi (9c); Near to the Heart of God. By Cleland McAfee. Instrumental, for Sax (11c)
Activity: Escort caregiver to an elder for prayer and give them a sheet detailing the worship & spa flow. This should be in a very comfortable setting.

STATION #1: Rest Your Feet

Scripture: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Music: Wonderful Merciful Savior. By Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse (5a); Meet Me
Here. By Delana Rutherford, Elder Rod Lumpkin II, and Myles Rutherford (9d)
Activity: Foot massage, pedicure, and prayer

STATION #2: Beautiful Hands

Scripture: "Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:10).
Music: In God's Perfect Hands. By Kurt Carr (4g); You Are My Strength. By Reuben Morgan (4b)
Activity: Hand massage, manicure with heated towel, and prayer

STATION #3: The Blessing of Receiving
Lessons learned as we allow ourselves to receive from others

Scripture: Choose one that you believe is most appropriate.
Music: The Overflow (Fill Me Again). By Anthony Brown and Justin Savage (9a); Healing. By Richard Smallwood (5b)
Activity: Homily or one-on-one discussion based on the theme of allowing others to minister to us. Prayer. Sample Devotional: http://lauriecoombs.org/tag/allow-others-to-bless-you/. Share information on ongoing services of the church to support caregivers.

STATION #4: In the Arms of Jesus

Scripture: "His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me" (Song of Solomon 2:6).
Music: In the Arms of Jesus. By Alvin Darling (11d); He'll Meet My Need. By Carol D. Antrom (10a); It Is Well. By Horatio Spafford. Tune, (VILLE DU HAVRE), by Philip P. Bliss (4c)
Activity: Shoulder massage and/or seated chair massage
Prayer: Beatitudes for Caregivers. Author unknown

(c) Below are several suggestions provided by the National Family Caregivers Association:

• Be a truly "Caring Congregation." Survey the caregiving families in your community. Identify the help they need most—transportation, respite, help with insurance or other paperwork, household support, regular meals, guidance on end-of-life issues. Organize a volunteer network to respond to the needs most frequently cited.
  
  
• Provide Home Visitation on a regular basis for family caregivers and their loved one by trained congregational volunteers on a regular basis. This helps to keep the family connected to the church and helps the pastor and others know what the needs of the family are.
  
  
• Create an RSVP (Respond Swiftly to a Vulnerable Population) Team to identify vulnerable members of your congregation and help them fill out emergency contact information forms for the church and their closest family members, along with a plan of action for their safety.
  
  
• Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten up a family caregiver's day.
  
  
• Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a caregiving family in your congregation so they can just relax and enjoy the holiday.
  
  
• Train family caregivers and others in your congregation in first aid, fire extinguisher use, and infection control.
  
  
• Invite family caregivers to participate in a prayer chain for other caregivers in the congregation. This may help them feel more connected to the congregation, as many caregivers are not able to attend services due to their responsibilities.
  
  
• Organize a Prayer Circle that meets on a regular basis to pray for members who are in a caregiving situation. It can be through telephone, email, or a small group gathering. Trained members of the congregation may offer respite care for their loved ones while the Prayer Circle meets.

(d) Form a committee to develop a resource for helping Caregivers plan home-based worship with those under their care. Below is a sample that can be modified for home-based planning:

• Evening Star Handbook: Worship Ministries for People with Dementia.
  http://www.calvin.edu/cicw/resources/pdf/Dementia-HandbookforWorship.pdf

See below at #13 “Other Suggestions,” for additional ways to help caregivers who are in your congregation and your community.

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

1. Call to Worship, Litany, or Congregational Reading