Senior Adults

Sunday School - McClamroch Class  

This is a large class of middle and older adults who enjoy a good Bible study.  They use a quarterly curriculum classed “Present Word”, which covers most of the Bible in three years.

           Senior Adult Ministries (SAM)

Join us and CELEBRATE old age!

The church is mindful of those with physical or sensory limitations. 

Senior Adult Council ("SAC")
This 11 member council meets monthly or as necessary to organize the Senior Adult Ministry of the Church. The council reports to the Membership-Evangelism Division of the Session. The council is organized into 4 committees whose division of duties is as follows:

Occasional Events
Organizes the monthly "Thursdays with SAM" every third Thursday, September through May (one hour of program of general interest, e.g., arts, economy, book reviews, music, health & medicine, history, community leaders, etc.) followed by lunch. Contributes to the church-wide Mid-Week Manna programs, offering classes of particular interest about and/or for aging and older adults. Organized the informal Dining Out groups. Ad hoc programs and/or events, such as day trips, tax workshops, spirituality. 


Personal Contact
Enables regular contact with the senior adults of the church through a quarterly SAC Newsletter, the monthly Bake & Take ministry for shut-ins and new members, birthday/anniversary cards to shut-ins. Coordinates contact and other services as appropriate with the Presbyterian Women's Circles. Coordinates community services for older adults (sheriff's office, Council on Aging, e.g.). 

The grief group (the "Survivors"), working with the Diaconate help those who have experienced a loss or other trauma.    What more is needed? At present we are exploring a more intentional ministry for families caring for a senior adult with chronic conditions. To this end, we are hoping to start "Care Groups" with the assistance of the Foundation for Interfaith Research & Ministry, of Houston, TX. 

Travel-Trips-Conferences
Sponsors a variety of travel opportunities: Summer Day Trips to see musicals in Dallas; one premium trip each year (e.g., the 5 day Mississippi River Steamboat Cruise); seasonal trips at Christmas (tours of homes and Christmas lights and programs); older adult conferences, especially the Mo-Ranch conference each October; and promotes Elder Hostels.   

Church Service
Engages the vast resources of the senior adults in the church to serve in a variety of ways in the life of the congregation: each fifth Sunday provides ushering and the "Time with the Children"; each communion Sunday assists the pastors with communion to the homebound. Serves as a sort of clearing house for various needs within the church which senior volunteers can meet (e.g., helping get the monthly newsletter out). The council also sponsors the annual Older Adult Sunday (first Sunday in May), provides volunteers to decorate and offer prayers at one dinner during the Mid-Week Manna series. 

 

We are very fortunate to have Reverend Bryan Mcdowell, an associate pastor,  leading this ministry helping us view our personal lives, families and congregation in new ways as we grow older.

If you have additional suggestions, ideas or questions, contact Rev. McDowell either at the church or via email at: bmcdowell@fpcshreveport.com. We also welcome volunteers to serve in this ministry.