It is has been about 20 years since I first heard the title of this article. You can be sure that I understand it better now than I did then. The good news is that Americans are living longer; the bad news is that aging has many challenges.

While Saxe Gotha has a large number of young and middle aged families, we must remember that the older segment of our congregation continues to grow...all the time. The passion of the years brings changes to all of our lives..

The Seniors’ ministry is always challenged to interpret and respond to the needs of this segment of the church family. Over the years there have been some very good initiatives put into place. Currently, under the excellent leadership of a number of volunteers, we are building on these earlier initiatives in an attempt to provide the most adequate support system that we can.

As the minister who is entrusted with this important responsibility, my first concern is to give strong support to the four current initiatives;  THE CLASSICS, an opportunity for seniors to share a “meal and an event’; THE SENIOR LUNCHES,   periodic fellowship and program opportunities at the church; THE CARING CONNECTIONS, a committed group of seniors who visit those who are shut-ins or semi shut-ins; and THE TOURS, a group of people who go on the road about four times a year to see and do things together on an overnight excursion basis. We hope that all seniors know that they are welcome to share in any of these groups. For information simply contact Erika Hall or myself at the church.

 My second concern is to be sensitive to other ways that we may be able to minister to this segment of the congregation and to their families. Oftentimes families are confronted with a new reality as they seek to support the seniors in their lives and need a listening ear and some guidance. Sometimes people ask for help to fill a gap. Recently, for example, a friend asked me to give thought to developing a “widows group” for seniors... I consider that a very legitimate request and will be looking into how we can best respond.

So pray for your seniors because aging isn’t for sissies. May God give us wisdom and compassionate love.

Bill Johnston