By Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director

In the wake of my father's entrance into his eternal home with our Savior in heaven, like most families, we had the calling and funeral. While I was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from our community, I also remember those days as exhausting — both emotionally and physically. So, shortly after the funeral was over and we gathered in the church fellowship hall, I felt so moved by the generosity and hard work of so many people who prepared such a wonderful meal for our loved ones. We found sustenance not only for our bodies but also for our weary hearts. What a blessing!

I was reminded of my father’s funeral luncheon when a message recently arrived from someone who had received a care package through our ministry. A now widow had stayed with some family for a little while immediately following her husband’s funeral. She returned home to a pile of mail filled with bills and documents that now needed to be completed. However, amid the practical burdens of her grief, she found solace in a care package from Worship Anew, which offered not only personalized items but, most importantly, the comforting embrace of God's Word. She mentioned how uplifting it was to have that one item sharing Christ's love with her.

In her world that had this sudden sadness, someone near and dear to her had a vital role of sharing heartfelt companionship and extended a hand of love and support when she was in such need. I hope you might think of how you can help and share love with someone through this compassionate ministry.

Our research with Barna Group through “Aging Well” confirms the significance of these findings, revealing the profound impact of companionship on the wellbeing of older adults. Married individuals consistently report higher levels of satisfaction and purpose, highlighting the importance of meaningful connections within our communities. However, for those facing isolation—the absence of such bonds—this can lead to profound despair.

Through our care package ministry, individuals can provide a tangible expression of Christ’s love as well as the power of community. These thoughtfully, curated packages are filled with items to provide comfort and encouragement and serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of struggle. Centered in God’s Word, they offer spiritual nourishment and remind recipients that they are not alone.

Reflecting on the passage in 1 John 3:16-18, sometimes words can be hard to find when someone is going through a difficult time. These verses urge us to action, demonstrating genuine care and compassion for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As I consider these thoughts, the timeless words of a beloved hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” come to mind.

Through our care ministry, I’m moved every day by the commitment that so many of you provide to older adults with the love and care we have in Christ our Lord. Through acts of kindness and compassion, we extend the hand of fellowship and spread the message of hope found in God’s Word.

At Worship Anew, we want to walk alongside you as we share in the boundless love of Christ.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

1 John 3:16-18 ESV

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Verse 1:
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love; 
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Verse 3:
We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

Verse 5:
From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin we shall be free
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity