Teaching Sign Language to Express God’s Message of Hope
Walk into St. Michael’s during worship time and you’ll hear the choir singing a familiar song, “Jesus Loves Me.” Then if you keeping on walking, you’ll notice something new, but just as meaningful. The residents and Pastor Mann are also signing the words.
Music is an important aspect of worship as it unites us so that we worship God with one voice. While the words of this song are familiar, the residents have been learning how to “sing” the first verse of the song by using sign language.
“For instance, the sign for ‘Jesus’ is poking a hole in each hand with the middle finger of the opposite hand. This gesture represents the nail holes in Jesus’ hands,” explained Pastor Mann. “Every time we sign Jesus’ name, we are reminding ourselves of how He died so that we would live.”
Knowing the signs prepares residents to still share how Jesus loves them as their voices become quieter or if they experience a hearing loss. The signs are so vivid in signaling the true meanings of the words. Signing the verses is a way for all residents to actively participate in the services.
“It’s wonderful that Pastor Mann continues to find the best way to share God’s Word with our residents,” said Tiffany Olson, Administrator at St. Michael’s.
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