On Saturday, December 13, Carol Choir singers and their parents embarked on a Christmas caroling tour at Landis Homes. Singers from grades 2 through 5 gathered with their parents and MCCL staff before touring, taking time to introduce themselves and connect over favorite colors. They also completed brief feelings check-ins before meeting with Landis Homes staff members Teffie Landmann and Audrey Kanagy. Singers had a chance to review their “brain parts” song, which they learned with Teffie and Audrey at our grant kick-off night.
This informal caroling time marked the first event of our three-year grant partnership with Landis Homes. Through this partnership, we hope to connect our singers and the residents of Landis Homes across generations, sharing the love of Jesus through song with those experiencing brain changes and dementia diagnoses.
Landis Homes residents also completed simple pre- and post-assessments of how they were feeling, and the majority reported improved mood after spending time with the singers during the caroling visit.
It was a joy to watch the young singers take in all the sights and sounds of the experience. Some singers had family in the Landis Homes community, and others were clearly out of their comfort zone in an unfamiliar space. What a privilege to watch them rise to the occasion of sharing their voices—even singing many of their concert songs from memory.” – Teffie Landmann, Landis Homes staff
One particular Landis Homes resident spoke English as a second language and was overjoyed to hear the children singing in her mother tongue of Spanish. She joyfully sang along as the children sang ‘Mi Burrito Sabanero.’
What a beautiful reminder of the global church and how we can connect with other believers across culture and language” – Elisa Chodan, MCCL staff
