We were honored to have members of the Virginia Synod’s Office of the Bishop visit Brandon Oaks, a community that is part of Virginia Lutheran Homes, for their day of service earlier this month. Their service initiative, “God’s work. Our hands.”, provides opportunities to celebrate members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by acts of service to serve and love their neighbors.
The project involved a team effort of Synod staff and Brandon Oaks staff creating an outdoor prayer and meditation space for the residents of Brandon Oaks. The Virginia Synod’s new Bishop, The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton said of the project, “It was an incredible experience working together to do something to help the residents share their joys and concerns in an atmosphere of peace and serenity”. Virginia Lutheran Homes President and CEO, Charles Downs, Jr., Esq., echoed Bishop Milton’s sentiments, adding, “This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strong connection between the Virginia Synod and Virginia Lutheran Homes”.
Synod office staff rolled up their sleeves and took part in tasks such as painting benches, planting flowers and painting prayer stones. One of Virginia Lutheran Homes’ Chaplains, Pastor Meredith Williams, said of the project, “We are grateful for the hands and hearts from the Virginia Synod who came out to help build a meditation and prayer space for the residents of Brandon Oaks”.
In the time since the meditation and prayer space has been completed, residents have already been using it for quiet reflection and prayer requests. Thank you to the Virginia Synod Office staff!
