God created us for community, not isolation. Engagement with our parish community is an important part of our lives, especially as the obligations and demands of life begin to change. When careers start to wind down and children have left home, life isn’t necessarily less busy, but the activities in which we are involved have shifted. The involvement in our school or work communities isn’t there anymore. And that is one way that Queen’s Saints can have a positive impact on members of our parish.
Janet Watson has been a member of Queen’s Saints for nearly eight years.
“We are an aging parish but this is also such an active and friendly group of people,” she says. “It is important to have great community in every stage of our lives. As you grow older, especially if you have lost a spouse, many people tend to withdraw. That is understandable — however, it can be hard to be so isolated. We have such a wide variety of events, that we truly have something for everyone!”
Queen’s Saints has been an active group within the parish for nearly 20 years. Once a month, members have a business planning meeting in the church hall that anyone in the group is welcome to attend. At this meeting, the group plans the events for the next month as well as any bigger events that may be happening in upcoming months such as Bingo, a Christmas party, or other seasonal activity.
There are also regularly scheduled events that take place each and every month. These events include Bunco, a book club, the lunch bunch, and a monthly potluck. The group is starting Bingo events again this month, which are open to anyone in the parish over 21 years old. These fun events include refreshments and food.
“It is a great way to have camaraderie with others who are in a similar stage of life as you,” Janet says. “Everyone has their own life stories and it is just fun to hear others share about them. The most important part of this group is the friendship. You are known and seen by others. You have others there to support you and pray for you during different life events or medical issues that may arise.”
The group puts out a monthly calendar and extra copies are put at the back of the church. They also send out email updates to keep members informed of different activities.
“Your involvement is as much or as little as you want,” Janet says. “You don’t have to be on the committee or an officer — you can just come and share a meal with others. But as our lives change, we have friendship and community and you realize that we really are not alone.”
For those interested in joining in these events, please pick up a calendar of events at the back of the church or contact Will Miller at themillers711@att.net or 913-384-4644.
