Orlando Central Korean Church, Orlando, Fla., has introduced a pioneering program, Senior Vacation Bible School (VBS), designed specifically for senior members of the congregation. The church, serving as an immigrant church, already has a Korean ministry for first-generation immigrants and an English ministry for second-generation Korean Americans and others who aren’t Korean.
Noticing the advanced age of the Korean ministry, mostly between the ages of 60 and 80, the church felt a growing need to engage these members more actively in church life. This led to the decision to schedule Senior VBS on three Sabbath afternoons in June.
The initiative was driven by the recognition that a substantial number of church communities are aging, necessitating active ministries tailored for them. The goal was to provide seniors with programs that rekindle childhood memories and involve them in vigorous spiritual activities. Preparing for this new ministry required considerable dedication and prayer as there were no pre-existing formats to follow; traditional VBS kits were for children, not seniors.
The church developed a VBS curriculum centered around the theme of Creation, featuring stories of the seven days of creation, creatures, and related crafts and activities. Classic songs with hand motions enhanced engagement and nostalgia. The middle-aged church family members in their 40s and 50s took on teaching roles, fostering leadership within the church.
Considering the mobility challenges faced by some senior members, VBS was scheduled for the afternoons following potluck over three Sabbaths. This scheduling facilitated participation by allowing nearly all senior church members, totaling about 60 individuals including a new convert, to participate. The overwhelmingly positive feedback culminated in a request for another VBS in the winter, highlighting the profound impact it had on the participants, who expressed great joy and appreciation for the thoughtful preparation of the events.
This initiative not only brought the church together, but also highlighted the growing need for ministries focused on the senior generation as they approach the twilight of their lives. The church is now considering how best to tailor further ministries to continue supporting their senior members meaningfully.
Florida | November 2024
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