In Service and Respect to Seniors

When you're at church service take a good look at who is sitting in the pews. Does there seem to be a lack of senior citizens present-specifically those that are home-bound?

Unfortunately this segment of our population are often overlooked or looked down upon.

There is one church in particular that is making a difference in changing this all-too-familiar scenario.

In May of 2008 St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau implemented a ministry whose sole purpose was to transport home-bound senior citizens to church. While it wasn't an easy task to achieve financially and otherwise, they persisted in their efforts. They are now reaping great rewards.

The original intent was geared toward home-bound seniors living alone, but it has branched out to include those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They have also initiated a taxicab service for those going to a later service. A local transit company provides the professional drivers who are well-versed in the needs of these seniors.

In an article entitled, Including Different Family Types in the Voice of Missouri Magazine, it states, "To help gather residents from the nursing homes, load them on the bus, and usher them into church, a Bus Buddy is present from the time the van arrives at the first pick-up location until it returns the last rider to his/her residence. The riders are always greeted and happy to have a fellow church member who welcomes them to their ride each Sunday morning".

They also have a ministry to their mobile seniors who can drive themselves independently to a monthly gathering at different locations. St. Andrew has set a great example for many churches to follow.

Let's learn to appreciate those seniors that we worship with or see on a regular basis. One day they may be you.

SOURCE:

The Voice of Missouri, April/May 2011, Page 16