Over 60’s
Leviticus 19:32;
'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
Click here 
to see our Senior Citizens Handout.
We are privileged to have a congregation of every age, and since Liz Tilley's return to England and her ordination, we are developing the existing services and activities planned with our older members in mind. Liz Tilley, assisted by Karen Munday & Carolyn Hemsley, pay particular attention to the over 55 age group. The present congregation and village communities have a high percentage of older people who need to be valued, involved and reached. See also details of the Care Team.
Thursday Morning Service
Usually Holy Communion, the rota includes Morning Prayer one Thursday each month. Thursday services take place in the Lady Chapel. and are followed by coffee and a chat in the Selwyn Room. Transport is provided for those needing it, and many say that this quiet and reflective service is the highlight of their week. Once a month we have an adapted shorter service to make it more accessible to those who have not been regularly attending church; this is followed by refreshments and discussion and where appropriate some video too.
Activities
We have for many years celebrated Christmas and Easter with a short mid-week afternoon service followed by tea. We also have a special Harvest Festival in October in Lawnsmead which includes a short talk and an opportunity to sing harvest hymns. These give us an opportunity to build bridges with a congregation, some of whom it seems only attend these services. The Youth Team have also provide entertainment at their Grand Show and tea which generally takes place early February..
Holiday at Home
After voyages in 2007, 2008 & 2009, “Holiday at Home” has become an annual Summer event. This takes place at Lawnsmead over two days providing a change in routine and interest that comes with a holiday, without actually going away; experiencing new things, activities, friendship, good food etc. The pioneers of H@H are Outlook, an interdenominational Christian mission, and the Church Army.
Following on from H@H, the “Take a Look” Mini Cruises is a group for seniors wishing to develop or renew their Christian faith and have the freedom to ask those tricky questions! In 2008 & 9 seniors were invited to join together in the Selwyn Room every Friday in September until October. There were short talks, video’s activities and questions about life and faith as together we take 6 voyages of discovery or rediscovery. Also homemade cakes & tea served during the afternoon. Transport is available to collect and take home. Details for 2010 from Brenda Morley or Brenda Williams.
Home Groups
There are several daytime home-groups that provide a supportive caring environment in which people can grow as Christians. These may especially suit seniors.
Pastoral Care
Much regular pastoral care and visiting of the elderly of our church and community takes place, as well as home communions from ime to time for those unable to attend church.
Transport
This is an essential feature of these activities, and we have a number of volunteers who help in this way.
Age Concern
Several members of the fellowship run (and cook for) the Age Concern weekly lunches at Lawnsmead.
You may care to read a recent Sermon on Growing Old Gracefully.
