Mt. Gilead Church ‘Buddies’ Minister To Church’s Seniors

Submitted by Elizabeth Walker

Special to the New Journal and Guide

The Adopt-a-Senior Saint Ministry at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church of Norfolk was introduced over ten years ago.  Mrs. Lorraine Smithers introduced the idea and was the leader for several years.

 The main thrust or purpose of the ministry is to create a true and highly valued partnership between our senior saints and the MGMB Church body.

The ministry partners our senior saints with willing members of the congregation.  These members are referred to as “BUDDIES.”

The Buddies provide our seniors with individual and watchful care to help improve their quality of life.  The ministry helps by providing spiritual and social activities for our senior saints.

A Valentine fellowship, spring fling activity, fall fashion/hat show and Christmas gala are some of the quarter events.

In between these events, the ministry hosts lunch & learn activities, trips to the Farmers’ Market (local and out of town) and movies and meals.

Our seniors have attended the ballet and recently, they attended plays given by the Norfolk State University Theatrical Group.

The ministry continues to look for other activities that we can involve our seniors in.  Other leaders have been Brother James K. Phillips, Sister Brenda Epps and Brother Tyrone Frye.

The mission of the Adopt-A-Senior Saint Ministry is to honor God by strengthening the senior saints of Mt. Gillead Missionary Baptist Church through discipleship, evangelism, partnership and fellowship.