At Presbyterian Village North (PVN), July was packed with fun-filled events and outings for independent living residents. From exciting trips around town to engaging events right on campus, there was no shortage of opportunities to connect and enjoy the summer season. Here’s a look back at some of the memorable moments that made this month extra special.
Prayer and Presence: A Moment of Remembrance for Central Texas Flood Victims
In a quiet, heartfelt gathering at Presbyterian Village North (PVN) on July 10, residents and teammates came together to hold space for the victims of the devastating floods that struck Central Texas. The service, led by Director of Spiritual Life, Gary Fox, held in the community’s chapel, drew about 25 attendees — each carrying the weight of shared sorrow and the hope that comes from unity.
At the center of the service was a powerful, symbolic act: the lighting of 120 candles. Rev. Fox gently explained that this number represents the current confirmed death toll from the floods. One by one, flames were kindled, casting a warm glow across the room — a flicker of light for every life lost, a visible prayer for peace and comfort.
The service began with opening words and prayer, followed by the hymn “Abide With Me”, its verses a reminder of God’s abiding presence even in times of deepest grief:
“When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, O abide with me.”
The Scripture reading came from Psalm 23, offering timeless words of comfort and reassurance. A Litany of Grief followed, acknowledging the pain of loss while affirming God’s enduring love. With words spoken aloud — “We remember them with love and gratitude” — attendees honored the memory of each person affected.
After the lighting of the candles, the room joined together in the Lord’s Prayer, anchoring hearts in faith and solidarity.
The final hymn, “Pass It On,” turned focus toward hope and action:
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing…”
The service closed with a benediction and the quiet comfort of community.
ORDER OF SERVICE
Opening Words/Prayer
HYMN – ABIDE WITH ME
Abide with me: fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes;
shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
SCRIPTURE READING – PSALM 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Words of Comfort
Litany of Grief
litany of grief
We know that your goodness does not necessarily safeguard us from pain.
We acknowledge at times like this, we are at a loss.
We remember them with love and gratitude.
We hold all those devastated by this tragedy in our hearts.
And that your love surrounds them. Amen.
Lighting of Candles (120 candles in honor of lives lost)
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
HYMN – PASS IT ON
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing…
I’ll shout it from the mountain top; I want my world to know;
The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.
Benediction
As our community processes this tragedy, it’s especially important to be mindful of the youngest hearts among us. Below is a helpful resource for talking with children about disasters and loss.
Resources to Talk to Children
Helping Kids Process Grief:
A conversation for parents with Sissy Goff, LPC-MHSP
Watch on YouTube
Here are five guidelines for processing disasters with children (and maybe for providing clarity to our own minds, as well):
How to Talk to Children about Disasters:
Offer reassurance.
Children struggle with understanding that a disaster may be located hundreds of miles away. First make sure they understand that they are safe. Maybe pull up a map and show them where the disaster hit and where you are located. Also reassure them that the disaster is not “coming to get them.” Children deal with the “right now,” and sometimes need reassurance that images on the TV are not next door.
Ask them if they have questions.
And then listen. Some children really will need to process all they have seen or heard.
Did God cause this to happen?
We live in a broken world. But God doesn’t want things to be this way. God cries with us over the messes of the world. God also tells us that we can bring love, hope, and healing to this broken world. We work with God to heal and transform, joy from pain, to witness life from death. Always remember God is with us.
Pray with your child.
Take the opportunity to pray together as a family. Pray for God to be seen even in the midst of disaster. This is a critical way to model for your children that turning to God through prayer is how we should respond to crisis and pain.
Find a practical way they can serve.
Perhaps make cards or decorate pillowcases to send to a shelter. Giving children a way to share their love and concern is formative in the life of a child and will bless others.
suggested books to read
A Parent’s Guide to Managing Childhood Grief: 100 Activities for Coping, Comforting & Overcoming Sadness, Fear & Loss by Katie Lear
When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One: Finding Hope Together by David and Nancy Guthrie
Mental Health Support Resources
www.thecentercounseling.org
In times of loss, we cling to hope. We gather, we grieve and we remember. At PVN, we do so together — one prayer, one candle one act of compassion at a time.
Photos by Sarah Macias
