The Covid-19 pandemic has many people isolated in nursing homes and care facilities. Because of this, churches have
many opportunities to be a blessing to 
those who can't be visited as well as those who care for them behind locked windows and doors. What are some ways that a church can share the love of Jesus to the socially isolated?
Does your church have an up to date list of people in care facilities? The pattern of the church in the New Testament was to keep a list of widows in need who were without families to care for them (see 1 Tim. 5:9).
With their permission, use that list and recruit people and groups in the church to pray for them and contact them. Colorful cards offering fellowship and hope can be sent to those on the list.
Recruit children and youth to make homemade cards and notes and send them to those who are quarantined in nursing homes and care facilities. Encourage creativity and personal art work. Pictures of the children or youth (with their pets) can be included as a bonus encouragement. Be sure to include lots of smiles and a Bible verse of encouragement.
Increase the church budget so that a few flowers can be sent each week to your quarantined members. Check first with the place of residence to find out what guidelines they might have for sending flowers. An accompanying handwritten note can be included.
Send a small group of church members to say hi and sing a song of faith. Most institutions will allow a few people to wave at residents from outside a closed window and sing to them.
Older quarantined folk would appreciate a call from the lead pastor and/or a member of the pastoral staff, especially if a call is made every couple of weeks or so.
Some churches furnish a tablet for each of their quarantined older saints so that they can hear and see who's calling. The tablet can also be used for sending a recording or live link to a worship service.
For the staff who work at care facilities and hospitals, do some of the above to let them know they and their ministry is greatly appreciated. Let them know the church is praying for them. A gift card for coffee or lunch would be very appropriate and much appreciated.
Remember, the grace and love of Jesus are some of the easiest things you can share.
What are some other ways of ministering to the quarantined and their staff can you share?
(Photo by Michelen Studios on Unsplash)