Young at Heart Ministry

A special place for seniors

By Doris Schroeder

An elderly couple comes to the double doors of the Delos Smith Senior Center in Hutchinson. The husband pushed the door open and they both make their way into the sparkling hallway that awaits. In glancing toward the auditorium, they are delighted to see many senior couples shaking hands and hugging each other. As they enter the attractive large room with colorful chairs, they are greeted at the door and name tags are made for them. Once a month they are also handed a copy of the Kansas Senior Times as well as the Rural Messenger. Also once a month they are given some booklets from two great Christian Radio programs.

They continue to meet people...all over 55. Some are couples, some are widows or widowers, but most all the people are smiling. As they get acquainted with each other, they find it easy to share their thoughts and eventually even their problems. People are receptive to each other and come because it is something that gives them a spiritual boost.

The pianist begins to play a lively hymn. When the hands on the clock indicate it is 10 a.m., the director, Jack Polley, announces "Children it is time to start!" and the senior citizens make their way to their chairs. they join in heartily singing the Doxology and the director tells them to greet each other. Soon they are shaking hands again as they make their way around the room.

Back in their chairs, Jack reminds them to write down their prayer requests for later and then announces who will direct them in some old fashioned hymn singing. The mature voices blend in beautiful harmony, many from memory as old songs like The Old Rugged Cross and Precious Memories fill the room clear up to the rafters in beautiful synchronization.

Later, a special number is announced, sometimes a soloist, sometimes a small group and other times a whole group of melody makers. Many times the entire group joins in if it is a familiar chorus.

The prayer requests are passed to the front and read by the one in charge. There are many requests, some of them for physical concerns, spiritual health for family and friends, for those in authority and for our country. This is followed by sentence prayers by those who wish to pray and others pray silently. Many feel burdens lifted as they make their requests known before God, either silently or out loud.

The director introduces the speaker for the day. It is usually some local pastor of some of the people attending and a message is given that is definitely a help in the hectic world we live in. Each one brings a message from the Scripture that will help each one grow in faith, in courage and in contentment. Insights are given that are made just for the senior citizen. The gospel message is woven in many times so that we can know for sure we are going to heaven.

Senior citizens are taught they are not to sit back and retire but get busy and inspire. Some speakers give object lessons of what can be done: leaving tracts with the tips, speaking up when some God derogatory remark is made, listening to and caring about others as well as helping them in times of stress. Above all, they can pray for others, as they cry and laugh with them.

For some of the holidays, the YAH has special programs. A special quartet comes to sing for a potluck meal at the Smith Center on a unique evening that abounds in fellowship, food and faith. Different members use their unique talents in decorating the tables, serving the food, and making it enjoyable for everyone.

Usually, a special program is planned for Mothers and Fathers Day. On Mother's Day a flower is handed to the ladies and to everyone on Valentine's Day. On patriotic days like Memorial Day and the 4th of July, special instrumental music is played by a retired band director. He plays all the theme songs of the different branches of the military and the veterans stand when their branch is played. Sometimes the firemen come in and act as flag bearers. At times, the speaker is a chaplain in the military.

For many, each Thursday morning, 10-11 a.m., is left open so that they may attend an inspirational time, sharing with friends and making God the key element to attend a time of spiritual refreshment. Although the group is from different denominations, they all share their love of God with each other and are encouraged to keep going until they are called home to heaven by their Lord and master.

There are no dues or difficult things to do to join. Just come and walk in the door and you are one of them. As you leave through the same double doors you came in, you probably won't be able to suppress a smile, because this is what the Young at Heart Ministry is all about! The director, Jack Polley, can be reached at 620 663-2771.