The mission of the Seasoned Saints’ Ministry is to create and support an environment for seniors to fellowship together. The ministry provides seniors with information and services that cater to their specific needs and concerns. The Seasoned Saints’ members provide tremendous support to the Church’s mission of Kingdom building and community outreach. A Seasoned Saint is a church member who is at least 55 years of age and up. 

• Seasoned Saints’ Ministry Statement

We support the church’s vision, mission, and leadership. Our mission is to enrich the lives of the senior members of our church family and the community through fellowship, good works, and prayer.

Purpose: To present, address, and serve the seniors, aged 55 and older of St John’s Congregational Church.

Mission:To create and support an environment for seniors to fellowship together. To provide seniors with information and services that cater to their specific needs and concerns. To support the Church’s mission of Kingdom Building as well as community outreach.

Theme Scripture:  “Let your light so shine that men will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Theme Song: This Little Light of Mine.Since inception, the ministry has established three ongoing programs. 

• Drop In Day

• Fellowship:10:00 a.m. • Devotion:10:30 a.m.• Exercise:11:00a.m.
  • Lunch:12:00 p.m • Guest Speaker(s): 1:00 p.m. 

• Seasoned Saints Book Discussion Group

All ages meet twice a month on a Saturday to discuss books of Christian relevance read by the group. The group meets at the Sixteen Acres Library at 1187 Parker Street in Springfield. This has proven to be a very popular activity. The purpose is to gain power to transform our mind, soul, heart, and body, so we can think, and better understand; feel, and experience God’s presence; and live with joy, knowing that what is most important to God can also be important to us. All ages meet twice a month on a Saturday to discuss books of Christian relevance read by the group. The group meets at the Sixteen Acres Library at 1187 Parker Street in Springfield. This has proven to be a very popular activity. The types of books can vary widely. Some of the titles that we have discussed already include:

12 Christian Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent
Journey to the Well by Bishop Vashti McKenzie
Out of Hell and Living Well by Rev Dr Barbara Reynolds
The Threshing Floor by Juanita Bynum
In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado
Life on the Vine by Phillip Kenneson
Controlling the Tongue by R.T. Kendall
Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall
Thorn in the Flesh by R.T. Kendall
The Anointing: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow by R.T. Kendall  

Friday Night at the Movies

These are movies for spiritual growth. This is a monthly activity that came about as we sought out activities to include those Seasoned Saints who are still working and cannot attend the daytime Drop-In Day. Friday Night at the Movies has proven a success. We have offered such films as: “Color of the Cross; Steve Harvey-Don’t Trip…God’s Not Through With Me Yet; One Night with the King; Facing the Giants, The Pursuit of Happyness; The Fighting Temptations; Kingdom Come; Daddy’s Little Girls; The Gospel; and First Sunday.

Annual Events.

Gospel Grits and Gravy Breakfast 

Christmas Food Basket and Toy Give Away

The Urban League-Seasoned Saints Thanksgiving Luncheon

The Seasoned Saints Christmas Party

The Seasoned Saints have also sponsored several events.

These include: Sock Drive for the Homeless Shelter 2005

Blanket Drive for the Homeless Shelter- 2005

5-Day Trip to Niagara Falls/Toronto- 2005

Swap Meet (funds built a home in Botswana)-2005

Clothing Drive for DeBerry Elementary School-2006

Two Bus Trips to see “The Color Purple” in NY-2006

Hosted Church Women United-2006

Bus Trip to see “The Color Purple” in NY-2007

Day Trip to Yankee Candle and Magic Wings-2007

7-Day Trip to Florida-2008

Leo Williams Martial Arts Studio Field Trip-2008 

Grants

The Seasoned Saints Ministry was awarded a grant from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation in July 2006.

Community Involvement

In addition, the Seasoned Saints have responded to invitations to:
Participated in the unveiling of the Marian Anderson Stamp by the US Postal Service. We were presented with a framed version of the stamp.
Participated as judges at the annual Science Fair at the Rebecca Johnson School in 2006 & 2007.
Participated in the DeBerry Elementary School Car Wash Fundraiser for their proposed Outdoor Classroom 2008.

Seasoned Saints Ministry Leadership Team

Maxine Brown-413 782.0426   
Luora Webb - 413 782.3550
Barbara Lanier -  413 733.4300
Edna Clinton - 413 461.1088
Sally Arnold - 413 734.0969   
Sandra Wright - 413 783.9519
Florence Cage - 413 782.0381
Vernon Mungo - 860 745.9471
Sylvia Humphrey-Spann - 413 788.4332
Ocie Gee Taylor - 413 783.3542
Rebecca Willoughby - 413 585.1071
Shellers - 860 783.0659