Construction workers have toolboxes, doctors have medical bags, so why shouldn’t Christian visitors/connectors carry a ‘go bag’ of their own . . . “CareBags?”
As a visitor/connector with others in our Christian communities, it’s critical to listen. Sometimes to “break the ice” it’s helpful to bring a few “connection tools.” Items in the Christian Playbook “CareBag”*** might include:
- Listing of some Visitor Helpful Hints (two ears, one mouth – – think before you speak; don’t overstay your welcome – set a timer or some other way of marking departure; etc.)
- Church photo directory in case it’s helpful to jog memories when connecting conversation about members / staff
- Bulletin from recent worship service (LARGE print if you can)
- God’s Survival Kit – an inexpensive, sweets-filled discussion-starter intended to be left behind (unless sweets should be avoided!)
- 2-3 prayers on a laminated sheet for easy access
- Carefully chosen readings printed, ideally in LARGE, bolded font: Lord’s Prayer, 23rd Psalm, … (possibly on a laminated sheet?)
- Book of Common Worship or other handy prayer reference, (service for wellness supplement too?)
- Someone Cares or a similar book with beautiful poetry
- Printed church newsletter from a recent week to leave behind at the end of the visit
- Pocket Prayer Shawl
- Full-sized prayer shawl (if appropriate)
- Peace & Healing Bible Readings CD – play directly from this link (or re-record this audio from this link if you like, playing it on a CD player)
- Small foldable picture frame for them to put up in their room (IF THEY ARE NOT CURRENTLY IN THEIR OWN HOME) possibly bringing along a starter picture too?
- Calling card with the church phone number to leave with them [and handwrite your name & phone number on too 🙂 ]
- Writing paper – consider writing a note to a mutual friend from church, recalling experiences and expressing gratitude?
- Timer complete with visible way of showing how close to the end of the visit we are (personal preference is the old “oven timer” that dings when time is up, and shows how much time remains)
- Sing-along sheets or songbooks, in case folks want to sing/hear a few tunes
- it can be good therapy for all – some occupational therapists even give “extra credit” for patients who do it!
- bring along a musical instrument(s) for accompanying or do the songs without
- bring some percussion “instruments” can even be a set of keys jangled, spoon on wood block or ???
- ADDITIONS WHEN VISITING THOSE EXPERIENCING DEMENTIA [many of the items above FULLY apply too! 🙂 ]
- Coloring book and crayons – for spending some time together just chatting away
- CD player and music from an era the visitee might enjoy, or for finding a good radio station for background music
- Small, soft ball to roll/toss back-and-forth
- Left / Center / Right game, if others are available to play
- Deck of playing cards – Crazy 8 , War , Solitaire, sort by color/shape/numbers or ???
- Book of jokes, comics or other materials to start some laughter; maybe the newspaper comics if nothing else?
- Take pictures of the group and surroundings, have them developed and bring them next time to create a collage (bring colored paper, scissors and tape for collage efforts)
- Bring jigsaw puzzle with few, larger pieces