MONROE - Pastor Rick Gleason didn't hesitate when asked a few months ago to take part in church services for residents at Pleasant View Nursing Home.
"Everybody laughed, because they knew I couldn't say 'no' to anyone," he laughed. "I told them I would find the time somehow."
Gleason, who has been pastor at Hilltop Community Church in Albany since 2007, spends about an hour every three months with the residents. He's one of 15 ministers who rotate their time every Tuesday to share messages of love and hope with the residents.
During the services, there are a few songs and a message based on God's love.
The services refresh the souls of those who attend, as well as the ministers who visit them.
"It makes you feel good to bring this to the folks," Gleason said. "They express their appreciation to us."
Gleason said it's important to be able to help them hear the word of God. For many people in nursing homes, not being able to attend church services is something they miss most.
"It seems like all other needs of residents are met when they go to a nursing home, either through the staff of through their families," Gleason said, "but their spiritual needs aren't as readily met."
There are a couple of people at Pleasant View who have ties to Gleason's church, whether through family members or past membership. It wouldn't matter to him, however, if none of the residents had previous ties. His concern is just helping them with their spiritual needs now.
Gleason received many smiles and words of thanks as he shook hands and talked to residents at the end of the service. He promised to see them in a couple of months.
"The next time I see you, we'll be able to start seeing leaves and see the grass turning green," he said with a smile.
"Everybody laughed, because they knew I couldn't say 'no' to anyone," he laughed. "I told them I would find the time somehow."
Gleason, who has been pastor at Hilltop Community Church in Albany since 2007, spends about an hour every three months with the residents. He's one of 15 ministers who rotate their time every Tuesday to share messages of love and hope with the residents.
During the services, there are a few songs and a message based on God's love.
The services refresh the souls of those who attend, as well as the ministers who visit them.
"It makes you feel good to bring this to the folks," Gleason said. "They express their appreciation to us."
Gleason said it's important to be able to help them hear the word of God. For many people in nursing homes, not being able to attend church services is something they miss most.
"It seems like all other needs of residents are met when they go to a nursing home, either through the staff of through their families," Gleason said, "but their spiritual needs aren't as readily met."
There are a couple of people at Pleasant View who have ties to Gleason's church, whether through family members or past membership. It wouldn't matter to him, however, if none of the residents had previous ties. His concern is just helping them with their spiritual needs now.
Gleason received many smiles and words of thanks as he shook hands and talked to residents at the end of the service. He promised to see them in a couple of months.
"The next time I see you, we'll be able to start seeing leaves and see the grass turning green," he said with a smile.