Evergreens (65+)
Evergreen is a New Life Grantham ministry to the over 65’s, both in the community of the town and to those within New Life Church.
The purpose of the Ministry is to show God’s love, both in friendship and in practical ways. To re-affirm and remind the older generation that they still have worth, that they are special and unique, both to God and to us. To help re-kindle the faith that some of them may have had in their younger years. To treat them with respect, as equals, not as society’s rejects. To reassure them that life’s not over yet, that they still have a meaningful contribution to make. Giving time to listen to them talk about their lives, sharing about the good times and the bad times and the things that are important to them. To demonstrate to them, through our witness, that God loves them, that He is approachable, that He wants us all to enjoy Him and have fun! We aim to offer Prayer and Spiritual Comfort if and when we are invited to do so.
What’s happening now?
Evergreen’s main outreach at the moment is held at the Central Place Community Centre, in Grantham, which we started on March 24th 2009.
We meet there every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays for Tea and coffee, biscuits and cakes and a friendly chat. We have a programme of various activities, quizzes, games, sing-songs and most of all - fun! If there is a Birthday we celebrate with a cake and try to do something which relates to that person’s favourite activity. We always end the morning with a prayer.
At present we have 4 ladies aged from 65 – 90, with 2 more ladies who pop in occasionally. We have taken the ladies out on trips to Belton Garden Centre for Tea and Cakes, to Downtown to see the Christmas exhibits and held a Christmas Carol Service for them in the Community Centre.
Other aspects of the Evergreen Ministry
Apart from expanding the Ministry into other Community Centres our plan is to visit nursing and care homes where we can share God’s Love and Comfort with the older generation, especially those in their last days. Again, we hope to offer prayer when needed.
We would like also to offer seasonal services and entertainment at Christmas, Easter and other times.
Our Vision for Evergreen in the Future
Premises permitting, we are hoping to hold a monthly mid-week daytime service where the Over 65’s within the church can have a meal together, enjoy a time of worship, prayer and fellowship and also bring along their friends.