CADES hosts first in-person worship in a year
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Richard Ashworth, Concord Adult Enrichment Day Services volunteer, greets Mary Perez on Good Friday, April 2, during the first live CADES worship service held since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. - Photos by Michelle Hollenhead
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Calvin Daniel serenaded congregants during the Good Friday program. - Photos by Michelle Hollenhead
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Carole Splawn, Concord Adult Enrichment Day Services program participant, attended the service with her son, Kent Splawn. - Photos by Michelle Hollenhead
Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services had a blessed Good Friday indeed April 2, as members and supporters were able to gather and worship together for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
About 30 individuals, including CADES participants, their caregivers or other family members, along with volunteers and program officials attended a brief service in Concord United Methodist Church’s gymnasium.
While limited programming has been offered since last fall, no in-person worship services had been permitted.
“It’s wonderful to get back and be with these folks,” CADES volunteer Richard Ashworth said enthusiastically. “It’s been over a year for me, but I’ve had both my shots. It is a real blessing just to come back in here.
“It’s time,” he added, noting he and his wife, Margaret, are Concord United members. “My wife and I hadn’t felt comfortable coming back until recently, but it’s time.”
Ashworth was among several who warmly greeted each congregant and their guests.
“We are so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers,” CADES executive director Celia Gruzalski said.
Calvin Daniel sang “Were You There?” and other hymns, accompanied by the Rev. Mike Stallings on keyboard, while the Rev. Jim Bailes delivered the Good Friday message.
“We always have wonderful music from Calvin,” Gruzalski said of the singer, who also is a senior companion through the Knox County Senior Companion program. He was supported by Florence Dills, senior program coordinator, who also attended.
“CADES is so blessed by the Senior Companion partnership with this wonderful program,” Gruzalski added.
The church itself only re-opened for the second time in March 2021. CADES, which previously held twice monthly in-person services, had only offered one virtual service during the pandemic.
While the Good Friday service was a step in the right direction, Gruzalski said, “We will not resume worship with CADES on a regular schedule just yet, but are looking forward to doing special worship events like the one we did for Good Friday/Easter.
“Also, we were so grateful to (the Rev.) Bailes for his wonderful message, and to Pastor Stallings and Calvin for the beautiful music,” he added.
CADES, which offers weekday services to individuals suffering from dementia and other ailments, has been serving the community since 2005.
For more information about CADES, or how to support the program, visit https://concordunited.org/CADES
