Spiritual Needs
The spiritual needs of senior members are enhanced in several ways. Many seniors participate fully in the life of the church.
In addition, weekday morning communion services are held four time during the year: 3 in the spring and 1 in the fall. Many who attend are homebound much of the time, or otherwise unable to attend weekly worship services. Following the communion services, a fellowship time brings people together.
Communion services are also conducted for smaller groups at retirement complexes where several members live:
Peace Manor - every third Monday at 3:15 p.m.
Immanual Residences - every third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Communion is also brought to homes of persons who are homebound.
Service
Seniors serve Gloria Dei in a variety of ways. Some include:
- Labor of Love - Making quilts for Lutheran World Relief for disaster victims throughout the world
- Transportation - Those who drive assist those who can no longer transport themselves
- Clerical volunteers
- Sharing programs with seniors at Community Day Care Center located at Gloria Dei
- Intergenerational ministries
- Sending birthday, get well, and sympathy cards
- Visiting homebound persons and those in nursing homes
Fellowship
The Leisure Group provides fellowship and recreational opportunities for seniors over 55. A group of about 30 people meet usually the fourth Thursday of every month.
The schedule below provides an idea of the wide variety of opportunities available.
Thursday, September 28th - We are pleased that George Greathouse will present his slide program, "Crossing The Rivers of Europe, Vienna to Amsterdam." Meet us at Bohemian Crystal Restaurant, 639 N. Blackhawk Drive, Westmont at 12 noon for a delicious Bohemian family style lunch. Sign up on the blue sheet for the event and if you need a ride, please call Harlan and Janet B. or Gloria and Tom W. Cost for the event will be $11.00.
Sunday, October 15th - Board our bus at 10 a.m. for a scenic drive to Oregon enjoying the changing colors of fall before arriving at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center. The Autumn Fest will be in full swing with a delicious lunch, crafts, music and other activities. We will return to Gloria Dei around 4 p.m. The cost of the trip is $10 and we will make a donation to LOMC for lunch, there will be an envelope for the contribution.
Thursday, December 7th will be our annual Christmas Celebration with our Leisure Group friends, save the date as more information will follow.
Participants pay for admissions and meals. When needed, bus transportation is provided.
Leisure Group is an excellent opportunity for senior members and their friends to get acquainted, make new friends, and become part of the Gloria Dei family. For more information about the Leisure Group, contact the church office at 968-6231.