Our last Let It Overflow challenge was all about encouraging the younger members in our congregation to be active participants in the worship services. Well, turnabout is fair play, so our next challenge is to encourage the older members of our congregation. Too often we overlook this vital part of the church, those who come diligently to services even as it becomes more difficult to do so. What an example for all of us about finishing our Christian walk with strength and obedience to God!

So for the next two weeks (or more!) find ways to encourage those in your congregation who make it a point to be at services if at all possible. I can already think of two such members in our congregation. A lovely couple who have been married over 60 years (!), but have their daughter or granddaughter drive them to every service because it is not safe for them to drive themselves. Or a gentleman who has multiple health problems and difficulty walking, but is sitting in the pew every time the doors are open. These are the heroes that our children and our young families need to notice.

If you teach a Bible class to children, have each of them make an encouragement card and give them to various older worshippers in you congregation. I made up a Golden Age Worshipper Award this past week, printed it on cardstock, covered the star in gold glitter, and then had my children write their names (I wrote for my toddler). Both of my girls were arguing over who they wanted to give it to, so of course we had to make another!

To download this award page, click here: PDF Golden Age Worshipper Award

 

We’ve not given our awards out yet, but I hope it goes over well. It always feels good to know that despite your age, you are still needed and noticed in the church.