The Senior Adults Ministry at First Baptist Prattville
Senior Adults Summer Gathering
As Fall begins, we reflect on how God worked through First Baptist Senior Adults Ministry during the Summer. We are also excited for all that God will continue to do this Fall. In July, the Senior Adults of FBCP came together for games, laughter, fellowship, worship, food and encouragement! The Fellowship Hall was fully decorated with sand buckets, shovels and checkered table clothes. The first activity was bingo with 23 winners receiving mini-Bundt cakes. Next, the attendees enjoyed a picnic themed spread including sandwiches, sides and desserts and were treated to a variety of gospel songs and hymns performed by Wes Cahoon. Many were brought to tears as they listened to the songs that have had an impact on them throughout the years. Overall, the Senior Adults Summer Gathering was a huge success!
This gathering was work of Mike Durham, Senior Adult Pastor, and Donna Wilson, Senior Adult Associate. Although they meet for PrimeTimers each month from September to May, the Senior Adults don’t typically meet during the summer months. Durham and Wilson, however, heard many senior adults mention the need for a summer gathering to honor and saw having one as an opportunity to honor the “in home” seniors that are not often able to attend events at the church or PrimeTimers gatherings.
Wilson shared the goals for the event: “One, to have a mid-summer gathering for all seniors. Two, to include the “at home” population of our church. Three, to HAVE FUN!” All these goals were accomplished, and the impact was large. 120 senior adults attended, including 11 of our “in home” seniors with their caregivers or drivers. Wilson said, “we were overwhelmed to the point of tears. The response to the music and fellowship was fantastic. All comments were positive and encouraging.” She went on to say, “One dear lady, Annie, told me that it was one of 4-5 times in many years she had been able to come inside the walls of our church and participate.” Others shared similar statements repeated.
Wilson shares,
“Our hope as the ministerial team is that we can build on the excitement and vision of SAM (Senior Adult Ministry) as we move forward into the coming year. [We hope] that we will build bridges for our entire senior population to be more involved and identify with the FBC church body, that SAM is a vital part of FBCP and that there is a place for service in the senior years of life to impact our city and world with the gospel of Christ. They are loved, honored and respected for the legacy that they have passed down.”
The Senior Adults Ministry at First Baptist Prattville is a blossoming ministry with many fellowship and service opportunities. If you are interested in learning more, join the Senior Adults Facebook group @First Baptist Prattville Senior Adults.
