There are new senior adults loose in our congregation today! Most of them view the future as holding some of their best days for service and happiness. What greater joy for a church than to see its retirees mobilized and energized in Christ’s name to help “reach, teach, mend, and send.” What a huge part in the ministry of Jesus Christ they play! Many of our retirees represent the “memory bank” of this church after long years of faithful service. A congregation’s “story” is constantly being rewritten, and congregations create their futures. Our retirees are major players in our current story and in writing the next chapter. Today, we continue to celebrate the gifts and graces of our retirees. Paul’s letter to Timothy instructs us: “Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you.” (2 Timothy 1:6).
Our retirees have a young, resourceful attitude that involves them throughout the ministries of the church. They are often the first to sign-up, attend, invite, welcome, and the last to leave. Our ministry with them is intentional with a focus on social and spiritual connectedness, continued personal growth and learning, along with opportunities to share their Christian commitment. While our retirees are active in most church programs, two programs focus entirely on them: JOY Club (Just Older Youth) and the Older Adult Singles Program. The JOY Club program now reaches residents at nearby Parkview Independent Living with the church bus bringing them for each meeting. Members of the Older Adult Singles go to Parkview to share lunch with former members who can no longer attend meetings. Both groups reach out to include individuals in our community. Since 2001, our Medical Transportation program has provided 223 appointment needs for those who live alone and have no family nearby.
For our older members, retirement is a new time of learning with new assignments. There is no age limit on God’s expectation for His people. Maybe instead of using the term “aging,” we should talk about becoming fully human, living out the life to which God has called us. It is God who gives us the strength and understanding for affirmative aging, for growing in grace, and for service to others.
Praise be to God!
- Jean Payne, ?Director of Older Adult Ministries
