Seniors
Pioneers – Our Pioneers (senior adults) meet at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month for an entertaining/informative program, lunch, and fellowship. The Senior Adult Council meets monthly to plan activities for these seniors (retirement age). Contact: Rev. Mike Schutz at (903) 753-4463.
Travel –Day trips and 2-3 day excursions are offered yearly with a longer trip on occasion. These trips are educational and fun. Recent trips have been to the Caribbean, Branson, Mo., Nashville, Tennessee, and the Texas Hill Country. Times and information will be available through the church newspaper (The Voice), Sunday bulletin, fliers, and the church web-site (longviewfumc.org).
Care Ministry - All of us, whether clergy or lay, are ministers one to another. Much love and care are given and received in the many different church related gatherings. Specific attention to pastoral needs is found in the following 5 ministries:
Shut-in and Nursing Home Care - Regular contact is given to our shut - ins and nursing home residents through phone calls and visitation. Contact the church office - (903) 753-4463.
Intercessory Prayer - Each day, members of our church come to pray for those in need. Also, a weekly prayer letter, prayer chain, special requests, and prayers for church needs are part of this ministry. To request prayer contact Joan Rathbun at the church office - (903) 753-4463.
Stephen Ministry - We are looking for men and women who are willing to answer Jesus’ call to serve as Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry, which begins with 50 hours of stimulating and useful training in Christian caring skills. This training will be lead by trained Stephen Leaders and will include a variety of topics such as listening, Christian assertiveness, maintaining boundaries in care giving, and grief. The training is distinctively Christian and focuses on God as the one who cures as we care. You will also grow spiritually when you serve as a Stephen Minister. When God calls you to service, he also gives you the faith and the gifts you need to do his will. When Stephen Ministers have completed their training, they will be commissioned and ready to begin their ministry. Working under supervision, these Stephen Ministers will be available to meet weekly with persons experiencing such problems as these, and many more: * Bereavement * Terminal illness * Single parenting * Long-term hospitalization * Job * Natural disasters
Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for training, service, and regular supervision. Many Stephen Ministers enjoy their ministry so much that they choose to serve beyond the two years. Think and pray about this opportunity. If you decide you would like to be a Stephen Minister, please contact Reverend Rita Simms, Winterfield UMC, 903-753-4825 to begin your training. If you need someone to assist you with your decision and help you decide if this is for you, contact Michael Schutz, 903-753-4463.
Carpenter's Helpers - Carpenter's Helpers are church members who volunteer their time and expertise to help senior members of FUMC who need help with repairs that are needed in their home. For more information, please call David Dunlap at (903) 643-3200.
Exercise Class - FUMC has an exercise class for seniors. This class is open to people from the community as well as church members. The class
meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at the church, and the cost is $72 for 12 week (24 sessions). Two trainers from the Oak Forest Fitness Center lead the work-out. Come join the class. Exercise includes chair, wall, and floor activities for stretching and strengthening. To sign up for the class or to ask for more information on the class, please call the church (903) 753-4463 or Jane Cunningham (903) 663-0402.
