News

Update: March, 2025

As part of the Catalyst Initiative, the Catalyst Team is embarking on a 1-2 month experimental ministry that we call "Seeing Our Seniors". This ministry will provide 10 congregation members with a tool to start conversations with their isolated older adult neighbors to build partnerships, reduce loneliness, and meet some basic needs. After prayer and discernment, we selected this ministry because in the post-COVID era, society is experiencing increased isolation and lost skill on how to connect with one another. Neighbors worry about one another but don't know each other. In 2021, CDC reported that one quarter of those 65 and older felt socially isolated and that social isolation was associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia.

This experiment will move Aldersgate towards being a more vital church by seeing all the people, connecting directly with our surrounding community, and living and loving like Jesus. We're encouraged that we have found a number of people in the congregation who are willing to 'step out of the boat'. Everyone is invited to participate in this experimental ministry - whether through prayer for those reaching out to our neighbors or by actively joining the mission. As Rick Warren said, "The church is not about seating capacity, but about sending capacity."

Please see a member of the team if you are interested in participating: Lynn Conlan, Cheryl Merritt, Dan Shea, Pastor Kyung-Hee, or Henry Daum.