‘Seenagers’ are young at heart
A group known as the ‘Seenagers’ from Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Aberfoyle Park is proving that it’s not just the young that know how to have fun.
The group was formed more than a decade ago when the church recognised the need to balance their focus on children and youth ministry with a program tailored to the large number of over-fifty-fives in the congregation.
“The name says it all!” says coordinator Peter Schubert. “Our purpose is youthful seniors enjoying fellowship, supporting the lonely, going on outings and finding intellectual stimulation, under God’s grace.”
The group gathers twice a month and the program consists of regular morning tea meetings interspersed with outings and activities – everything from listening to guest speakers, hymn singing or playing indoor games, to touring wineries, exhibitions and museums, or talking a walking tour.
The group often serves as a conduit to the church by helping people get to know members in a less-intimidating small group, and Peter says God’s love is very evident within the Seenager community and beyond.
“A recent migrant whose wife died shortly after arriving was very lonely, and someone knew about our group and brought him along. When he went to a nursing home, he told me he could give up other activities but not Seenagers,” he says.
“Another man found great comfort in the group after his daughter suggested he attend when his wife went into full-time care. He just needed acceptance, love and some fun.”
Peter has been told by many that the Seenagers are ‘the happiest group they have ever been involved with.’
“Do they recognise what God is doing in their lives? I don’t know. But we are called to walk with them and show them what makes this group so special. God is working through the group and inviting us to join him in sharing his love and grace.”
Image: The Seenagers group enjoys a variety of activities throughout the year. Photo credit Peter Schubert.
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