50+ Group

The “Fifty Plus” group is an important part of our life and work at Trinity, and we have a number of programs designed to meet their needs in particular. This group also plans special trips and other social events. All those 50 and over and their guests from both campuses are always welcome to attend and participate in the many 50 PLUS activities. Unless otherwise noted, the Fifty Plus group meets each Wednesday morning at the East Campus from fall through spring.

Fifty Plus Activities
The Senior Bible class meets each Wednesday at 10:15 a.m.
The 50+ Bible Class is currently taking a Christmas break. We will resume January 7th at 10:15 a.m.

Senior Ministry Updates
Approximately 100 Trinity members age 50+ completed the Senior Ministry Survey. Those who completed the survey have received a confidential personal report, and the congregation has received a comprehensive summary report that will help us make plans for ministries that will respond to needs that were identified. A committee is being formed that will help develop program plans. The updates gleaned from the survey are below:

• While 98% of the respondents to the survey regard themselves as “Christian”, nevertheless the foundation for assurance of faith is lacking in many. 7% indicated that they believed our salvation is based on how we live our lives. 11% indicated that they believe all religions lead into the presence of God and the important thing is that we are sincere in what we believe. 78% responded that they believe in the message of Scripture that we are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. There seems to be a need to focus on a “senior confirmation curriculum” that seeks to strengthen the faith of older adults.
• 60% of the people responding to the Senior Ministry Survey indicated that they do not like to drive at night in unfamiliar places. They also indicated some difficulty in walking four or more blocks, and climbing (or descending) stairways. When nighttime activities are planned at church we need to keep these people in mind and provide transportation for them. In planning activities for this age-group it would be good to plan for as many daytime activities as possible.
• Nearly 54% of those taking the Senior Ministry Inventory indicate that they do not have the necessary life documents that they have as they age (e.g. Durable Power of Attorney for Assets; Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care; Health Care Proxy, etc.) Further, they indicate that in case of an emergency they do not have immediate access to these documents because they are in a bank box, attorney’s office, etc. Since the pastor is usually one of the first to be notified in case of a serious illness, would it be helpful to have a copy of your Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, as well as your health care directives on file in the church office?
• 31% (or approximately one-third) of the respondents to the Senior Ministry Survey consider themselves to be overweight. Information on diet and nutrition is received well by older adults and seniors. Of those who consider themselves to be overweight, 17% would like to join a self-help group. Is this an area where our congregation can provide help?
• 25% of the people taking the Senior Ministry Survey reported that they are currently receiving some type of adult day care in their homes. Should Trinity be considering a congregation-based adult daycare center? 68% of all respondents have difficulty hearing normal conversation, and 48% have some difficulty hearing what the pastor, or other service participants, say during a worship service. 88% of the respondents do not use hearing aids. How can we help?
• Of the respondents to the Senior Ministry Survey, 27% are unable to complete minor home repairs without some help. 3% need some help with transportation issues (such as getting to church); 8% need help with housekeeping chores, and 13% need help with basic foot and toenail care. Do you (regardless of your age) have gifts that could be used to help these people? If you would be able and willing to help in any of these situations please contact Pastor Vern or Pastor Boehnke.
• People responding to the Senior Ministry Survey indicated that in case of an emergency, immediate care by a friend or family member is available only to about 5% of them, and another 12% were not sure if such help would be available to them. What can we do to help these people be more prepared for emergencies? 9% of the respondents consider themselves to be the primary caregiver for another person. 32% anticipate that within ten years they will become caregivers, and another 24% are “not sure”. Within the next ten years 50% of our senior members could well find themselves in the role of caregiver. How can be better meet the needs of all caregivers as well as those needing care?
• 18% of the people who completed the Senior Ministry Survey indicated that they are widows or widowers, and 25% of them live alone. Nearly all own their own home,`and have made no plans to move as they age. “Aging in Place”`requires a community of support services as individuals enter those later life stages where they are no longer capable of adequately caring for their own home. What kinds of support services can Trinity members provide that will enable people to “Age in Place” gracefully? How can we help homeowners and their families understand the challenges of property transfer, maintaining a home as you age, and both the public and private services available that enable people to “age in place?”
• 98% of those completing the survey described themselves as “white, Caucasian.” 72% of the people living in the community we serve are “white” and the remainder are Hispanic, African American, Asian, etc. How can Trinity reach out to members of other races in our area who are also aging?