1 May 2025, 14:34Pr Wil MasihElgin, Moray, Scotland, United Kingdom
Elgin Church Music Ministry Brings Joy to Cathay Residents
This article reflects on a touching afternoon of ministry, where Elgin Church members shared faith, music, and love with the residents of Cathay Nursing Home.
The walls of Cathay Nursing Home echoed with music, heartfelt prayers, and warm conversation as members of Elgin Seventh-day Adventist Church brought their music ministry to the facility in a spirit of love and compassion.
As part of the church’s ongoing outreach efforts, a group of singers from the church spent the afternoon on 26 April ministering to elderly residents, sharing songs, hymns, and moments of meaningful fellowship. Their visit created a joyful and uplifting atmosphere, bringing smiles—and even tears of appreciation—to many faces.
The afternoon featured familiar hymns that resonated deeply with the residents, many of whom sang along with visible emotion. The selection included timeless classics and cherished choruses that have long held a place in their hearts. Church members, both young and old, sang with joy and sincerity, creating a welcoming and peaceful ambiance that transformed the nursing home for the day.
“It was truly moving to watch the residents engage with the music,” said one of the church singers. “Many of them remembered the lyrics better than we did, and their faces just lit up as they joined in.”
Beyond the music, the singers took time to connect personally with the residents. They offered prayers, listened to life stories, and shared moments of reflection and encouragement. For many residents—who often face isolation and limited social interaction—these conversations were just as meaningful as the music.
“There was something very powerful about simply sitting down with someone, holding their hand, and hearing about their life,” shared another church member. “It reminded us that this ministry isn’t just about singing—it’s about empathy and care.”
As hymns such as Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art filled the room, a sense of peace settled over the gathering. Some residents closed their eyes in quiet reflection, while others clapped along or offered whispered prayers. A space usually marked by routine and quiet was transformed into one of worship and joy.
Staff members at Cathay Nursing Home expressed deep gratitude for the visit, noting its positive impact on residents’ emotional and spiritual well-being. “This visit brought so much life into our home,” said one staff member. “You could see the difference in the residents’ faces—it was as though a light had been switched on.”
For Elgin Church, the event was more than a performance—it was a ministry of presence and hope. The singers left the nursing home with full hearts, reminded of the power of simple acts of kindness and the lasting impact of shared faith and fellowship.
Plans are already underway for future visits, as both the church and the nursing home expressed a desire to continue this meaningful partnership. Through songs, prayer, reflections, and compassion, Elgin Church’s music ministry continues to bring light to those who need it most.
“Our goal is to bring the love of Jesus to those who may feel forgotten,” said local minister Pr Wil Masih. “Christ reached out to the broken-hearted, and we want to do the same—through songs, prayers, and simply being present.”
This article reflects on a touching afternoon of ministry, where Elgin Church members shared faith, music, and love with the residents of Cathay Nursing Home.
The walls of Cathay Nursing Home echoed with music, heartfelt prayers, and warm conversation as members of Elgin Seventh-day Adventist Church brought their music ministry to the facility in a spirit of love and compassion.
As part of the church’s ongoing outreach efforts, a group of singers from the church spent the afternoon on 26 April ministering to elderly residents, sharing songs, hymns, and moments of meaningful fellowship. Their visit created a joyful and uplifting atmosphere, bringing smiles—and even tears of appreciation—to many faces.
The afternoon featured familiar hymns that resonated deeply with the residents, many of whom sang along with visible emotion. The selection included timeless classics and cherished choruses that have long held a place in their hearts. Church members, both young and old, sang with joy and sincerity, creating a welcoming and peaceful ambiance that transformed the nursing home for the day.
“It was truly moving to watch the residents engage with the music,” said one of the church singers. “Many of them remembered the lyrics better than we did, and their faces just lit up as they joined in.”
Beyond the music, the singers took time to connect personally with the residents. They offered prayers, listened to life stories, and shared moments of reflection and encouragement. For many residents—who often face isolation and limited social interaction—these conversations were just as meaningful as the music.
“There was something very powerful about simply sitting down with someone, holding their hand, and hearing about their life,” shared another church member. “It reminded us that this ministry isn’t just about singing—it’s about empathy and care.”
As hymns such as Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art filled the room, a sense of peace settled over the gathering. Some residents closed their eyes in quiet reflection, while others clapped along or offered whispered prayers. A space usually marked by routine and quiet was transformed into one of worship and joy.
Staff members at Cathay Nursing Home expressed deep gratitude for the visit, noting its positive impact on residents’ emotional and spiritual well-being. “This visit brought so much life into our home,” said one staff member. “You could see the difference in the residents’ faces—it was as though a light had been switched on.”
For Elgin Church, the event was more than a performance—it was a ministry of presence and hope. The singers left the nursing home with full hearts, reminded of the power of simple acts of kindness and the lasting impact of shared faith and fellowship.
Plans are already underway for future visits, as both the church and the nursing home expressed a desire to continue this meaningful partnership. Through songs, prayer, reflections, and compassion, Elgin Church’s music ministry continues to bring light to those who need it most.
“Our goal is to bring the love of Jesus to those who may feel forgotten,” said local minister Pr Wil Masih. “Christ reached out to the broken-hearted, and we want to do the same—through songs, prayers, and simply being present.”
