Welcoming older people

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Where we are now

Older people are a vital part of the church community, but are often overlooked. We can learn so much from their wisdom, knowledge and deep faith.

The specific work at St James & Emmanuel  started about 10 years ago, when our curate at that time, Ali Oxborrow, introduced a monthly communion service. This provided an opportunity for people to meet up for worship and enjoy a good chat after the service over a cup of tea or coffee and cake.

For some who had difficulty getting to church services this was the only time they could take communion. This was so popular and the numbers grew, so we also started meeting one Thursday each month just for tea, coffee and cake and a chat. For many of the church’s older people for whom loneliness is a real problem, these get togethers are one of the highlights of their week.

For several years now there has been a Christmas lunch at the beginning of December followed by a communion service, usually attended by 40-50 people.

We also run a very successful holiday club for three days in August, providing lunch each day, activities and afternoon tea on one of the days. One of the great pleasures for older people is to have an opportunity to share meals with others.

We have also developed a wonderful relationship with two of our Trust schools  through a penpal scheme, where some of our older people are partnered with children from Didsbury CE  and West Didsbury CE . Letters are exchanged each term and we have enjoyed visits from the children to our monthly get togethers. The group has also visited West Didsbury CE and enjoyed a ukulele concert. The choirs from both schools have also sung at our Christmas lunch. Both generations have benefited hugely from this relationship.

What we have learned

At the outset, people tended to get together on Thursday afternoons in their existing friendship groups, but it is now a much more inclusive group. Everyone is welcome and great friendships have developed. Those running the sessions have formed close relationships within the group and have an awareness of various needs, health issues and other problems. For example, if someone is unwell or in hospital it is picked up very quickly.

One of the clear messages is that, for many people who live alone, the opportunity to eat with other people is such a pleasure and means so much.

What we plan to do

We are looking to build on and expand this ministry, perhaps introducing a shared lunch once a month.

There are also older people who come to church but don’t come along to what we offer. It would be good to find out why they don’t come and to encourage them to join our community.