The WOW (Wellness On Wednesdays) program
I include this church program first because of all of the programs
and activities that I have heard discussed by church members thus far, this one
is one of the most comprehensive, diverse, broadly based, and dependable programs. Importantly, this program involves a
partnership with other churches in the area; all are welcome.
This summary of the WOW (Wellness on Wednesdays) program for
seniors at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Webster, New York is from Marguerite
Manning.
Each Wednesday we start with
greeting and registration, blood pressure/pulse screening by a nurse (coffee and snacks are available
while participants gather), a welcome, Scripture verse, and the day's happenings that include a
gentle yoga exercise class led by a retired teacher, a variety of 45-minute programs on many topics (we
have had music, gardening, therapy dogs, physical and mental challenges, poetry, books,
travel, museums, wills, funerals, group-building, even scarfology and high tea!! led by
members of the group or by local speakers, and then lunch). The program was designed and is run by
members of Immanuel and the participation of the group is half church members and half from the
community. [what a wonderful gift this is to the community in which
Immanuel is embedded!] The purpose of the program is fun, food,
and fellowship, and we welcome seniors over 55. The average age, though,
is closer to 75!! All of the people who "work" are church
members - from the greeter to the food server.
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In the coming weeks I will post a variety of comments from
older adults who attend the WOW program.
All will have given me permission to use their questions and answers
with the hope that members of other churches will find their stories to be a helpful
and hopeful incentive for starting similar programs.
Of course we all look forward to comments and questions from
readers far and near on any aspect of older adults in the church.
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