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Senior's Ministry
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Senior Groups
Senior Adult Ministry at St. John's Presbyterian Church
Finding Your Place in a Community That Values You
Here's something I've noticed after years of pastoral ministry: when people reach their 60s, 70s, and beyond, they're not looking for more activities to fill their calendar. They're looking for people who know their name. They want conversations that go deeper than the weather. They want to contribute something that matters.
At St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston, our senior adult ministry isn't about keeping you busy. It's about keeping you connected to people who genuinely care about your life, your stories, and your ongoing journey of faith.
The Gift of This Season
There's a particular grace that comes with this season of life. You've raised families, built careers, weathered storms, and learned what really matters. You know that authentic relationships beat fancy programs every single time. You can spot genuine community from a mile away, and you're not interested in anything less.
That's exactly what we're building here.
Our senior adult ministry exists to create space where you can be fully yourself, contribute your gifts, stay physically and mentally engaged, and grow deeper in your faith alongside others who understand this stage of life. We're not interested in treating you like you're fragile or past your prime. You have wisdom, energy, and much to offer our church family and the wider Houston community.
St. John's Friends United: Fellowship That Feels Like Family
Our main senior fellowship group used to be called "Keenagers," and while we've updated the name to St. John's Friends United, the heart remains the same. This is your group. We meet monthly for potluck meals, programs, and genuine fellowship.
Potluck means everyone contributes. Bring your signature dish or pick up something from the store on your way. What matters is that we eat together, laugh together, and share life together. Some of our best conversations happen around tables loaded with casseroles and desserts.
Recently, we've added something new: Mahjong. If you've never played, don't worry. Several of our members are teaching others, and it turns out learning a new game together creates wonderful opportunities for connection. If you already know how to play, we'd love to have your expertise.
The program portion of our monthly gatherings varies. Sometimes we invite speakers on topics relevant to this season of life. Other times we share stories, discuss current events, or plan our next adventure. The goal isn't entertainment. The goal is enrichment and real connection.
To find out when we're meeting next, contact our church office at 713-723-6262 or email office.sjpc@gmail.com. We'd love to save you a seat at the table.
Exercise Class: Strength for the Journey
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 PM in Building 2, the Church Office Building, you'll find a group of folks committed to taking care of the bodies God gave them. Our exercise class focuses on strength training, balance, and flexibility because those are the keys to staying independent and active in these years.
Physical health matters deeply. When you maintain your strength and mobility, you can serve others, enjoy your grandchildren, travel, work in the garden, and participate fully in the life of the church and community. This isn't vanity. It's stewardship.
The class atmosphere is supportive and encouraging. Everyone works at their own level. Some participants have been coming for years. Others are brand new. What we share is a commitment to showing up, doing what we can, and cheering each other on.
You don't need to be an athlete to join. You just need to show up. Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. We'll take care of the rest.
Beyond the physical benefits, these Tuesday and Thursday gatherings create accountability and friendship. You'll find yourself looking forward to seeing familiar faces twice a week. That regular connection matters more than any exercise routine ever could.
Bible Study: Going Deeper in God's Word
Faith doesn't retire when you do. In fact, many people find that this season of life offers new freedom to dig deeper into Scripture, ask harder questions, and explore theology with the time and attention it deserves.
St. John's offers multiple adult Bible study groups and classes throughout the week. Some meet on Sunday mornings. Others gather on weekday mornings or evenings. Each group has its own personality and approach, but all share a commitment to taking Scripture seriously and supporting each other in the journey of faith.
You might be drawn to verse-by-verse study of a particular book of the Bible. Or maybe you prefer topical studies that address questions about suffering, prayer, or God's character. Perhaps you're interested in examining how faith intersects with current events and ethical questions.
The beauty of having multiple groups is that you can find the one that fits your learning style and schedule. And here's what I've discovered: the best Bible studies aren't lectures. They're conversations where your life experience and questions enrich everyone's understanding of God's word.
If you're not sure which group to try, call the church office and we'll help you find a good fit. Many of our senior adults participate in Bible study alongside people of different ages, and that cross-generational connection brings depth and perspective you won't find in age-segregated settings.
Contributing Your Gifts
One concern I often hear from senior adults is this: "I don't want to just take from the church. I want to give something back."
I understand that. And here's the truth: we need you.
Our church community is stronger because of the wisdom, experience, and dedication that senior adults bring. You serve as elders and deacons. You teach Sunday School and lead mission projects. You visit the homebound and mentor younger believers. You maintain the property, organize the food pantry, work in the community garden, and show up faithfully to pray.
Your participation in senior adult ministry doesn't exclude you from other service. In fact, the relationships you build in St. John's Friends United, exercise class, and Bible study often lead to serving together in other areas of church life.
We're also deeply committed to our mission work in Houston and beyond. Through Braes Interfaith Ministries, we serve our neighbors with food assistance, job counseling, and practical support. Many of our senior adults are key volunteers in these efforts, contributing time, resources, and produce from our community garden.
What Makes St. John's Different
Houston has plenty of churches with senior adult programs. So what makes St. John's different?
First, we're small enough that you won't get lost in the crowd. When you walk through our doors, people notice. They learn your name. They ask about your week. You're not just another face in a large audience.
Second, we value depth over entertainment. We're not trying to wow you with professional productions or exotic trips. We're trying to create space for authentic relationships and meaningful spiritual growth. That happens around potluck tables and in Bible study circles, not in concert halls.
Third, we take mission seriously. Our faith isn't just about feeling good on Sunday morning. It's about loving our neighbors in practical ways throughout the week. When you join our senior adult community, you're joining people who understand that following Jesus means serving others.
Finally, we're genuinely diverse. Our congregation includes people from different racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. That diversity enriches our fellowship and helps us see God's kingdom more clearly. The senior adult ministry reflects that same beautiful variety.
An Invitation
If you're exploring churches in Houston and wondering where you might belong, we'd love to meet you. Come to worship on Sunday morning at 11 AM. Stick around for coffee afterward. Ask someone about St. John's Friends United or the exercise class. We'll introduce you around and help you find your place.
If you're already part of St. John's but haven't connected with our senior adult ministry, consider this your personal invitation. You don't have to wait for someone to recruit you. Just show up. We'll be glad you came.
The senior adult years can be some of the richest of your life when you're surrounded by genuine community, engaged in meaningful service, and growing deeper in your relationship with God. That's what we're cultivating at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Houston.
Contact us:
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Avenue
Houston, TX 77035
713-723-6262
office.sjpc@gmail.com
We're here, and we're saving a place for you.
Learn More About St. John's
If you're curious about what makes St. John's a good fit for this season of your life, we've written several articles that might help. Want to understand what Bible study looks like at our church? Read about Bible Study Houston: Where to Find Scripture Study That Goes Deeper. Wondering what makes Presbyterian worship distinctive and whether it resonates with how you approach faith? If you're interested in our mission work and how St. John's serves the Houston community, take a look at Community Mission in Houston: How St. John's Presbyterian Serves. And if you're still trying to figure out whether a smaller church like ours might be better than the big congregations you've been visiting, you'll find helpful perspective in Christian Churches in Houston: Why Smaller Churches Create Stronger Community. These articles give you a fuller picture of who we are and what we value. You're also welcome to call the church office at 713-723-6262 with any questions. We're here to help.
