If there’s one thing that elders, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, understand clearly, it’s suffering. They have no illusions that life is easy or that God owes them happiness at all times and in all things. But they, like the rest of us, also crave reassurance that suffering is not in vain and that God is present.

So this week’s nondenominational worship service video looks at the universal truth of suffering and how we can draw encouragement from our faith in God, even in the midst of hardship. This 48-minute church service video includes uplifting songs, scriptures, and more.

I hope you find the video helpful as you care for seniors during the covid-19 pandemic. Watch it with them! It will greatly improve their experience if you pause the video at certain points during the homily to engage in thoughtful discussion and personal connection — spiritual practices that are more important than ever.

I’m including here a poem that I read during the service, by hymn writer Grant Colfax Tullar (1869-1950):

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

God bless you as you minister to elders in your care.

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