Retired or Relenlisted?

Jan Zeh hit the nail on the head when she wrote this article for Newsweek. It's about mining the "Golden Years."

I have found that there are two different kinds of retirees in my church:

The first group consists of those who have basically "retired from life." They fish, putz around the house, and talk about politics. I'm always happy to see them on Sunday, but they don't volunteer for much. After all, they're retired!

The second group is the greatest work force in our church! Bill, for instance, is a retired exec from IBM. He devotes his days to ministry -- helping those in need. Nickie leads a small group, and our flower ministry. Don heads up our ushers and greeters.

As I am writing this, a group of 15 senior citizens are meeting for a Bible Study in the room next door. They are the best volunteers in the congregation: vibrant! enthusiastic! alive!

American Health Magazine reported a study from the University of Michigan, which concluded that regular volunteer work increases life expectancy! Live long! Help in church!

There's gold in them thar golden age hills!