A Thursday Tradition Brings Prayer, Conversation, and Community to The Commons at Stonebrook Village

On a recent Thursday afternoon, the atmosphere at The Commons at Stonebrook Village felt unhurried. Residents gathered not because they were told to, but because it had become part of the rhythm of community life, where time is set aside for prayer, conversation, and being together.

Each Thursday, Rev. Larry Kemp of Trinity Wexford Lutheran Church spends time at The Commons, assisting residents in praying the rosary and leading a prayer gathering. Over time, Rev. Kemp has become a familiar face at The Commons and someone residents recognize, trust, and look forward to seeing each Thursday.

Following the prayer service, the gathering naturally shifted into fellowship. Residents came together for a holiday cookie swap. A table filled with homemade treats, including sugar cookies, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, thumbprints, Oreo balls, and Russian tea cakes. Residents lingered, coffee cups in hand, as conversations were shared across the room.

The afternoon also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Trinity Wexford Lutheran Church and Lutheran SeniorLife. Trinity has supported Lutheran Service Society for many years through generous financial contributions, thoughtful gifts, and hands-on involvement. This holiday season, members of the church stepped up once again, helping fulfill Angel Tree requests and supporting community ministry efforts in meaningful ways.

Janet Emery, a member of the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation Board of Directors and a member of Trinity Wexford Lutheran Church, was among those in attendance. She reflected on how those relationships have grown over time.

“As our relationships have grown, so has the support,” Emery shared. “God gives us many gifts. One is the opportunity to worship together, and another is the fellowship that naturally comes from it.”

She also expressed appreciation for the partnership between volunteers and staff. “I want to extend an extraordinary thank you to the staff who support every effort we bring forward. The way volunteers and staff work together so seamlessly is truly something special.”

Emery added that even a brief look at Lutheran SeniorLife reveals the depth of its mission.

“Anyone who takes time to learn about Lutheran SeniorLife quickly sees the incredible range of services provided and the impact they have on so many lives. We are all deeply grateful for that work.”