Amazing Greys meet for fun and fellowship
Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/decatur/News/2653/
DECATUR ó Laughter and the smell of chicken on the grill filled the evening air Friday night as members of the Amazing Greys senior group from Decaturís Assembly of God Church met for a barbecue dinner.
The barbecue, hosted by Vernon and Judy Austin, is just one of the enjoyable events held by the organization.
They also enjoy a yearly Christmas banquet and various other functions like ice cream socials and watermelon feeds. The group goes on day trips to places like the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, the Azalea Festival in Muskogee, Okla., and the Tulsa Zoo, according to Margaret Bishop, who, with her husband Gene, makes arrangements for the group.
Members gets to know each other better and they become closer friends than if they just saw each other at church each week, Margaret explained.
ì Just being together is the important thing, î she said.
On a recent trip to Eureka Springs, the group didnít get home until almost midnight. Even though the outing was fun, the group had more fun on the ride. ì Everybody got to laughing, î Margaret said.
ì My heart is really with the seniors, î she added, recalling the time she spent learning from her grandmother as a child.
Usually, the Amazing Greys try to find something everyone can do, even those who have trouble walking. Most of the members are in their fifties through their eighties, Margaret said. Everyone is welcome to join, whether or not they are church members, she added.
Mina Holcomb, of Siloam Springs, said she has been a member of Amazing Greys for the past two years. She attends the Decatur Assembly of God Church with her daughter and son-inlaw.
Holcomb said her favorite memory with the group is the trip to the Great Passion Play. ì Everything we do is good... I really enjoy it, î she said.
The Decatur Assembly of God Church also provides a Senior Saints program in which the church provides a free lunch for seniors on the third Thursday of every month. Pastor Kirk Anderson said the church has been providing the ministry for the past eight to 10 years.
ì Itís a big highlight for seniors. They get to hang out and fellowship, î he said. They also enjoy a homecooked, fresh, hot meal together. Anderson said it is one of the churchís best ministries for reaching out to the community ó meeting several needs at one time ó and is especially convenient because of the churchís close proximity to senior housing.