For seniors, options to make connections in the community can be limited. The members of Mount Joy Church of God want to change that. The church is launching a new ministry called SALT - Seniors Are Living Treasures - open to anyone age 60 or older. There is no cost to attend the program, which will meet at the church, 30 E. Main St., Mount Joy, on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Church member Tracy Miller said the time is split between organized activities and unstructured free time. "We will provide cards, games, puzzles, adult coloring, conversation, etc. Even our church library will be open for anyone who wishes to check out a book," she said. "We will also have different activities every week: bingo, ice cream social, classic movies and popcorn, crafts and more."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness and social isolation in older adults are public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk of serious medical conditions. A 2020 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine shows that nearly one-fourth of adults age 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. According to the CDC, social isolation can lead to a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

To combat those statistics locally, the members of Mount Joy Church of God hope SALT becomes a true community effort. Several leaders of local churches have joined the effort to promote the ministry. "The senior population in Mount Joy needs a place where they can congregate, socialize, share miseries or health conditions, meet new friends and not be lonely," said Nancy Shonk, who attends Florin Church of the Brethren.

Joining Shonk on the leadership is Renee Haney from Swatara Hill Church of the Brethren, who got involved because she understands the loneliness that seniors can struggle with. "So many seniors are lonely and don't know how to connect with others with similar interests," Haney shared. "I'm hoping SALT will be a place where they can make meaningful connections with others in their age group."

The idea for the ministry came from Mount Joy Church of God's plans to mark its 200th anniversary in 2031. The church assembled a Vision 2031 team to look at challenges and opportunities in the community. The team noticed a lack of activities for seniors in Mount Joy. "We don't have a location here in Mount Joy where seniors can just meet, have a cup of coffee, fellowship, play cards," Miller said. "I felt compelled to change that."

While Shonk wants to provide opportunities for other seniors, the ministry is personal for her. "I am a senior, and even though I have a spouse, I am looking forward to being part of the leadership and helping make seniors feel like they are an appreciated member of the community," she stated.

Ministry leader Debbie Cohn, also a senior citizen, is excited about bringing her peers together. "It is important to be with people who understand your challenges, while sharing new ideas, thoughts and experiences," she said.

Mount Joy Church of God senior pastor Richard Vaughn looks forward to what the ministry can do to help the community. "Our goal is to be a key member of this community, whether it's participating in different downtown community events like Winterfest or simply providing access to our facility bathrooms during the car show," he remarked. "This is an opportunity for our facility to be used by the greater community. Whether a senior attends our church, another church or doesn't attend church at all, they will be welcomed to gather here with their peers and have a good time."

Seniors who are interested in participating in SALT do not need to register. People may park on the street and enter the church off of Main Street or access the building without climbing steps through the East Henry Street entrance via a parking lot at the rear of the church. For more information, visit http://www.mountjoychurchofgod.org or call 717-653-4695.