Approximately 24 senior parishioners participated in a discussion on May 12 regarding perceived needs of our older members. A Eucharistic Prayer service was followed by lunch and an enthusiastic exchange of ideas. From this discussion, the following volunteer opportunities for Senior Ministry have been identified.

Are you interested in participating? Please keep in mind that this is the genesis of our Senior Ministry Initiative.  Participants are needed and invited to bring their energy, ideas, experience and prayers to any of these areas. As the Psalmist says, we are but a "puff of wind" but many of our senior members still have a lot of wind in their sails. Are you able to help sail the boat?

1. The SENIOR STEERING COMMITTEE is in need of volunteers who along with the Pastor, will oversee these programs by providing counsel, aiding in recruitment and assisting in implementation of programs.

• VOLUNTEERS needed.

2. HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Health, exercise, medication information, suggestions toward maintaining wellness. Knowledge of and ability to "triage" elders and parishioners to community resources that provide transportation, aid in simple chores such as changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries.

• PARISH NURSE MINISTRY was seen as best able to meet these needs.
•  VOLUNTEERS needed to re-vitalize our current Parish Nurse Ministry.

3. BOOK STUDY/GROUP

• Ongoing group which would meet either in Church or member's homes.
• Clergy will provide reading lists.
• VOLUNTEERS and participants needed.

4.  PREPARING FOR END OF LIFE

• Financial planning
• Preparation of wills, trusts, etc.
• Legal issues
• Organization of documents, etc. to aid the executor
• CONSULTATION OF ATTORNEY NEEDED TO FACILITATE.

5.  CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR OLDER PARISHIONERS

• Focus on religion and spirituality; to include exploration of great works of literature.
• VOLUNTEER Faciliator(s) and participants needed.

6.  SPIRITUALITY OF AGING

• Provide speakers and venues to address various aspects of aging.
• VOLUNTEER Facilitator needed.

7.  QUARTERLY COFFEE/TEA EVENTS

Seen as an opportunity for seniors to socialize and share areas of expertise and life experience.

• VOLUNTEERS AND FACILITATOR needed.

AS YOU CAN SEE, THE HARVEST IS PLENTY BUT THE LABORERS ARE FEW.  Please give some serious thought and prayer toward participating. All ages invited.

Sign-up sheets for each of these initiatives can be found in the narthex.

(General considerations: These activities will be offered during daylight - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Questions? E-mail members of Sr. Ministry Steering Committee: