Senior Adult Ministries
The purpose of the Senior Adult Ministry is to create, encourage and sustain within our church family a warm spirit of caring, appreciation and nurture for persons who are retired and/or are 50 years of age and older. For more information on any of these ministries, write to Craig Koskela or phone 533-2092, ext. 2028, unless specified otherwise.
YAHOO (Young at Heart Outreach Opportunities)
This active group aims to provide fellowship, support and encouragement for the retired people of our congregation and the community at large through social interaction, care ministries and outreach opportunities. Activities include day and overnight bus trips, gatherings to view quality classic and Christian films and occasional outings for meals and recreation. In addition, the YAHOO Choir made up of senior adults performs at nearby retirement facilities several times a year.
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 20.
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.
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 April, 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, assistant to the visitation pastor, at 533-2092, ext. 2034.
