About 25 members of the local Mennonite congregation shared Christmas cheer with residents of the Goodhue Living community on December 23rd. The choir of beautiful voices first sang in The Gardens memory care unit and then in the community room for tenants and guests. The singers of all ages harmonized on some familiar Christmas carols and then presented gifts to each resident.
Susie Matthees, Life Engagement Coordinator at Goodhue Living, facilitated the entertainment and worked with the visiting children to distribute the packages. She recognized the group “put a lot of time and thought into giving gifts to each of our residents”. Each bag contained different items such as mugs, T-shirts, music CDs, books and treats. All residents received individualized gifts even if they did not attend the gathering.
Members of the church visit the Goodhue Living community every month, sharing a short Christian message and several songs. Leading the choir at the holiday event, Burnell Martin explained that the group sings acapella, using no instruments even in church. Their Sunday services act as practice, making it easy for available members to form one or more groups when evangelizing at private homes, senior living communities or other functions. A group of 35 gave a special 2025 holiday performance at Apache Mall in Rochester.
