OWLS (Older, Wiser Lutherans)

Are you a senior age 50+ looking for more Christian fellowship? Come and join us for lunch every first and third Thursday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. You don’t have to be a Lutheran to join in this mealtime fellowship. Just call the church office and ask to be put on the signup sheet. A freewill donation is accepted to help cover the cost of the meal.

What is a “senior”? 

Submitted by Pastor George Brunjes, Director of Senior Ministries at TLC

I guess that there are many different understandings to the word. It used to mean the age 65–when social security benefits could be collected and you became eligible for Medicare. While the latter is still true, the government has been slowly going about the process of raising retirement age to 70. AARP would have us believe that being a senior starts at 50– its recruitment age for membership. Elder Hostel has lowered its age limits as well.

I used to talk about “a young old age” (65-75), a middle old age (75-85) and an “old old age (85+)”. It might have to be increased even more if we start living longer. Several seniors in the congregation have indicated that this would be a wonderful program for their parents, but not for them. So, is this program for you? It is if YOU think you are a senior.

Our Senior Group’s Name is the “OWLs”: “Older, Wiser Lutherans” but you don’t have to be a Lutheran to join us.

The purposes:
A. To help the senior members of Trinity to grow spiritually, physically and emotionally in the “golden years” of their life.
B. To provide a greater sense of family within the congregation.

 

MONTHLY MEALS and FELLOWSHIP:
Luncheons are scheduled on the first and third Thursday of the month, starting at 12:30 p.m..

On the first Thursday, we will have a dinner served, and plan some type of fun activity for those who attend. The second luncheon, what I have come to call “An Olive Garden style luncheon” (soup, salad, bread, and dessert) is served on the third Thursday. No, we do not go to the mall and eat at Olive Garden. We have the meal here in the gym, prepared by our own kitchen crew. This luncheon will usually have some type of educational program with a speaker.

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Our Senior Ministries Committee continues to explore other activities that folks would like to see offered. Last year we had delicious and lovely meals served on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, for those who have no family near to spend the holidays with. Please contact Pastor George if you have ideas of other Senior Ministries events.

 

THIRD SUNDAY BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
An important aspect of the Senior Ministries is Blood Pressure Screening between worship services on the third Sunday of the month. High blood pressure is a silent killer in the USA. Our TLC volunteer nurses will take your blood pressure and record the information for you to share with your doctor at your next regular appointment. This is a good way to have an ongoing record of your health in between doctor visits.