Seniors Ministry
Staying CONNECTed While Social Distancing
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As if a long pandemic accompanied by a new “normal” way of life isn’t enough to discourage the most optimistic, there are constant threats lurking in our technology and elsewhere aimed at taking advantage of us.
Do you think you are not at risk of being conned, scammed or hacked?? As soon as we learn one trick of avoiding “click bait” there are dozens more provocative lures popping up next on our computers or people calling with investment ideas. On Friday, Feb. 5 at 10:00 am The Houston BBB Education Foundation and Texas Senior Medicare Patrol presents a virtual talk “The Top 10 Scams of 2021.” Jennifer Salazar, Program Director at the BBB, will be hosting a web presentation to keep us up to speed on the latest devious tactics of bad actors everywhere.
Scam artists are skillful criminals who successfully change their schemes on an ongoing basis to steal money from their victims. The number of people caught in scams like foreign lotteries and the grandparent scam are increasing every day. Learn about the latest scams that capitalize on our fears and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim. This 45 minute virtual talk followed by Q & A will be on zoom. Click here to join.
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Come to the PEACE OF MIND Estate Planning Webinar "lunch & learn" on Tuesday, February 9, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Louise Symmes, Director of Generosity, offers this early Valentine’s gift that will explain why you should plan, what you should consider, what documents are needed, and how planning will protect the people you love the most.
Please sign-up HERE. A zoom link will be sent to all who RSVP. After the seminar, you will receive the Top 10 Tips for Estate Planning and access to the recorded session. For more information please contact Louise or call 713-354-2218.
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Are you a caregiver to a parent, spouse or loved one? Whether the demands on your time are frequent or seldom, we all can use some support and learn more about the particular challenges involved. CarePartners Texas is offering free virtual day programs for those with Alzheimers and dementia, as well as support for their families. This link - Caregiver Resource Videos - CarePartners - is filled with informative videos that are geared toward the busy caregiver, whether your loved one is near or far. Some of the topics include Tips for Being a Long Distance Care Giver, What You Need to Know Before Downsizing, Navigating the Medicare Maze, Nurturing Family Relationships, Advice for a Homebound Caregiver, Estate Planning for Caregivers...and many more. You are not alone so let’s learn from others who have been in our shoes.
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Our own Louise Samuelson will discuss funeral service planning on April 19 for those who want the send off of their dreams and take the pressure of decision making from their family. Details to follow but save the date for this empowering talk.
The Care Ministry has recently trained all Lay Eucharist Visitors (LEVs) in accordance with new protocols for Covid safety. These lay volunteers are available to bring communion to your residence or retirement community. Please email Chip Letton or call Louise Samuelson at 713 354-2234 to set up a visit.
St. John the Divine cares for you and we want to help you connect with other members and your clergy to meet your pastoral care needs during these challenging times. Call our Care Line at 713-354-2255.
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Memory Training meets weekly for 4 weeks and is designed to learn techniques and strategies to improve your memory. Starting March 9 through March 30, Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm. There is a $40 fee. Contact Sally Davis.
Brain Health Matters - FREE virtual presentations on a variety of topics. All will be from 2-3pm. Contact Mehrnaz Gill at or call 713 440-9578 to register.
- Mon. Feb. 8 “How the Arts are Good for the Brain”
- Wed. March 10 “It’s Time for a Brain Tune-up"
- Mon. April 12 “Food for Thought”
- Wed. June 9 “The Sandwich Generation”
Savvy Caregiver Classes - virtual FREE 6 week course for caregivers to better understand dementia, its effects on behavior and how to develop strategies for care giving and decision making. Contact Sharon Cantrell.
- Feb. 16-March 23 Tuesdays from 10-12:00 pm
- Feb. 18-March 25 Thursdays 11:30-1:30 pm
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Hope and Healing Center & Institute offers free virtual talks every month covering a variety of topics such as mental health issues during Covid-19, keeping faith during adversity, and aging with grace. Their mission - to build and restore lives to health and wholeness through education, training, clinical services, and research that strengthen the physical, mental, spiritual, and relational health of families and individuals – reflects a faith-based approach to helping those in need. Find more information here Events Archive - Hope and Healing Center and Institute.
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If you can get on the internet with your phone, tablet or computer, here is a great way to learn more about your technology with many Free online classes taught by seniors and geared to seniors: www.getsetup.io. These live interactive classes can help us all learn more on health and wellness, aging in your own home, technology, and many more topics. Click here for a link to “Get Started with Zoom for Beginners” - Services : Live classes for older adults.
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For you frustrated world travelers, here is a safe, convenient and free way to visit or re-visit favorite cities and experience new places...Virtual Tours | Girl Travel Tours. As a way to keep their clients engaged and eager to get back to traveling, Girl Travel Tours has arranged for their worldwide tour guides to take us all on an armchair trip through their city or country via zoom and slides. There are many exciting virtual tours coming up over the next few months to Florence & Tuscany, WWII – Western Front, Orient Express, Lucerne and the Alps and Budapest. Just click on the photo to register for the live tour given by a professional tour guide. The art, architecture, and history of each destination will be shared along with sightseeing tips, recommendations for restaurants, and shopping (oh how we wish we could be there now!) with time allowed for comments and questions at the end. If you happen to miss the live presentation, which generally lasts 1 1/2 -2 hours, the tours are available later on the web site to view anytime. Some of my favorite recorded tours are Madrid’s Prado Museum, Berlin and Safari in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
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