Focusing on our own needs is a typical response when we adapt to changes. It is more so due to the constant changes in Covid 19 restrictions. When we focus on ourselves, it is easy to overlook others’ needs, especially the needs of seniors in our midst.
Across all the CPC congregations, there are around 150 seniors. With the different restrictions in place, their needs have been more pronounced since last year.
Some manage to worship with us only through the sound of a phone line since they do not know how to use a smart phone. Some wish to get a lift back to CPC for physical worship as their family would be concerned if they travel on public transport. With limited resources and knowledge of IT, attending worship services online or physically can be a challenge for our seniors. And it is important that we look after their spiritual needs by encouraging them to grow in their faith.
In addition, there are practical needs of seniors that call for our attention. They need advice when making decisions on day-to-day issues such as medical treatment, financial arrangement, when to stop driving or making a will. Even with the assistance from the government’s home care package and interpretation service, there are gaps yet to be filled in caring for our seniors’ physical and emotional needs. And caring for seniors usually calls for the involvement of more than one individual in order to ensure accountability and sustainability.
How then can we respond to their needs? Here is where the recruitment of a senior care coordinator comes in. Based on the existing caring arrangement, the coordinator will work with volunteers to set up a caring network for seniors in different congregations.
Focusing on our own needs is a natural response but not a biblical response. We are known as Jesus’ disciples if we love one another (John 13:35). Please pray for the recruitment of the coordinator and for each of us to see and respond to the needs of seniors among us.
當要適應環境的改變時，我們自然的反應是專注自己的需要。由於疫情而來不斷變化的管制，這情況倍加顯著。由此而不知不覺疏忽了他人的需要，尤其是在我們中長者們的需要。
長老會的各堂共有約150位長者。因為不同的管制，去年他們的需要更大增。
其中有因不能使用智能手機而只靠電話的聲音來參與敬拜。亦有因家人不放心他們乘搭公共交通，而需要其他人駕車接載回教會參加實體敬拜。由於IT資源和知識的有限，不論是參加在線或實體的敬拜對我們的長者們來說是一個挑戰。而我們需要照顧他們屬靈上的需要，勉勵他們在信心上成長。
另外，我們也要注意長者們的實際需要。當要為日常問題作決定時，例如治療方案、如何安排金錢的事宜、何時停止駕駛或設立遺囑等，他們需要一些建議。雖有政府提供他們的在家庭護理配套及翻譯服務，但對日常生活及情感需要上來說，仍有不足之處。而照顧一位長者，要多於一個人才確保問責並能持續地服侍下去。
我們怎樣回應他們的需要呢？這正是聘請一名長者關懷聯絡専員的原因。根據目前關懷的安排，這位聯絡専員將會同志願者一起建立一個關懷各堂長者的綱絡。
專注個人的需要雖然是一個很自然的反應，但並非是合乎聖經的回應。我們被認為耶穌的門徒是因為我們彼此相愛（約13：35）。請為聘請長者關懷聯絡専員的事上祈禱、並求主使我們各人能看見並回應長者們的需要。
