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Julie 23rd Mar 2021 Activity Co-ordinator
Hello everyone
I would like to hold a short Easter service this year for our residents, most of who are living with dementia.
Any ideas of hymns, prayers etc?
I was able to think of ideas for Harvest and Christmas but for Easter my mind is a blank
Susan 24th Mar 2021 Activity Director
Hi Julie
I had to extend religious services from time to time because volunteers ran them and they were kind of short
First make a song book of hymns or perhaps you have one
Choose the residents favorites
This could be an activity extension
Some of my favorites are
This is the day
Jesus loves me
Amazing grace
The old rugged cross
In the garden
Count your blessings
This song happens to be one of my favorites because it can lead to a discussion about what the residents are blessed with
Along those lines we did the ABC's Of what we are thankful for or whatever is related to Easter
I like to alternate songs and discussion
In fact you can discuss the hymns you are singing you can talk about going to church
I like to discuss them too
Also you can discuss Easter and how they celebrated it
Another good topic for discussion is kindness and forgiveness
Here are some ideas on golden Carers that might be helpful to you
https://www.goldencarers.com/15-ways-to-celebrate-world-prayer-
day/4386/
https://www.goldencarers.com/samples-of-prayers/4174/
You could also
You could try reminiscing about any special prayers, Sunday school and church picnics. Did they use Rosary beads? Do they remember their first communion, confirmation? How about favourite hymns? What do they feel when they see photos of young animals or beautiful sunsets/nature? Have they been to other religious services/weddings etc and noticed the difference to their own? Do they remember what priests,nuns or clergymen wore? eg habit,wimple,dog collar.
Here are some ideas specific to Easter
https://www.goldencarers.com/easter-quiz---religious-2/7084/
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search=Easter+&search_tag=Activity
Gwyneth 26th Mar 2021 Volunteer
Hello Julie - A nice little hymn is called:All things bright and beautiful -
REFRAIN
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colours
He made their tiny wings.
REFRAIN

The purple headed mountains
The river running by
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter
The pleasant summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden
He made them everyone.
REFRAIN

The tall trees in the greenwood
The meadows where we play
The rushes by the water
To gather every day.
REFRAIN

He gave us eyes to see them
And lips that we might tell
How Great is God Almighty
Who has made all things well.
REFRAIN

This can also be read out as a poem.
Our clients loved to sing and clap their hands.
A happy Easter to you all.

I played it on the piano, and played just one or two verses and choruses, up to you how many you want to do, Just a suggestion.

Gwyneth

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