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Adult Ministry
Fifty-five and Counting

Not “Seniors”

Within a month of my arrival, the visionary, self-sacrificing and intensely caring early-retired couple who had founded the “Seniors’ Breakfast” ministry signaled their move from the community. They left behind about thirty-five people (“late 60’s or older”), appreciative recipients of a monthly brunch devotional program.

It’s important also to report that in our community (and I suggest in yours too!), the term ‘senior’ has a highly negative connotation, especially to those still in their 60’s. It’s no wonder we have as yet to address the “fifty-five and counting” age group; we’re still in the process of mid-course corrections for “the seniors!”

Pilgrims Helping Pilgrims

We are trying to move from a program philosophy to that of “pilgrims helping other pilgrims” on a mutual journey. Practically, we maintained a strong and active program. At the same time we are working to recruit and train a planning and steering committee composed of ‘pilgrims’ from the group who will in turn be responsible to identify and program the group. A context of love, warmth, mutual encouragement, care and concern for others that grows out of a commitment to God’s word are the components for which we are striving.

Core Program Component

Much of our planning over the past eight months has focused around the question, “What are important perspectives and information modules for “seasoned pilgrims?” We have had speakers address such issues as “Health and Safety in the Home,” “Nuggets of Legal Advice for Seniors,” and “Government Services for Seniors.”

To keep balance, we included such elements as a missionary slide/commentary and a bus trip to historic Barkerville. We hope to have a report from a ‘pilgrim couple’ who did a three month tour of Asia, a nurse offering information on home health services and a presentation by a newly retired MBM/S partner couple. Each program also has a devotional component.

Hobby Corner

One of the features that helps to give expression to the ‘fellow pilgrim’ philosophy has been the “Hobby Corner.” Periodically, individuals present a show-and-tell report on their hobbies. Gender balance is sought. The discovery and practice of hobbies is the purpose as well as conversation stimuli for the ‘tables of seven’ groupings over breakfast or brunch.

Looking Ahead

Resource ideas and curriculum to date have come out of response to observed needs, and 35-plus years of pastoral ministry. Our next move will call for the newly forming steering committee to research publishers for long range program ideas.

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Written by Bill Cram, Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries at Westwood MB Church in Prince George BC. To dialogue further with Bill call (604) 562-3711.
Last modified October 31, 2000.

Ideabank is a quarterly newsletter published by the Board of Christian Education Ministries, a board of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

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