What thoughts come to mind with Christmas caroling? Does the thought of standing outside for a period of time in crazy weather singing jingles about snowmen, reindeer and stable scenes bring chills up and down your spine (literally & figuratively)? Or does it conjure up memories of a community joined together in a singular activity to bring cheer to others.
Could it be we realize this intangible experiential gift is something that can live eternally in our memories, that singing/listening joyful honors each other's presence showing others they are loved?
Why don't we do this more often?
It was the intersection of hospice choir volunteering and working as a church musician in December when I realized that visiting people and singing with/for them is not just for Christmas or the dying. It is for all of us at all times. And that's when Minestrone Minstrels was born.
Minestrone Minstrels is a visitation ministry of singing and sharing a meal together. I'll talk more about the meal sharing in a future entry (though if you need instant gratification visit Emily Scott's Sit & Eat blog for glimpses of my inspiration). For now, I invite you to ponder how your community, be it congregation of baseball enthusiasts, gardeners, or faithful, can remember your elder and/or home bound members with time spent together.
Caroling. It's for everyone, everyday.
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