Senior Adult Ministries
The purpose of the Senior Adult Ministry is to create, encourage and sustain within our church family and the community at large a warm spirit of caring, appreciation and nurture for persons who are retired. We do this through planned social activities, Bible studies, care ministries and outreach opportunities. For more information on any of these ministries, write to Craig Koskela or phone 533-2092, ext. 2028, unless specified otherwise.
Pastor Paul Haken talks about visitation and senior adult ministries. Click on one of these links to listen.
[streaming] [download MP3] (updated May 23, 2008)
Adult Education Fellowships
Two AEFs for senior adults meet on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. for Bible teaching, discussion, prayer and fellowship. They also enjoy occasional social events. Barnabas meets in room 10; Berean meets in room 40.
JOY ("Just Older Youth") Choir
The JOY choir meets regularly for rehearsals and performs at nearby retirement facilities in the spring and fall. We’re not looking for “great voices,” but voices who desire to “make a joyful noise” for the Lord.
Senior Adult Bible Study and Luncheon
The purpose of this ministry is to allow senior adults the opportunity for fellowship around God’s Word and through worship using some familiar hymns. The Bible study meets the first Wednesday of each month from September through June at 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by lunch at noon in the overflow.
Pathseekers Ministry for Widows and Widowers
This ministry seeks to come alongside widows and widowers of all ages and walks of life. Monthly fellowship meetings are held the last Saturday of each month. Call Nancy Hoffmann, 367-2468, for more information.
Senior Adult Council
This team of lay people is involved in the development of the Senior Adult Ministry and the planning of activities. The council seeks to uphold the principal that this ministry is to be “for” seniors and carried out “by” seniors.
Senior Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Senior men gather the third Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the church for fellowship, prayer, Bible teaching and testimonies.
VIP Luncheon
Each August, senior adults 75 and older and their spouses are invited to a formal luncheon at the church. The afternoon is intended to recognize the importance of these “VIPs” to the life of the church and includes a delicious meal and entertainment.
"Sweat and a Sweet" Event
Each fall, members of our congregation volunteer to provide a chore (“sweat”) and a treat (“sweet”) for widows and widowers, as well as older single adults. The purpose of this event is to provide help around the house for those who need it, as well as to encourage connections between people of various ages.
Informational Seminars
On occasion, seminars of interest to senior adults are offered to our church family as well as the community. Seminar topics and dates are announced in the Sunday bulletin.
Volunteer Opportunities
We believe strongly that senior adults have much to contribute to the body of believers at our church as well as in the community. Therefore, volunteerism is encouraged in all aspects of the church. Opportunities to get involved within the Visitation and Senior Adult Ministry include visiting nursing homes, hospitals and shut-ins; writing notes of encouragement; participating in the YAHOO leadership team; leading Bible studies; and helping to organize seminars geared toward the senior adult population.
Visitation Ministry
Our church visitation team goes to visit members, friends and families of our congregation who are struggling with various situations. We keep a list of senior adults who are no longer able to attend church services or activities and make a special effort to visit, call and pray for them on a regular basis. Our goal is to bring encouragement through prayer, Scripture reading and sharing truth about God’s salvation. We also offer in-home communion services for shut-ins unable to attend church. In addition, we offer helpful resources such as cards, books, tracts and pamphlets. It is our hope that people thus ministered to will experience the church as a caring community. Visits are made to hospitals, prisons, retirement and nursing homes and private homes where there are personal crises such as bereavement, loss of work or loss of health. If you would like a visit or know of someone who may benefit from a visit, call the church office at 533-4848, Pastor Paul Haken at 533-2092, ext. 2011, or Evie Zook, coordinator for visitation and senior adult ministry, at 533-2092, ext. 2034.
