Jennings Threshold Choir “sings each other home”

Have you ever walked through the Jennings’ neighborhoods and thought you heard angels singing at a resident’s bed-side? It was probably the members of Jennings Threshold Choir, singing to a resident during a time of transition. Since our beginning on June 15, 2015 we have sung for 105+ residents, some of them more than once. A number of them had family present as well. We have also sung for two of our own members before surgery. What a beautiful ministry of compassion! It’s another way that Jennings lives out our mission of care for those we serve.

The Threshold Choir is an international organization of singers who provide comforting songs for those at the thresholds of life. Founded in 2000 by Kate Munger in California, it has grown to include more than 150 chapters in seven countries. Many of the songs we offer are composed by Threshold Choir members specifically to communicate ease, comfort, and presence. Because our songs are not religiously oriented, our singing is appropriate for those who are deeply spiritual, whether religious or not.

Jennings Threshold Choir consists of nine members, both staff and residents, who are available to sing for a resident when the need arises. When we are invited to a bedside, we visit in groups of two or more singers and usually sing for 10-15 minutes. We offer our music as gentle blessings, not as entertainment, and we are honored when a client falls asleep as we are singing. Most of our songs are very short, so their repetition is conducive to rest and comfort.

If you would like to join Jennings Threshold Choir or request the choir to sing, please contact Sister Valerie at (216) 581-2900 or sistervalerie.sweeney@jenningsohio.org for more information. We welcome you to this ministry as we “sing each other home.”