Frank and I, along with Barbara and Richard began the leadership of the Senior Saints ministry in 2014, when the Hedleys and the Kings were preparing to relocate. Initially, we had great misgivings, because they had done such an amazing job for so many years. We had happily participated and enjoyed the lunches, meetings, speeches, and tours, with little regard for how it all got put together. When the four of us were invited to lunch with Sue and Larry and John and Elizabeth, they asked us to take their places as leaders of Senior Saints. We were concerned about our ability to continue the great work. This led to many phone calls between the four of us. Our first reaction was to say “Absolutely NOT. We can’t do it.” Eventually, after much prayer, discussion, discernment, and reflection, we decided we were being called to continue a ministry that was an important part of the life of many seniors in the church.
Our first action was to form a committee. Sharing the work eases the burden on any one individual and creates comradery with all involved. Sharing together in program arrangements, table decorations, and cleanup, were the rest of our committee: Frank and Corinne Mertes, Rucj and Sally Uffleman, Helen Mertz, and Sandy Titus.
We have had six years of very successful programs and trips. We have added some wonderful new people to the committee. John and Sheryl Watson, Ann Sherwood, and Beverly Seacord have replaced some of the original committee.
Someone said we should change the name of Senior Saints. We’re all seniors and we have no age requirements. As Elizabeth said: “We don’t card at the door.” Maybe the thought was that we might not all be ‘saints,’ but we all praise God and aspire to be our best.
We try to strike a balance between programs that are interesting to everyone. Encouraging new people to join the group is especially important to continuing the vitality and relevancy of the group. There are no membership dues or requirements. Just bring your own lunch and come join us at one of our meetings or on one of our trips. For our regular meetings, beverages are provided as well as delicious desserts to share.
Senior Saints is a significant and wonderful part of our Holy Comforter lives. We learn again that although God’s guidance sometimes frightens us, we can step up to the challenge and keep the faith.
Linda Gamboa
