Seniors Fellowship
Mission StatementThe South Church Senior Program, coordinated by Jim Kinhan, began as a special seed grant from the Concord Centennial Trust, and was subsequently absorbed into the continuing annual budget of the Church.The mission is to create and foster on-going programs and activities in which the Senior population of the congregation may enjoy a sustained experience of connection and personal affirmation within the church body. Any person of any age may participate, and friend of any Senior member regardless of formal membership in South Church. The activities may include luncheon programs, individual home visits, cluster coffee home gatherings, and other special happenings such as field trips, "bowling blasts", and fitness related events. A telephone network, called " Pax Vobiscum", is a program whereby Seniors cultivate their own connectivity with one another through the South banner, and also serves as a caring check among participating members as to health and other personal needs. A guiding dynamic of the Senior Program is the simple energy of joyfulness and intentional care and consideration. For information about scheduled activities or to be added to the mailing list of "Senior Message" contact the Church office at 224-2521, or Jim Kinhan. South Senior MessageMarch 2008It has been my joy to serve as the Program Coordinator for the South Church Senior Program. It seems like just yesterday when my watch began, yet my service in this role matches the span of time of Pastor Jed. There are always a few special highlights. Yet the most special is always the opportunities to sit and visit with South Seniors. Our Seniors are a brave and hardy number. They remain active in many ways in the life of the church and also in the life of the community. An unorchestrated network seems to flow among them, witnessing a sense of care and support in their long standing relationships. A mission goal would be to plug into this natural network and enhance the natural flow of connection and care that is experienced within the Senior population. For a few years all featured lunch programs have engaged the service of members from the general body of the church community. South enjoys a rich resource pool of talents and skills. This allows the current leadership and church volunteers to inter-face with those that preceded them. During this last year the Program has planned several experiences where Seniors may visit and stretch their personal sense of spiritual journey, a never ending path, with the thoughtful leadership of Carlos Jauhola-Straight. Let me note a few special highlights. The annual Staff/Senior picnic was treated to a surprise visit with our loved former Minister, Gayle Murphy. The annual St.Patrick's day lunch enjoyed some spontaneous Irish songs and a drawing for the annual spring seacoast lunch. Seniors were treated to a taste of Steve Arndt's “second passion” as they viewed and awed at his home crafted glider plane. The visit with former Ambassador Terry Shumaker and first lady Polly was literally “spiced” with a unique touch of Trinidad in the lunch buffet assembled by guest Chef Grace Walker. And many other wonderful programs and sharing among the Seniors. A new feature in the program was the inaugural of the annual Senior Retreat Day, named “Emily's Day”, and held on her birthday of August 15th at the lakeside “retreat house” of Adria & Chip Cilley. The program has initiated link with First Church, and this invitation for First members to join us will be improved as more efficient communication is practiced. Yet, it seems that this past early winter previewed some tough months ahead. Snow falls reached record levels. This happening restricted the mobility of Seniors and long days of isolation occur. Home visiting and telephone connections have increased. Many Seniors incurred some serious ailments and health struggles with prospect of more ahead. South Seniors are a valued and significant segment of the church community. The “South Senior Message” is mailed to about 90 folks in about 10 issues annually. Close to 50 Seniors have participated in the program either as an attendee at a luncheon or as a recipient of a home visit or both. The demographic data shows they are early 70's to mid -90's; they are men and women; they are couples and single/widowed; they live in congregate housing or personal residences; some drive and others need transportation; some use walkers and chair support; some are loving grandparents and some are loving great grandparents; some attend church regularly and some don't but still feel a part of South. Lastly,all enjoyed a laugh; the connection with other Seniors of South; a good lunch; and the stimulation of gathering and witnessing community….!!!! Yowsa, yowsa,yowsa…..Jim Kinhan |
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