Persevering Saints is the official name of Riverbend’s 55-up Ministry. The name was actually chosen by Dr. R.A. Hargrave, Senior Pastor, after he viewed a list of prospective names that had been submitted by the Leadership Team. “Persevering Saints is a description,” he said, “of what Riverbend is and of what senior adults are supposed to be.”
Purpose
The purpose of Persevering Saints is to glorify God by providing an avenue of fellowship and outreach, participating in activities that foster spiritual growth and health, and helping senior adults live, learn and serve through the vitality of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Theme
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. —James 1:25 (ESV)
NOTE: Persevering Saints is an “action ministry” that seeks to involve senior adults (ages 55-up) in persistently and consistently practicing the principles of Scripture in ministering to each other, to others in the church, to those outside the church.
Logo
The publicity symbol for this ministry is pictured atop the previous page. It is a compilation of work done by the leadership team. The project coordinator was Dennis Belz.
Leadership
Many Riverbenders are involved in the planning and development of Persevering Saints activities and ministries. However, the core of the coordination is conducted by the Leadership Team. Members of that team include Dr. R.A. Hargrave (Senior Pastor), Jerry Schaeffer (Pastor of Senior Adults), Kay Moody (Administrative Director), Sandy Leisner (Secretary), Dennis Belz, Linda Belz, Barbara Cook, Ferne Cox, Marcia Delaney, Louis Donath, Ruth Donath, Maurice McKinney, Mary McKinney, Bill Pletcher, Kathy Pletcher, Sam Race and Pat Schaeffer.
Focus
1. FELLOWSHIP
Getting to know others ... enjoying the company of fellow Christians ... Examples: gatherings for food & fellowship, ice cream socials, hymn-sing events, Valentine banquets, game days/nights (horse- shoes, cards, ping pong, board games, etc.), picnics, movie matinees in Worship Center, etc.
2. MINISTRY
Helping others with their various needs ... reaching out to people in the community, especially spiritually ... Examples: providing transportation to-and-from church, mission trips to Central America, HarvestFest booth, Thanksgiving baskets for those in need, senior seminars (wills, estate-planning, finances, firearm safety, etc.), honoring veterans, connecting with younger groups (young marrieds, etc.), “adopting grandkids” on Grandparents Day ... visiting homebound members ...participating in the church’s Above & Beyond mission ventures ...
3. TRAVEL
Day trips that promote fellowship/ministry ... extended trips for group enjoyment (worship/vacation/recreation) ... Examples: Wycliffe Bible Translators Headquarters (Orlando), Bluegrass Festival (Palatka), Gaither Homecoming (Orlando), Holy Land Experience (Orlando), a Christmas program in the area, Cypress Gardens (Winter Haven), Space Center (Cape Canaveral), Straw- berry Festival (Plant City), St. Augustine, Answers in Genesis Museum (Kentucky), Branson (Missouri), Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge (Tennessee), Bible cruise to Caribbean, Charleston (S.C.), Epcot, Savannah (Ga.), New York, Alaska, etc.
