Older Adult Ministry

St. Paul’s Older Adult Ministry oversees services and programs for seniors who make up an increasing percentage of the church membership. These members have been the keystone of our church community for many years. The Older Adult Ministry Committee provides opportunities for these individuals to continue to share their experiences and expertise, as well as to receive support and assistance as needed.

One popular program available through this ministry is Tuesdays Together, a monthly midday gathering for worship, food and fun. The fellowship begins with an informal worship service in the Sanctuary at noon which includes communion. At 12:30 participants enjoy a simple lunch ($4), fellowship, and games in the Octagon. All ages are welcome.

A number of programs are available through this ministry:

Through the Joyful Visitors program, members of the church visit older adults in our congregation who are homebound, hospitalized or simply wanting to be visited. The frequency of visits is flexible and is dependent upon both parties’ availability and need. Currently there are more than 25 participants in the program.

An informal “no stress, no preparation” study group, led by Rev. Karin Walker, meets every Tuesday morning at 10:45 a.m. in the Dorothy Kirkley Parlor. While the bible study is open to all, it was created to provide a discussion-oriented growth opportunity for the older adult.

Another ongoing opportunity is a weekly Stretchercise class, led by OAM Committee Member Sue Roberts. This class is especially adapted for seniors who desire to increase mobility and balance.

The OAM News newsletter, produced and distributed quarterly, highlights topics and events of interest to the St. Paul’s older adult community.

Older Adult Sunday is a time during which the church recognizes and appreciates its “seasoned” members and the wealth of faith and experience they bring to the congregation. Following the service is a social event – a reception or a luncheon – sponsored by the OAM Committee. While the focus is to honor the older adults in the congregation, it is also intended to be an intergenerational event. This year’s Older Adult Sunday will be held in September.

Each spring, St. Paul’s older adult community hosts a reception in honor of the graduating high school seniors. This Seniors Honoring Seniors event encourages intergenerational interaction for all.

Older adults are also invited to participate in Prayer Match, through which they make a commitment to pray for a specific youth on a daily basis.

A van service is provided as needed to take seniors to various events, and information relevant to this group is posted on a bulletin board outside Heavener Hall.

The committee is chaired by Meg Baker, who is also very active in the planning and administration of conference-sponsored events, including the biannual Our Day Away retreats, National Conference booths and continuing education programs for clergy.