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By the Rev. Art Wille
As our congregations continue to age and the number of worshipers with dementia increases, several Wisconsin Conference UCC congregations have focused on making accommodations in worship for this population. The following are some worship adaptations made by Susan Stein, who previously served as a licensed authorized minister. Here are some guidelines that Susan used as she put together worship for those with dementia:
- Only use hymns that are familiar. We sang "Jesus Loves Me" every week.
- No sermon should last more than five minutes because that is about the maximum attention span of those with dementia.
- Say the Lord’s Prayer, and allow whatever version they are familiar with.
- Print a limited number of bulletins because they will need to be in larger-than-normal type.
The following is a worship bulletin for a dementia-friendly service of worship that Susan led at First Congregational UCC in Wisconsin Rapids on April 15, 2018.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you’re welcome here.
WELCOME – Pastor Susan Stein
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them to God.
One: Let us give thanks to God Most High.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
The scripture verse of the day comes from Psalm 121, verse 8, which says, “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
HYMN #327 “Jesus Loves Me”
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he his strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
The verse of the day: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
SERMON
HYMN #247 “My Shepherd Is the Living God”
My shepherd is the living God, I therefore nothing need;
In pastures fair, near pleasant streams you settle me to feed.
You bring my wandering spirit back when I forsake your ways,
And lead me for your mercy’s sake in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay;
A word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread,
My cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest, while others come and go—
No more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
The verse of the day: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
(allowing for whatever version you have learned)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Please hold the cracker until all are served and take it together when prompted. This symbolizes our communal need for a relationship with Jesus. When you receive the juice, drink it immediately. The taking of juice individually symbolizes need for a personal relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We thank you, God, for inviting us to this table where we have known the presence of Christ and have received all Christ’s gifts. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and let us show forth your praise in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
#252 “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us”
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need your tender care;
In your pleasant pastures feed us, for our use your folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are.
We are yours, in love befriend us, be the guardian of you way;
Keep your flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray,
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
The verse of the day: “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
BENEDICTION
Resources:
Website: Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Books:
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Wayman, Laura. A Loving Approach to Dementia Care: Making Meaningful Connections With the Person Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementia or Memory Loss. (Johns Hopkins University Press 2011).
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McFadden, Susan. Dementia-Friendly Communities: Why We need Them and How We Can Create Them. (Jessica Kingly Publishers, 2020)
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Mace, Nancy, and Peter V. Rabins. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss. (John Hopkins University Press, 2025)
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