I grew up in the Lehigh Valley ofPennsylvania, first settled by Moravians, German speaking Protestants fromEastern Europe suffering persecution in the 17th and 18thcenturies. They chose biblical names fortheir communities. My hometown was Emmaus, for example. And it was a short distance from there toBethlehem, known as “The Christmas City.” The Moravians have many beautiful traditions and hymns for theholidays. One of my favorite Christmascarols is “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” One verse goes,..
A week before Christmas seven years ago, my spouse, Dave, and I were both sick with a virus at the same time. It was the first time in 29 years of marriage that we had..
As we enter another month of the COVID-19 pandemic reaching our communities, I hear so many of us struggling with this suspended time. A time when nothing is ordinary. I..
Reprinted with permission from Ira Byock, MD, chief medical officer of the Institute for Human Caring of Providence health system. His books include Dying Well, The Four..
Many of us may remember the adage from our childhood, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” What we may have learned along the way is..
During the past two weeks, those of us who provide services for older adults who live in or need the supports and services of senior living communities, have seen more..
During this pandemic, United Church Homes and the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging would like to support you in providing care to older members in your..
Concerts have been cancelled. Sporting events both amateur and professional will not take place for the foreseeable future. Great cultural gathering places, museums and..
“Make new friends, but keep the old…” I can hear my Brownie troop’s voices singing the old song. I loved Brownies and Girl Scouting, and singing was just one part of its..
During these 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday, we are using “Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith” by Henri Nouwen as inspiration for this blog. This..
