DRH

Silverlink Ministries maintains or creates a connection with older persons who become unable to fully engage in the life of the church through pastoral care and worship. We link with our church family, their extended family or others in private homes or care homes. Silverlink also supports caregivers and has special programming for persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease or related disorders.  Diane Robertson has been connected with the elderly from a young age and so it was a perfect fit when Director of Silverlink Ministries, Rev. Karla Woodward approached Diane with an extraordinary opportunity to participate in this ministry. It began with a simple worship service particularly for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. The Special Worship Service is designed for senior adults who are frail, have dementia or difficulty accessing weekend worship. The service offers 5 main elements; singing, prayer, liturgy, sermon and communion. Diane is the lead singer for these services singing  hymns and songs from their eras. She has participated in this once a month service since 2007. All elements of the service are intentionally planned to create a holy environment where these persons are free to worship in the only way they can, which is different for each participant. Some are very engaged, understanding all they see and hear. Yet others are disengaged; staring off and silent. And even still, others become alert during the service and return to their silent place after the service ends. The commonality happens when they experience peace and love. In the end, the Special Worship Service strives to honor the sick and struggling.
From these worship services, again, Rev. Karla talked to Diane about another opportunity. Karla thought Diane should sing bedside to those in final stage hospice. And so, Diane began singing at the bedsides of the dying in early 2009 and recorded one cd in August of that year and another in April of 2013.  She leaves a cd with the persons family/friends to provide what she feels is her calling from God… offering peace and comfort to those on the journey towards death.