Seniors Program

Seniors Program

Welcome to the section of the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ web site that pertains to the “Seniors Program”. The “Seniors Program” is about senior members of the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ working together in service to the Lord. It is about their relationship to the Lord, to one another, and to the overall body of Christians who worship at Fairgrounds Road and around the world.

( Lovers of God, the brotherhood, and self )

In the body of Christ, as well as throughout the United States, the fastest growing population group is the “elderly”, “older” or “seniors” group, depending on the word you choose to use when referring to this group. For the sake of this narrative, we will refer to this group as the “seniors” group.The reason for substantial growth in this group is generally attributable to individuals living longer and to the “baby boomers” generation, which is now reaching the age level to be considered “seniors”.

Who Is A Senior?

In the Bible the word “presbuteros” is used to refer to “an old man, an elder”. In the Bible, John 8:9, the word “presbuteros” refers to the older or elder members of the group. Some persons refer to seniors as individuals who have reached the age of 50 or older.Still others consider individuals seniors when they become eligible for Social Security benefits at age 62.The Elders of the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ have targeted members to participate in the “Seniors Program” who are 55 years of age and above, but do not exclude those relatively close in age or persons with spouses within the target range.All seniors are invited and encouraged to participate in the program.

Purpose of the Seniors Program

In Romans 12:9-16, Paul told the Roman Christians that: ‘Love must be sincere.”He said, “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Share with God’s people who are in need.Practice hospitality…Live in harmony with one another.”Paul is writing to all of the Roman Christians.

In 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs the young preacher, Timothy, to “be prepared in season and out of season.”Paul’s primary intent is to instruct Timothy to take advantage of every opportunity to preach the Gospel, whether at an opportune time or at an inopportune time.In a broader sense, Paul’s words in this passage of scripture can be applied to any situation involving the work of a Christian.

As one grows older, there is a tendency to focus more on self-considerations such as health, financial well-being, family relations and retirement plans. In such instances there is always the danger of turning attention away from spiritual matters and focusing more on the physical matters.The “Seniors Program” is about senior members of the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ working together in service to the Lord. It is about their relationship to the Lord, to one another, and to the overall body of Christians who worship at Fairgrounds Road and around the world. It is about seniors forming a common bond with one another by encouraging and admonishing one another through study, fellowship, communion, and prayer. The program is about seniors supporting one another, both spiritually and physically, at opportune times and at inopportune times, so that each member has opportunity to become a stronger force for the Lord.

There is nothing shameful about attaining the age of fifty-five years. Hopefully, as we have matured physically we have also matured spiritually and, as such, are even more prepared to serve the Lord than before. We are a group of people who definitely have common bonds, both physically and spiritually. In this congregation are workers and retired workers who possess a wealth of both spiritual and physical knowledge and experience, which can be very beneficial to those with whom we share this common bond of age. We are a people educated and experienced in so many different fields, i.e., service, teaching, health and social life, business, government, and so much more. The “seniors program” is about this group of individuals encouraging and admonishing one another to greater spirituality and physical well-being. The seniors age can be a time of great enjoyment, but it can also be a time for great need, perhaps more than at any other time in life. Who can better relate to such need than brothers or sisters in Christ who share similar experiences. What a source of inspiration and comfort they can be to each other! Won’t you please come and share your blessings and experience with us?

Goals

Identify the senior members of the Fairgrounds Road congregation and provide ongoing recruitment for involvement in the program.

Maintain or restore interest among seniors in the work of the Lord.

Through communication, both education and activities, provide information, instruction and support to assist seniors with issues that that are relevant to their health and safety.

Provide support to the seniors who are in need of assistance.

Establish a network of communication, monitoring and follow-up to assure that ongoing contact is maintained with all the seniors of this congregation.

Throughout the year, maintain and report information to the elders that will assist them in determining the progress of the "Seniors Program.

Seniors Program Meetings

Periodically, seniors will assemble together to share information, to plan projects and events, and to join in a potluck meal. In addition to other activities, information will be shared related to senior members who for various reasons are unable to be actively involved in activities and events at Fairgrounds Road.

For questions or further information, please contact:
Larry Murphy / Deacon - Seniors Program
Charles Bowman / Elder - Seniors Program