About Living Stones Ministries Rock On!

Living Stones Ministries Rock On! is a multifaceted, faith-based organization inspired and created to promote intergenerational activities, enrich the senior community, and foster community-oriented outreach.

Individuals from all walks of life join Living Stones Ministries Rock On! to become involved in meaningful, fulfilling acts of service, from knitting hats for the homeless to donating soap.

We believe that meaningful acts of service can provide purpose and fulfillment in the lives of both our volunteers and recipients while enhancing the well-being of the community.

How Ministry Began

Living Stones Ministries Rock On! started as a simple idea to give back into the community during the 40-day Lent period before Easter Sunday. Julie Shaffer, the organization’s founder and executive director, purchased yarn and looms and worked with a residents and staff from an assisted living and skilled nursing facility within a Continuing Care Retirement Community to create hats for local organizations. The program quickly expanded beyond a Lenten project and became Living Stones Ministries Rock On!, designed to foster meaningful connections and promote intergenerational activities. Residents and other passionate volunteers offer their time and crafting expertise to truly make a difference in the lives of those in need, all the while showcasing the loving attitude of Christ.

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How the Ministry Got Its Name

​"A couple, who lives in my organization’s independent living, volunteers by offering a ministry to their peers with dementia. She plays hymns on the piano. Her husband turns the music pages for the residents and encourages them to sing as I lead the hymn sing. Their son the Rev. Dr. Robert S. Paul wrote the below hymn, “Living Stones.”

As I sang the words, I watched the transition within one resident. I talked with her daughter afterwards about the “Living Stones” hymn, and she said that her mother’s faith has never wavered. When this resident could read, she read the scripture from 1 Peter 2:5: “You come to him as living stones, a spiritual house that is being built into a holy priesthood. So offer spiritual sacrifices that God accepts through Jesus Christ.” – God’s Word Translation

Her mother also loved collecting rocks. I started carry rocks in my pocket. I give her a stone from my pocket as we sing "Living Stones." She is one my many living stones...my rock star.

Sometimes a shiny stone...Sometimes a rough one… Sometimes a stone that needs a home...Sometimes buiIding a foundation where a community grows and lives. There are living stones.".

We believe that meaningful acts of service can provide purpose and fulfillment in the lives of both our volunteers and recipients while enhancing the well-being of the community.

Following One's Passion

Julie believed activities were essential to a resident’s quality of life when her Grandpa Kenny Kirby was placed in a long-term care facility after a stroke in the late 1980’s. She would volunteer and led activities during her visits. Once her Grandpa Kenny passed away in 1991, Julie did not give life enrichment a second thought until she became the Director of Marketing and Admissions in 2006 for Mercer Island Care and Rehabilitation. Julie would lead a sing-a- long for the residents’ weekly Friday Happy Hour.

After leaving her position at the care and rehab center, Julie accepted the role of Activities Coordinator at Exeter House in Seattle where the resident participated in more than BINGO. Julie’s Grandma Ruby Kirby was a resident and her Mother, Mary Jane Shaffer is currently a resident at Kingston Care Center in Fort Wayne. The activities range from worship services and animal visits to musical entertainment, which adds value to residents’ life.

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