Latest Newsletter

Serving Aging and Disabled People and Their Caregivers in the Name of Jesus Christ

December 10, In the Year of our Lord, 2025

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the season of Advent, we are continuing with a spirit of thankfulness. We give thanks for the bounties of God’s creation for our use in this life, to being thankful for the Incarnation of our Savior and the bounties of eternal life.

 Thankfulness is an important part of the Christian’s life, but it is easier or harder depending on our circumstances. It is easy to be thankful when we have good health, peace, and abundance. It is hard when we are deprived of physical or mental ability, when we live with pain, when we are constantly alone, or when we have been treated badly. Deprivation to body or soul makes thankfulness more difficult to attain. The greatest Christians have been those with thankful and faithful hearts through great adversity.

 I am grateful that God has given to me, my wife Carol, and our ministry team the opportunity to serve people who are physically or mentally disabled. One of the amazing things to me is that most of those we serve are not ungrateful people nor are they bitter towards God. As an ordained minister of God for 18 years, I am no closer to understanding suffering than when I began. Serving these less fortunate souls with the Word of God and love of Christ has been the best way for me to appreciate suffering.

 Most of you know me and what I do but perhaps a refresher is important from time to time. My role is that of a preacher, pastor, chaplain, and deacon all in one. I am called to proclaim the gospel, increase joy, and alleviate suffering. My wife Carol and our team of Christian ladies and gentlemen are extensions of this. One of us is always out in the field of harvest. Our team includes Marcy, Sharon, Ella, Nancy, Marty, Debbie, John, Dan, Kay, and Colleen.

 Here’s what we are NOT. We are NOT your typical church “nursing home ministry.” We do not go to a place and sing hymns, deliver a short message, and then walk away for a month or two. That’s not us. We get to know residents, staff, and some family members. We become a part of their lives. We connect.

 We are a church in the field and a church of a different kind. We are multi-denominational. We serve the Word of the Lord to Christians and non-Christians alike. We are a kingdom of God mission, spiritual boots on the ground, if you will.

 Ours is not an easy mission. We serve people who are not in the mainstream of society, people who have had strokes, MS, Parkinson’s, dementia, or just simply starting their final part of life on earth because of cancer, heart problems, or aging. Loneliness is a big concern too. Our Fellowship steps in to give our people some sense that they are connected to the Christian community. God shows divine mercy through people who express his love and grace. This is the role of St. James Fellowship. Our work can be difficult and even frustrating. But the labor of love we perform is meaningful.

 We carry the message and work in eight care facilities of a wide variety. We regularly visit and conduct worship services. I challenge people to seek Jesus, find, and follow him. We visit the sick in hospitals and rehab centers. We serve and visit lots of people. The souls of many have been divinely touched by our mission. I could tell many good stories about them. There are sad and some tragic stories too. 

Sharon, Carol (rear middle), and a few of the ladies of our Fellowship at Point Pleasant

Most of us can go where we please, set our schedules, work, relax, take a hike or vacation, visit friends, choose the food we eat, or get a nice shower. We have these freedoms. The people we serve do not. 

For Christ’s Kingdom

Rev. John Patterson

St. James Fellowship Ι P.O. Box 266 Ι Monroeville, PA 15146 Ι www.stjamesfellowship.org
A 501 C3 religious charity registered with the PA Department of Charities