TULC Seniors

1. Committed to seniors
2. Trinity’s Seniors
   SAGES (Senior Adults Going Everywhere Sharing) meets Thursday, January 12 in Larson Hall at 12:30 p.m. for Pasty lunch and a movie. Beverages will be provided (coffee, milk and juice). Each pasty is $4.00. We ask those attending to bring a plate of cookies as refreshments during the movie. All are welcome to attend. Please sign up in Larson Hall.
   See Pastor Rich if you have questions.
3. ElderCARE@ChristChurch Volunteers has many open requests from homebound elders in northern Lake County for assistance with light housekeeping (dusting, vacuuming, laundry, etc.). You can make a real difference by offering to help weekly or monthly. The elders served do not have financial resources to hire help and are often at risk for possibly losing their independence without assistance. A three-hour volunteer training session is required. For more information call ElderCARE@ChristChurch at 847-406-4683.
   
4. TRANSPORTATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ElderCARE@ChristChurch
   Due to the success of our program and increasing demand, ElderCARE@ChristChurch is in great need for volunteers to provide transportation to medical appointments for frail, home-bound Elders with limited financial resources in our community. Our transportation volunteers provide the access to medical care that many elders would otherwise not have allowing them to maintain their health and stay in their homes for as long as possible. Any amount of time is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in participating in this worthwhile program or if you have any questions, callElderCARE@ChristChurchat 847-406-4683.
   Applications are available for Lake County homebound elders age 65 and older who could benefit from some assistance. ElderCARE@ChristChurch Volunteers not only supply transportation, they can provide a friendly visits, telephone contact, help for family caregivers, grocery shopping and yard work. Brochures and applications are available at the Information Center in Larson Hall.
5. PARISH HEALTH PROGRAM
   We are please to announce that Carole Johnson has begun her volunteer work as Trinity's parish nurse. The parish nurse program has been a dream that Carole and Pastor Kelly have had for Trinity for several years. It includes a hope that we could provide a ministry to the members of our congregation that reflects an understanding of how the health of our spiritual life is very much connected to our physical and emotional health. Many Lutheran congregations have already adopted such a program.
   Was does this mean? And what does this not mean? First of all, this program is not designed to replace your current health care program. Nor is it designed to provide treatment for current health needs. It is designed to assist you with navigating through the often confusing treatment options and insurance obstacles. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone about what you are going through.
   Carole will be on-site four hours each week, on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM to meet with you and address any of your health related questions and concerns. Carol will also occasionally visit with hospitalized members and shut-ins.
   What does Carole bring to the program? She brings a combination of credentials, experience and passion to this ministry. Many of you know that Carole has her RN and BSN degrees. She worked at Victory Hospital for many years as a nurse, with many of those years served on the surgical team. After she "retired" from nursing, she worked for a couple of years with the EIderCare Program at Victory. And as many of you already know, she has already served as a health adviser and confidant to many members of Trinity United Lutheran Church.
   In addition to maintaining a regular office schedule, Carole will also assist with establishing a Health Ministry team. The purpose of this health ministry team will be to provide support for the parish nurse as well as assist with a program of health education for the congregation.
   If you would like to meet with Carole please call or stop by during her Wednesday office hours. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call the church office : (847) 623-1197.
6. KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL AGING
   Time takes its toll on every body, but you don't have to just sit back and watch the clock. Research shows that no matter what your age, healthy living and early detection and treatment of disease can increase your chances of enjoying your older adult years. Here are some keys to successful aging:
   o Physical Fitness- Choose an exercise that you like and stick with it. Try performing at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity three to five times a week to retain your aerobic capacity.
   o Social Well-Being -Contribute time to your community through local volunteer groups, religious organizations, or civic groups. Stay in close contact with friends and family. .
   o Spiritual Wellness -Research shows that being part of a faith community helps to reduce the symptoms of certain diseases, such as high blood pressure.
   o Mental Wellness - Manage stress. Stress is linked to many diseases and degenerative conditions associated with aging.
   o Financial Fitness -Save at least 10 percent of your income and invest in savings plans that compound interest. Establish financial goals, stick to a planned budget, sign up for a retirement plan.
   
7. BUDDING GOOD DEEDS
   A new little part has been added to our existing T.L.C.(Trinity Lutheran Caregivers). The Piggly Wiggly grocery store on Grand in Gurnee has agreed to contribute a bouquet of flowers every week. I will bring them in on Sunday, and after church someone from our T.L.C. program or our youth group can take them to one of our shut-ins. It is just another way we can show them we care and this little bouquet might brighten their day. Please let me know if you would like to join this loving group of Caregivers.
8. New Program in Place
   "Senior's' Help Hotline, Labor of Love," is a new program to help seniors.
   Whether it is a ride to church, help with a chore around the house, run an errand; shovel snow; cut some grass, etc. Call Diana Knoble after 6 PM on weekdays and any time on weekends. You can also call the church and they will forward the call to me. Don't hesitate to call. We are here for you. We care.
9. Check out our new Senior's Bulletin Board located in Larson Hall. It will have lots of good information for seniors, such as discounts, tax breaks, and other information from the Department of Aging, AARP, etc

Sundays after the Epiphany: Green is used for its symbolism of our growth in Christ. Green, in a sense, is a "neutral color," used when more festive or more somber color is not appointed.
Ash Wednesday: Black is the preferred color, since it is the color of the ashes to which we will all return. Purple is the alternate color for this first day of Lent.
Lent: Purple is indicated, as the stark color of repentance and solemnity

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