2025 (Oct, Nov, Dec) outreach stories

October 2025

We had a deeply meaningful time being present together through music and ministry with our friends, the residents and staff of Atria Park of Tucker, singing songs from 1863-1973 involving 12 different forms of transportation and remembering, anticipating, and imagining all kinds of journeys … journeys of adventure, ambition, anticipation of a hoped-for reunion, connection, encouragement, euphoria, exploration, freedom, futuristic discoveries, hope, imagination, love, new beginnings, perseverance, reflection, rest, returning home after a failed dream, salvation, separation from loved ones, sharing what we have with another, simplicity, and stillness.

Paul did a stellar job with tech, as always. Shelly gathered an incredible array of props to show and to share. Pam was in her element as fun and welcoming MC and along with Shelly brought so joy (and dancing) to the room! Patricia, Tamera, and Karen sang songs we had prepared, as we encouraged the many who attended to join in on songs they knew. Shelly gave another of her beautiful cross paintings “The Promise” to a very grateful brand new resident. Joy abounded, grace abounded, love abounded! All glory to God!

October 2025

Rivers Alive – report and photos coming soon!

October 2025

We had an awesome and special time being present together through music and ministry with our friends, the residents and staff who live in Atria LG. Two new residents had moved in since our previous time here. One of my favorite caregivers who is also a musician was filling in for someone else, so that was an extra special treat! We sang songs from 1863-1973 involving 12 different forms of transportation and remembering, anticipating, and imagining all kinds of journeys … journeys of adventure, ambition, anticipation of a hoped-for reunion, connection, encouragement, euphoria, exploration, freedom, futuristic discoveries, hope, imagination, love, new beginnings, perseverance, reflection, rest, returning home after a failed dream, salvation, separation from loved ones, sharing what we have with another, simplicity, and stillness.

Paul did a stellar job with tech, as always. Shelly was both MC and prop maven, bringing so much joy and fun to the room! Patricia, Tamera, and Karen sang and encouraged everyone to join in. We had a sweet and beautiful time together and closed with a personal blessing for each one present. All glory to God!

“God said, ‘My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.’” (Exodus 33:14, The Message)

October 2025

Nine of us from our Liberty Vineyard Church family had a wonderful and encouraging time with our friends, the residents and staff of Meadowbrook. JR prepared delicious seasonal treats, Declan danced for us all several times, Faith helped with everything, Shelly served as MC and prop queen, Paul ran tech, and Patricia and Tamera and Karen sang the songs. Many in the room joined in, with several surprising us by knowing every word of some of the songs – that was so delightful! We did songs from 1863-1973 involving 12 different forms of transportation and remembering, anticipating, and imagining all kinds of journeys … journeys of adventure, ambition, anticipation of a hoped-for reunion, connection, encouragement, euphoria, exploration, freedom, futuristic discoveries, hope, imagination, love, new beginnings, perseverance, reflection, rest, returning home after a failed dream, salvation, separation from loved ones, sharing what we have with another, simplicity, and stillness. We closed with gratitude, blessing, and a special gift from Shelly to one special resident. All glory to God!

“God said, ‘My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.’” (Exodus 33:14, The Message)

November 2025

“Songs of Thanksgiving”Monday, November 3rd, 2025

We had a beautiful time with residents and staff at Atria LG, always a joyful reunion! Leila, Freh, and Sonya gathered the residents, Paul ran tech, Shelly MC-ed and shared props, and Patricia, Tamera, and Karen sang a dozen songs. There was much singing and dancing, and both tears and rejoicing! Each song reminded us to thank God and people for our many blessings, including: each and every new morning; family; all of God’s beautiful creation; friends; each day; good friends whom we can count on; that God who created us and all of creation sustains all of God’s good creation, including us; that prayer is a gift from God and that God hears us whenever we pray; the sweetness of being loved by God and by others; everything that God created, including you; for loved ones, in every color of weather, whatever life brings our way; and for our many blessings from God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment in this wonderful world! (Many staff from other parts of the building wandered in and out during our set – it was especially delightful for Karen to see many of these dear friends whom she no longer sees on a daily basis.)

“Thank God no matter what happens” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, The Message)

November 2025

Our time with our friends, the residents and staff of Atria, was overflowing with emotion, both highs and lows, as we remembered many ways in which to give thanks to God and others in this season of thanksgiving! The songs reminded us to express thanks to God for our many blessings, including: each and every new morning; family; all of God’s beautiful creation; friends; each day; good friends whom we can count on; that God who created us and all of creation sustains all of God’s good creation, including us; that prayer is a gift from God and that God hears us whenever we pray; the sweetness of being loved by God and by others; everything that God created, including you; for loved ones, in every color of weather, whatever life brings our way; and for our many blessings from God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment in this wonderful world! Tamera, Patricia, Pam, Shelly, Paul, and Karen had a beautiful time sharing music, presence, and heart with each one who came. It was a life-changing time – all glory to God!

November 2025

We had a beautiful time with our friends, those in residence, rehab, or responsibilities at Meadowbrook. God’s presence among us was sweet as we poured our hearts out to God in song, in dance, and by being present with one another. Paul did a great job with all the tech, JR prepared delicious treats (pound cake and fresh blueberries) and reminded us of ways in which we can be thankful for all our many blessings, Pam MC-ed and moved and mingled with joy, Shelly shared creative props and her caring presence, while Tamera, Patricia, and Karen sang the songs. It was a precious time together thanking God, no matter what is happening in our lives, through all the highs and lows that life inevitably brings.

November 2025

We had our annual Operation Christmas Child packing party (beautifully organized by Kelsey!), enjoying Publix subs and sides (thank you, Paul!) and assembling 20 boxes lovingly filled with thoughtful gifts, each one including wow items and a summary of the good news of Jesus Christ. Each one will be delivered to children in needy communities around the world. This wonderful ministry allows us to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to precious children and their families and communities. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Thanks to all who contributed in any way, and all who stayed to help – this was a wonderful outreach together! All glory to God!

December 2025

We had a very special time being present together through music and ministry with our friends, the residents and staff of Atria Park of Tucker, this time singing Christmas Songs! Tamera put together a fabulous set that brought comfort and joy (and even a few shenanigans) to the many in the room and others who walked past or heard the music wafting through the halls. We poured our hearts out to God together in both traditional carols and fun songs. Each resident enjoyed receiving jingle bells and some special holiday treats because our time there coincided with a special holiday soiree – awesome timing! We had some super special visitors (including Karen & Paul’s precious granddaughter, who was warmly welcomed by one and all when she arrived with her parents and uncle and received her jingle bells)!

Paul is our faithful rock in setting up and running all the tech … Tamera, Patricia, Pam, Shelly, and Karen lead the music – we so enjoy doing this as a team! … Virginia joined us at the mics partway through … Ruth made it a special time for one and all and took fabulous photos, as always … Julie joined us for our group photo … all glory to God for the gift of music and presence!

Joy to the World … Jingle Bells … Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer … O Come, All Ye Faithful … Jingle-Bell Rock … Away in the Manger … The Little Drummer Boy … A Holly Jolly Christmas … Hark! The Herald Angels Sing … Go Tell It on the Mountain … The First Noel … Angels We Have Heard on High … We Wish You a Merry Christmas … Silent Night

December 2025

We had a wonderful time being present together through music and ministry with our friends, the residents and staff of Meadowbrook, this time singing Christmas Songs! Tamera put together a fabulous set that brought much joy to all who came – even those who struggle with speech sang every word of some of the more familiar carols! We poured our hearts out to God together in both traditional carols and fun songs. Each resident enjoyed receiving jingle bells and some delicious treats lovingly prepared by JR, who shared the gospel and always brings such encouragement to us all! Tamera, Pam, Shelly, and Karen lead the music and Paul, as always, ran all the tech. All glory to God for loving the world so much that God gave us Godself in Jesus Christ, to make a way where there was no way for us to be reconciled with God forever!

Joy to the World … Jingle Bells … Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer … O Come, All Ye Faithful … Jingle-Bell Rock … Away in the Manger … The Little Drummer Boy … A Holly Jolly Christmas … Hark! The Herald Angels Sing … Go Tell It on the Mountain … The First Noel … Angels We Have Heard on High … We Wish You a Merry Christmas … Silent Night

December 2025

Shelly, Pam, Tamera, Paul, and Karen had a precious time being present together through music and ministry with our friends, the residents and staff of Life Guidance (memory care) at Atria LG, this time singing Christmas Songs! Tamera put together a fabulous set that brought such joy and delight to those present, as we poured our hearts out to God together in both traditional carols and fun songs. Each resident enjoyed receiving and shaking their jingle bells! We are so thankful to do life and ministry as a team … all glory to God for the gift of music and presence!

Joy to the World … Jingle Bells … Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer … O Come, All Ye Faithful … Jingle-Bell Rock … Away in the Manger … The Little Drummer Boy … A Holly Jolly Christmas … Hark! The Herald Angels Sing … Go Tell It on the Mountain … The First Noel … Angels We Have Heard on High … We Wish You a Merry Christmas … Silent Night