narratives from seniors who told their stories.
Wellness on Wednesdays When Barb Bills, a Baptist, first saw a newspaper ad for WOW (Well- ness on Wednesdays) at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Web- ster, N.Y., she wanted to give it a try. Socializing, exercising and education programs appealed to her. “This is my Wednesday out,” she said. “The program topics [including eldercare law, asset protection plan- ning and geriatric care] are so impor- tant—things we should be aware of. … And I’ve certainly met some good Lutherans.”
Due to Bills’ enthusiasm and word of mouth, WOW attendance has nearly doubled since it began two years ago, with at least half the participants coming from outside the congregation, said Marguerite Man- ning, coordinator.
“Socialization is the biggest
draw,” she said. “They love coming with their own friends and reaching out to make new ones.” WOW also fills a void in the com-
munity. “It meets the need for people who are still alive and kicking and who want to learn and be with oth- ers,” Manning said. “They may have some physical limitations, but they still have a lot to give and share.” The program includes blood pres- sure checks, a prayer list and opportu- nities to swap stories from the past. In June they shared wedding memories, and soon they may discuss Christmas traditions.
“Everybody listens to each other
so well. They enjoy hearing what others have to share,” Manning said. “Every Wednesday when I wake up I tell myself, ‘Oh good, we have WOW today.’ ”
Old People Up to Something “The luncheons, trips … everything
about OPUS (Old People Up to Something) is excellent,” said Grace Puls, a member of Grace Lutheran Church, LaGrange, Ill. “[We] get together [to] exchange views and enjoy one another’s company beyond coffee hour and worship.” OPUS seniors participate in exer- cise classes, health workshops and outings.
Puls said they look out for each other: “We take note if we see change that should be looked into. It’s a good way to make sure our older members are doing well.”
At Desert Hills Lutheran Church,
Green Valley, Ariz., where you might expect seniors to gather, “members are just tickled to come here to learn more,” said David Schmidt. Like many in their congregation, he and his wife Patty are snowbirds. “There is something going on all the time,” Patty said. “We have a very healthy older group of seniors who are doing 100 different things.” The congregation hosts Thanks- giving and Christmas dinners for those who can’t travel to be with fam- ily, and there’s a book group for men. When the men gather on Wednes- day mornings, they also “throw a dol- lar in a mayonnaise jar.” The contents have gone to a family whose home burned down, a Hispanic Lutheran mission congregation, and an agency that serves meals to the homeless. “Almost all of our friends come from the church,” David said. His wife said the Desert Hills com- munity reminds her of college “where everybody comes from someplace else. ... That’s why our congregation is so welcoming to new people.” And welcoming new people is part of 96-year-old Ruth Trautman’s service to St. Luke Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Ill. “When I ask people in Ruth’s circle group—many who are in their 40s and 50s—why they joined, they usually say, ‘Ruth invited me,’ ”
said Kristi Weber, one of the pastors. “Ruth is intent on continuing to build relationships with people of all ages.” Trautman said, “I wish I could help people realize how easy and important it is to reach out. If you see a visitor sitting near you, speak to them. When you pass the peace, reach out and introduce yourself. It’s important to encourage others by say- ing, ‘I’m happy you are here. I hope I will see you again.’ ”
See
www.thelutheran.org/feature/ november for a related story, “Tips for developing older adult ministries.”
Gathering the Lutheran Community
in New York City Lodging for
Servant Trips Youth Ministry
Parish Getaways Clergy Meetings
Thanksgiving Day Parade and always
Sacred Hospitality
Convenient ●Comfortable ●Affordable Clergy Discounts
Seafarers & International House
123 East 15th Street New York, NY 10003
info@sihnyc.org www.sihnyc.org
An ELCA mission for seafarers and sojourners, with an 84-room guesthouse in the Union Square neighborhood that facilitates your congregational mission while you facilitate
ours. Collectively, God’s Work, Our Hands. November 2012 31
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