Saint John's Lutheran Church

We’re trying something new! Since so many of you seem to enjoy our get-togethers at church, we are trying a new format. The Elderberries board is planning to initiate “Elderberry Thursday.” The idea is to meet on the third Thursday of most months for a potluck lunch followed by a program or activity of some sort. The goal is to get more of our Elderberry members to join in fellowship and get to know each other better. And remember, when we say ‘members’, we mean anyone at Saint John’s who is 55 or better. There is nothing to join. There is no need to “sign up”; you just need to “show up”! The exceptions to the Third Thursday potluck get-togethers will be during the seasons of Advent and Lent, when the board will still be providing the meals after the Wednesday morning church services, and also the Pre-Thanksgiving meal in November. And since the all-church picnic is usually in July, we leave that month open for you to join in that event.

Here’s what some Elderberries have to say about our activities:

Marlys: “I like the companionship.”

Chris: “It’s a great way to socialize.”

Mary: “Variety of programs.”

Diane: “Elderberries get-togethers are fun!”

Ruth: “I like the fellowship and time to spend leisurely with friends.”

Lola: “I like the variety and inviting other churches.”

Ilene: “I feel well-accepted and it shows the love people have for each other.”

Bill: “I feel good after being here and the association with like-minded people.”

Imogene: “I come for the fellowship and the food is good, too.”

Marilyn: “It makes you feel ‘young at heart’ no matter what your age.”

If you have noticed some of the activities listed in Saint John’s bulletins and newsletters and thought that it didn’t include you because you have not joined the Elderberries—WRONG! Because of your celebrated age, 55 or better, you ARE an Elderberry already. So the next time you see Elderberries activities being planned, that’s for YOU!

Here’s what you missed in February: a very fun movie matinee and potluck and a tour and free lunch at Parkwood Estates senior living. The board would also like to hear your suggestions for future activities.

Our current series of activities includes lunches after the daytime Lenten worship services, which started on Ash Wednesday. The Elderberries board coordinates noon lunches for those attending the morning Lenten services. We will also have a special meal on Maundy Thursday after the morning service. The food is provided and those attending are asked to make a nominal free-will donation to help cover the cost of the meals. These lunches have proven to be very popular with many of our Elderberries. It’s a great time to socialize and get to know other members of Saint John’s, or get better acquainted with those you already know. Many compliments about the food are received. If you haven’t already been coming to these services and lunches, please do. You will be spiritually and physically nourished.

What’s an Elderberry? You are—if you are around 55 years young or better! Anyone in this age group is already an Elderberry. There is nothing to join, no paper to sign, no dues—just a willingness to join in the fun and come to activities and programs that appeal to you.

Elderberries have been around Saint John’s for about twenty years. The Board of Older Adult Ministries was started in 1990, through a Synod and District program, by Pastor Wille and a group of interested members, to serve the older members of Saint John’s. The name ‘Elderberries’ was chosen through a naming contest.

The Elderberries board (also known as the Board of Older Adult Ministries) administers this group. The Board plans meaningful programs and carries them out by being the behind-the-scenes workers. The board tries hard to come up with ideas for activities that will appeal to the older members of Saint John’s and invites all members of Saint John’s who are interested to attend.

In order to be convenient and attract our older members, most Elderberries activities happen in the daytime and on a week day. We have had lots of different programs, many revolving around food. As most of us know, food generally attracts people, especially Lutherans and their potlucks!

Here are some recent activities: a slide show of the Shimodas’ son’s ice carving competition in Japan with potluck lunch, a lunch and a program with the Young at Hearts group at Immanuel Lutheran in Loveland, our ever-popular meals after Lent and Advent morning services, a slide show of Columbia, South America, by Carl Jorgensen with potluck lunch, a movie matinee at church with potluck lunch, traveling to a Rockies game in Denver, game time with dessert potluck, pre-Thanksgiving meals with guests from Immanuel, Peace with Christ, Mt. Olive and Redeemer Lutheran churches.

Our next activity will be on Thursday, February 17, when we have a Movie Matinee and potluck lunch. Watch the Sunday bulletins for details!