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Just Older Youth
Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: April 2024
Highlands United Methodist Church is inviting seniors looking for a lively circle of friends to join its JOY Group, meeting every Thursday from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Eight years ago, Highlander Tricia Smith was out in the community performing wellness visits for a health insurance company.
“I noticed how many of the seniors I encountered were in pretty good physical shape, but were displaying symptoms of loneliness and borderline depression,” she remembers. “They were hungry for conversations and experiences with people their own age, who could relate to the things that were important to them.”
That observation led her to ask her pastor, Rev. Paul Christy of Highlands United Methodist Church, if the church would hold weekly luncheons for the people of this age group.
“I knew if we could offer a good meal and a fun program or activity, the community would respond,” she says.
The pastor agreed, and Smith launched the JOY (Just Older Youth) Group, with local kitchen wizard Kristy Martin providing a nutritious, lovingly prepared lunch.
The bunch still meets every Thursday from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the church’s Faith & Fellowship Center. Activities range across a wide spectrum – programs by local experts, dog bingo, screenings of vintage movies (complete with popcorn), and even field trips to local landmarks and excursions off the Plateau. And always with Martin’s lunches.
HUMC’s current pastor, Rev. Dr. Randy Lucas affirms “the JOY Group is open to everyone, regardless of church affiliation or faith preference. All are welcome!
So, if you’re looking for a bit of lively conversation and a guaranteed good meal and perhaps a little surprise, you’re welcome to join the conversation.
If you have questions, call Kristy Martin at (828) 526-3376.
