The Older Adult Ministry offers opportunities for worship, learning, fellowship, faith sharing and service that help older adults relate to God, continue to grow in their faith and be actively involved in the life of the church. The United Methodist Church considers all persons age 55 and older as older adults.

Our Mission Statement:  The Older Adult Council of West Market Street United Methodist Church seeks to be in ministry with older adults by providing opportunities for worship, learning, fellowship, faith-sharing, and service that help older adults relate to God, continue to grow in their faith, and be actively involved in the life of the church.

Our Mission Lived Out:  Our ministry to, for, and with older adults is something that we are excited about.  Our mission here at West Market Street UMC is to "make, nurture, and send forth disciples of Jesus Christ."  Older adults certainly fall squarely into the heart of that mission statement.  To the extent that an older adult is not a disciple, we want to help them be one to the fullest extent that we are able.  We want to nurture those disciples we already have and send them forth.  And, to the fullest extent that we are able, we want to care for those disciples who have been so faithful over the years but are no longer able to be active.

The purpose of our Older Adult Ministry Team...is to provide a forum for information sharing, fellowship, spiritual growth, and advocacy in the church and community.  The Ministry Team advocates for Older Adults and plans numerous events and activities. 

The following are some of the Older Adult Ministries that are going on at West Market.  Some of these are long-time, deeply-rooted ministries; others are are relatively new.  We are always trying to introduce new opportunities for fellowship, service, and growth.

Sunday School Classes: (with representation of age 55 and older)

• Morris Class
• First Couples Class
• Asbury Covenant Class
• Friendship Class
• Genesis Class
• Koinonia Class
• Open Door Class
• Mary Martha Class

Worship Enhancement:

• Our clergy share in the presentation of worship experiences at several area nursing homes on a monthly basis. 
• We are developing a monthly schedule of Holy Communion at each of the retirement and assisted living centers for those who cannot come to church. 
• The Annual Heritage Sunday Worship Service celebrates our Older Adult members and is followed by a fellowship luncheon.

Participation Opportunities:

• Friendship Club - Friendship Club provides an opportunity for older adults to have fellowship and fun, enjoy an interesting program and lunch each month, September through May. Occasional day trips are planned to nearby points of interest. Reservations are necessary.  Friendship Club Schedule for 2007/2008
• Sewing Group - Meets on Wednesday mornings (September thru May), making items for our church and community outreach
• In-Home Bible Study - 6-Week studies offered each fall and spring
• "Time-Out" - Want to enjoy more outings?  Then perhaps Time Out is for you.  This group is primarily social and provides opportunities for fellowship through lunches, dinners, local trips, as well as "away trips" to fun-filled places!
• Trips sponsored by Older Adult Council
• Service and outreach opportunities with Mobile Meals, Senior Wheels, and Shepherd's Kitchen

Opportunities for Service:

• Meals on Wheels
• Leadership responsibilities
• Financial resource sharing
• Church committees, councils & boards
• Fabulous Four Retirement Home
• Sunday School teaching
• Driver and/or aides to help with fifth Sunday Communion for seniors
• Homebound visitation & telephoning
• Church visitation
• Friendship Club
• Sewing group
• Pancake Day
• Mission Trips
• Habitat for Humanity
• Choir
• Worship assisting
• Vacation Bible School / Music Camp
• United Methodist Women
• Washington Elementary School
• Church office volunteering
• Shepherd's Center Outreach
• Urban Ministry food pick-up
• Seasonal greeting cards for homebound
• Other local mission programs

Shepherd's Center:

An interfaith organization of older adults helping older adults in the Greensboro community, has its office at West Market Street Church. Retirement age men and women who wish to use their time, talents, and experience in positive ways are encouraged to get involved. The Center empowers older adults through educational programs and service projects that enrich and support independent living and active community building.  Opportunities for learning, service, fellowship, and enrichment make this a vital program for older adults.  In addition to participating in the educational and service programs, many WMSUMC older adults volunteer through the Shepherd's Center.

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This page was last updated on February 20, 2008