Joanie Caudill of Willow Lakes takes a name tag as she arrives at the Hillclimbers luncheon on Tuesday. David Suggs, left, and Walter Griffin assist with registration as Martha Frick waits her turn.
BLYTHEWOOD – If you’re a senior citizen looking for fun and fellowship, you’ll find it every second Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Hillclimbers luncheon at Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood. After having the summer off, the 70 or so Hillclimbers and visitors spent a little extra time visiting and catching up on Tuesday at their first luncheon of the fall season.
“But it’s more than lunch,” said Kathy Griffin, Trinity’s assistant pastor who oversees the group and organizes the programs. “It’s lots of fun. We have really interesting programs, and lots of fellowship.”
On this day Trinity’s new pastor, the Rev. Nels Ledwell, was the speaker. Next month Grace Hamrick will talk about her new book, “Just Grace.” In November, Wayne Damoron will bring his collection of ‘Coins from the Bible,’ some of which are more than 2,000 years old. And in December, Trinity’s Oasis choir will perform Christmas carols.
“There’s always something,” said Griffin. “It’s a very social get together. We used to bring covered dishes, but some of us are single now and don’t really cook a lot, so we now have the lunches catered,” she said, adding that the lunch price is only $6.
While the Hillclimbers have met for years, it was not until Griffin took over two years ago that the numbers took off, increasing from about 20 in attendance to an average of 65 or 70. That necessitated a move from the old fellowship hall in the main church building to the new youth center across the campus.
Griffin said the growth has come from interesting programs, good food at reasonable prices, “and now we have plenty of room,” she said. “And seniors from all churches are invited. I send notices to other pastors inviting their members to attend,” Griffin said. “After all, it’s not really about church,” she said, smiling. “It’s about having a good time. And we do.”
For more information call 786-1637.
