Today being the third Saturday of the month, some of us from the “nurturing” team at Holy Moly/St Nicholas were at Asbury Park for the ecumenical service we do. On my way in, I spotted this on the schedule board for the day: there we are at 10:30, in direct competition with the Wii Bowling.

And let me say, the Wii virtual bowlers were kicking ass and having a great time, from the sound of it.

We had a pretty good time too – Tim from choir showed up, so we “made a choir” and stood together. Finished with “Amazing Grace,” which I folked up a little when I heard Mary play a “blue note” on the digital organ in the intro. Tim sang the tenor part and we made a pretty good duet of it. One very dignified black lady almost whooped and hollered when Father Paul announced the hymn, it’s apparently a favorite of hers. So as we helped her out afterwards, she told us she loved it and looked forward to our monthly services so much. Really, it’s just a little thing, but the residents seem to appreciate our efforts so much – Mary was there on the electric piano, and this time we noticed that the heavy instrument had been moved and positioned so it had a great view of the front of the chapel. That was thoughtful, whoever did that. We’ve tried to move it, and it’s incredibly heavy.

We saw Richard, the guy who’s writing the kids’ story about a mousemonaut, and also the usual assortment of vintage ladies who seem to get a big kick out of our modest efforts.

I held the little silver doodad that holds the oil for anointing ( think it’s called chrism?) and was really moved by the first two, who held each other up in the most loving way as they approached. I couldn’t help but wonder if our attendance was down because of the nice spring weather we’re finally having, and whether the folks that were there got many visitors. A lot of the prayers and collects that Fr. Paul uses in putting together the short liturgy mention the lonely and the ill, along with the poor and the oppressed.

It’s always humbling to assist, and we make a point of going to where people are sitting in the chapel if they can’t come forward. Most of the residents get around pretty well, but a few people like to settle in one place. Before we started one of our regulars told me she’d like us to serve her at her chair; I chuckled and said “Don’t worry, we deliver.” But then she was able to get up and come forward, rather than wait. Really touching.

I always get charged up at these deals, and today was no exception. Next month, we have to do something different as Fr. Paul can’t be there.
Via: Flickr Title: Wii bowling at the retirement home By: GinnyRED57
Originally uploaded: 19 Apr ’08, 5.23pm CDT PST