We had a terrific event for “Adults Over 55” (formerly known
as “Seniors”) Thursday evening. If you were old enough to attend, but couldn’t for some
reason, we missed you and you missed a great time! We had an excellent turnout… about 120
people. We had a great meal courtesy of
the Germantown Commissary and plenty of great desserts. I tried to blow up three myths of “Seniors
Ministry.”
Mythbuster #1: We’re not
labeling anyone. We want you to be
involved in the mission of Grace Evan to "reach an unchurched world through
maturing believers." We want you to be
what God wants you to be (a Christ-like servant) and do what God wants you to do
(the good works spoken of in Ephesians 2:10).
We want you to be content with
your age but not complacent. We don’t want
“adults over 55” to be discontent, defensive or in denial. “No stinkin’ badges.”
Mythbuster #2: We’re not
trying to make busy people busier by giving them more to do. We do
want “adults over 55” to prioritize their personal spiritual growth. We want everyone to have “a ministry in the
church and a mission in the world.” We
want to challenge and inspire each other to mature by “emulating Christ in the
power of the Holy Spirit.”
Mythbuster #3: It’s not
about you. We’re not here to make sure
everything’s goin’ your way. Someone has
said, “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal
fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. If you want to know why you were placed on
this planet, you must begin with God.”
And not just any god. The God who
has spoken in Scripture and in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3).
Lee Harrington and Jim Umlauf played and sang a great set of
“oldies.” It’s rumored that people were
dancing in the aisles, but of course, we can’t confirm this. Andrew Bryant brought the house down with his
rendition of a Michael Buble’ number. Dr.Young gave an excellent message from Mark 8 about “the leaven of aging.” He challenged us about the leaven of
bitterness, false guilt, fear, and feelings of regret or uselessness. Betsy Bryant capped the evening off with a
great “prayer in song” to remind us that it’s a new day for adults over 55 at Grace Evan. Let’s make the most of it.
Father, I know that all my life is
portioned out for me,
The changes that are sure to
come I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind
intent on pleasing Thee.
