Empty Nesters/Seniors/VIPs/Second Halfers Listening Session Minutes

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

Sunday, May 15, 2005 ~ 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

There were twenty-four communicants in attendance.

A brief explanation of the strategic planning process was given followed by a discussion of the demographic reach of the term “empty nester.”

Input was requested to include comments and suggestions about existing and new services and ministries to make Saint Michael more relevant to our seniors.

The following items were advanced:

1. The new priest being sought to replace Fr. Stafford should be of contemporary age with the flock he/she will be serving. First hand and personal experience with the life challenges of the elder should be the main criteria for selection.

2. A plan to provide monthly rotating volunteer car and drivers assigned to an individual needing the service. Good Shepherd program could provided coordination i.e. locations of recipients, dates and time of church services or programs to be attended, etc.

3. Investigate the feasibility of a church bus or van for group transportation…liability insurance, cost – benefit analysis.

4. Expand hospital visitation ministry by including more senior volunteers to assist priest as needed, i.e. including visits with the priest or follow-up visits as need dictates.

5. Establish a mentoring program. Seniors tutoring students one-on one in the senior’s home or at Saint Michael. Transportation again an issue.

6. A specific bible-study for seniors. Some felt it should emphasize “couples” to encourage husbands to attend. Others felt it should be all inclusive to include singles, widows and widowers. The all inclusive won out in the end.

7. VIP program should be enhanced. There was concern that the program was being cut back to one event a month. This group felt strongly that at least two events a month is desirable. Better communication of event schedules would increase attendance

8. Institute a secular educational program consisting of lectures by volunteer church members on medical, financial, wills, trusts and overall wellness issues. We have plenty of in-house experts that would be willing to participate. The program could also include book-reviews of current best sellers.

9. Investigate the possibility of discount blocks of tickets for seniors to opera, theatre and symphony concerts

10. Help in dealing with adult children. When, where and how to draw the line to get adult children to become more independent and start solving their own problems.

The consensus of the group was very positive to this planning process and willing to help.

Respectfully submitted:

Davis Hamlin

May 16, 2005