ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL STUDENTS OPEN A DIALOGUE WITH BERKELEY NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Each month, students from St. Paul Lutheran School, 846 North Menard Avenue in Chicago, travel to Berkeley Nursing Home, 6909 West North Avenue in Oak Park, to spend time with the residents. They begin by warming up their audience with a few songs. After a Scripture reading and prayer by the Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Reverend Andrew Schermbeck, the students converse with the residents. “You can tell the residents are delighted to receive visitors and their spirits are lifted by visiting with our students,” Reverend Schermbeck observes. “It’s also a good experience for our students and an opportunity to put their faith into action.” “I like going to Berkeley to visit with the residents,” says Mark Dowsey, an 8th grader. “Some of them don’t have family coming to visit, so maybe us coming makes an impact on the people.” Another 8th grader, Jessica Garner adds, “I enjoy singing at the nursing home because I love seeing the faces of the people as we sing. I like having conversations with the elderly people there because they tell us about what it was like when they were my age. They are so warm and friendly, I wish I could stay longer.” St. Paul Lutheran School has been having its students go to Berkeley for several years. All the students in kindergarten through grade 8 have a chance to go each year. “The visits are good for both our students and the residents of Berkeley,” says Principal Glen Kuck. “Our students learn a lot about living life by talking to older people. It helps them realize how blessed they are. Both the staff and residents of Berkeley have been very hospitable to us and I think it’s been helpful for the residents to connect with younger people, as well.” St Paul Lutheran School offers a faith-based educational experience for students in pre-school through 8th grade. For information on course offerings, extracurricular and sports activities, enrollment requirements, tuition rates and financial assistance available, and to visit the school, call Glen Kuck at 773/378-6644.