Back in August, we shared our vision for an Outreach Music Ministry—a way for us to take the joy of singing beyond our sanctuary and into the wider community.
We imagined gathering a group of singers and musicians to visit senior living communities, share familiar songs, and create moments of connection and joy through music.
That vision is beginning to become a reality!
Making Connections With Seniors
Music has a remarkable way of reaching places that words alone cannot. A familiar song can awaken memories, spark conversation, and bring comfort to people who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation.
Our goal is to sing with people, not just for them. We'll invite participation, share smiles, listen to stories, and create moments of joy together in local senior living facilities.
We Have Dates—and Songs!
Don Cruse has already begun making this ministry a reality by setting up dates to sing with residents at senior living facilities. Here are some of our scheduled visits:
Date and Facility
- 10/17/26 3:00 PM at Coastal Heights Senior Living
- 10/22/26 2:30 PM at Pacifica Senior Living
- 10/23/26 2:30 PM at Newport Mesa Senior Living
- 11/13/26 2:30 PM at Newport Mesa Senior Living
- 11/18/26 2:30 PM at Pacifica Senior Living
- 11/21/26 3:00 PM at Coastal Heights Senior Living
Don has put together a song list of memorable, familiar songs like songs from the “Sound of Music”, “All You Need Is Love”, and “Lean On Me” to name a few. In December we will start singing Christmas Carols.
If you would like to be a Song Leader on one or more songs, let Don know. You don't have to be a soloist. You don't have to read music. If you enjoy singing with others and would like to brighten someone's day, you already have what this ministry needs. The leader will be in front of the group, and the rest of us will be sitting beside the residents, singing a song they haven't heard in years.
Come join us as we bring music, friendship, and joy into the lives of people in our community. Together, we can remind people that they are remembered, valued, and loved.
If you are interested in being part of the Outreach Music Ministry, email us at musicdirector@ocuuc.org and we will send you a link to the music. We will also have sheet music available at the “Programs Table” at OCUUC. As we discover songs that we think residents will enjoy, we can add them to our collection of songs.
Come be part of this new outreach ministry as we take the music we love beyond our sanctuary and into our community.
Susan Shaw and Steve Morihiro, both longtime choir members, are the Co-Directors of Music Ministries.