Leviticus 19:32; 'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
Liz Tilley, assisted by Karen Munday & Carolyn
Hemsley, pay particular attention to the Ministry for the Elderly, loosely the
over 55 age group. The present
congregation and village communities have a high percentage of older people who
need to be valued, involved and reached.
See also details of the Care Team.
After a
successful maiden voyage in 2007, “Holiday at Home” has become an annual
Summer event and is planned again for 2008.
This was a two day event held at Lawnsmead which provides a change in
routine and interest that comes with a holiday, without actually going away;
experiencing new things, activities, friendship, good food etc. The pioneers of H@H are Outlook, an interdenominational
Christian mission, and the Church Army.
Following
on from H@H, the Discovery Group is a group for seniors wishing to develop or
renew their Christian faith and have the freedom to ask those tricky questions! They first met in Autumn 2007 on six Tuesdays
for a sandwich lunch; all over by 2.30pm in time for the afternoon nap. Subsequent
“Carry on Discovering” meetings have taken place (two Tuesday afternoons
per month) and will again in the future.
There are
several daytime home-groups that provide a
supportive caring environment in which people can grow as Christians. These may especially suit seniors.
Our Senior
Citizens Harvest Lunch and Christmas and Easter Teas give us an opportunity to
build bridges with a congregation, some of whom it seems only attend these
services. The Youth Team have also provided entertainment at their Grand Show and
tea. Several members of the
fellowship run (and cook for) the Age
Concern weekly lunches at Lawnsmead.
Senior
Citizens meet together regularly on Thursday mornings at the 10.30 Holy
Communion Service, which is followed by coffee and a chat in the Selwyn
Room. Transport is available if needed.
You may
care to read a recent Sermon on Growing Old
Gracefully.