PROGRAMS THAT WORK

Central to the development and sustaining of older adult ministries are experiences that are fun.   Yet what that means for a church in Richmond Virginia may not be the same as for a church in Webster, New York, or Northfield, Minnesota, or Tucson, Arizona.

For instance, an outstanding program coordinator, Carolyn Huntley who, until recently, directed the Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church Leisure Time Group in Richmond, Virginia, evolved her coveted approach to serving the older adult members of her church through her 50 years of successful experience with senior groups.  Not only has the Leisure Time Group reached out in many ways to support organizations such as Make-a-Wish foundation, the Red Cross, and regional homes for the aged, but the Leisure Time Group has benefited from many, many outstanding speakers and programs.

Carolyn Huntley has shared a note from one of Epiphany’s older adult group members:

          “I had wanted to join the Leisure Time group at Epiphany Lutheran Church even before I retired.  Much of the reason we desired to join was that we wanted to share in the camaraderie with other people our age.  But it was also because we had heard good reports about the programs  and especially about the trips taken.  We were proud that Epiphany was engaging in an outreach to seniors that offered them a chance to stay active in a program allowing them to participate in an activity that was Christian in nature but also was partly educational and partly entertaining.”

Although, the programs at WOW have similarities to those at Epiphany, it is helpful to listen for the differences, so that as you plan for programs at your church, you understand that there is no “one right way” to do things. 

Marguertite, the volunteer coordinator for the WOW program in Webster, New York tells that WOW programs vary from musical presentations and information programs, to story swaps in which people gather in a circle and share thoughts, ideas, or opinions about the topic of the week. Recently the topic was “favorite quotes”.  Marguerite said, “It was amazing to hear how many people collect quotes!”.

One of the volunteer coordinators for those WOW programs is Lyn Reville, who shared her interest in what she calls “in house” programs:

            “Some of the best programs are those 'in house' brand - where we bring up a topic for discussion and have those present take turns with the 'mike' giving their feelings, memories, etc. about that topic.  Sometimes it is an item we have them share rather than a topic.  For example, we had the folks bring their wedding photos or albums and comment on them briefly.  We've had them bring an example of something they collect to share with the group.   We've had them bring patriotic items and have even had them share a quote that is one they may live by.  The explanations from those who participate are so heart-warming, sincere and open.  We get to know each other a bit better through these types of programs and likewise add to more trust within the group. The brief comments shared in these ‘in house’ programs, lead to longer private chats during lunch when the actual program for the day is over.  These program offerings are my favorites.”

              Note:  A key for the success of these “story swap” sessions is to have a microphone that is 

                   passed around from speaker to speaker.  It makes all the difference in the world whether or 

                  not all of the rest of the participants will feel included --  because they can hear what is being

                  said!!!

Below are some examples of the huge variety of programs that people have shared with me that can draw interests of older adults in churches across the country:

Bible study;  Movie night;  Music of our life;  Art show;  Genealogy group; Trip to monster truck rally;  Multi-generational experience sharing;  Tai Chi class:  Mutual-help group for cancer survivors;  Quilting ministry;  Local over-55 education opportunities; Veterans story-swap;  Homebound ministries; School volunteer opportunities;  Class on the music of Broadway;  Share your life experiences with others around the world via the Internet;  Singing-for-fun group;  Outdoor ecology exploration;  Day trip to area of local interest;  Older adult vacation bible school;  Weekly exercise workout;  Film festival:  LOGOS program for k-8^th. graders;  Parish nurse outreach;  Food and health study group: Book club;  Model airplane club;  Out-to-lunch-bunch;  Dixieland band;  The life of Buffalo Bill course;  Walking-in-the-church (a wintertime favorite); Remembering our weddings gathering;  “Shop Local” outreach;  Horse shoe contest;  Grandparenting for fun and wellness;  Planes we have flown;  A set of intergenerational game contests (e.g. checkers, shuffleboard, bike rally, abbreviated triathlon,  swimming);  Men’s discussion group;  Adult education “courses”;  Scrap-booking with computers;  Writing from our histories;  Coffee with the pastor; Sharing personal experiences*

                 *Experiences that can motivate older adults to come together and swap stories include;  military experiences;  important decisions that one has made;  childhood antics;  favorite school subjects not pursued; wedding dresses; sources of power;  how one got to school and back;  the most adventurous thing I ever did;  how I met my wife or husband;  the most important book I ever read;  my favorite radio or TV show, or music when I was a teenager;  the most frightening experience of my life;  my most memorable teacher;  my first car;  dolls I have known;   what a pet has meant to me;  what I would like to tell the world if only the world would listen. 

[Note:  it is important that if there are story-sharing activities that all participants have an equal opportunity to share their experience.  Story monologs are not equivalent to the sharing of experiences around the room.]

Bruce