If you have a passion for ministry and God is leading you, then something exciting is bound to happen. Two older adults had that passion. Hazel and Peg from West Grove UMC in Pennsylvania called their pastor, Mel Leaman, and set up a meeting to discuss their ideas. They wanted to talk about starting an older adult ministry in their church. Their goal was to reach all older adults, but not just the members of West Grove UMC. They wanted to reach out into the community. Their idea was to have monthly gatherings for all older adults in their community. They wanted no boundaries on whom to reach, and an outreach with no limitations.

Their next step was to decide how they could draw older adults from all walks of life to their monthly gatherings. Hazel and Peg felt empowered from their skills and experiences in the working world. They knew they needed a vision statement in order to stay focused. They decided on "Fellowship, Fun, and Food" because it was short and simple. After great thought, R.A.P. emerged as the name, which stood for "Retired Active People." The organization was now official!

R.A.P. began advertising its ministry through word of mouth, just like Jesus did in ancient days. Jesus began with twelve people, and Hazel and Peg had twelve people at their first ministry gathering, which included a mix of church members and community people. The gathering began with a prayer and was followed by a meal. After the meal, a few announcements were made promoting future gatherings. Next, the attendees were entertained by musicians, speakers, or one of their fellow friends sharing about their adventurous travels.

Through the years, R.A.P. has invited a variety of interesting and informative speakers to its events. Speakers have included historians, health officials, short-term missionaries, chiropractors, massage and reflexology experts, and many more. The speakers' topics have ranged from informative issues to just plain old fun. By remembering their vision statement, they stayed true to their purpose.

Today, the gatherings have grown to over eighty people. They still meet at the church. The choir sets up the tables and chairs the previous night and everyone helps one another with transportation on the day of the gatherings.

R.A.P. now has a directory and a seven-person committee. Every person on the committee is an older adult who serves with his or her whole heart. Along with monthly gatherings, R.A.P. hosts an annual picnic and two outings each year to a nearby city for a dinner and a show.

Older adults in the community now have a safe and caring place. They feel respected by their peers. Ageism is not a concern. Many attendees from outside the church have come to other events at West Grove or have come to worship at the church. West Grove UMC is a comfortable place for them, where they feel at ease walking through the doors.

It was as simple as two people having a passion for ministry and allowing God to take the lead. These were the two main ingredients needed to make this ministry such a huge success.

Shirley Daddario is Pastor and Adult Ministry Coordinator at West Grove UMC in West Grove, Pennsylvania.

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