|
 LOVE IN MOTION: WHEELERS & WHEELIES
Joyce Roberts , Staff Writer
“Thank you. Sunday’s are the highlights of my week!”
Every Sunday, 15 to 20 people in wheelchairs worship at Calvary Church, enjoying the familiar old hymns and the warm greetings they receive. After service, they meet in the rotunda to enjoy donuts, coffee and even more attention from the Calvary family. Over and over again, they express how they feel loved, welcomed and a valuable part of the Calvary family.
The Wheelers Ministry is an outreach to residents of the Vasona Creek Health Care Center, a nursing facility right next door to Calvary Church, and other facilities in the area. Although some travel via Outreach, most of them rely on Wheelers. Many are involved beyond Sunday morning, visiting the facilities during the week, doing Bible Studies and making a difference as they become involved in the lives of these appreciative people.
Gail had no family close by but learned that she was not alone. Although often feisty, spirited, Gail loved coming to church and attending weekly Bible study. But when Gail’s failing health prevented her from coming at all, she became frustrated. Even after angry phone calls, her Wheeler friends continued to visit, calming her with their prayers. At her funeral, her family told how often Gail had talked about her Calvary family and how it encouraged them to know Gail had “family” here for her.
“The love flows both ways,” says Donna Nelson, a Wheelers volunteer. “We feel we have expanded our family through this ministry.”
For more information about Wheelers, please contact Melanie Juarez at 408.266.1072.
|
