From BBQ to Blessings: God at Work in Our Community

Seniors Summer Picnic

This year’s Encore Summer Picnic was more than just a meal – it was our kickoff to the 2025-2026 season, and it's become a tradition I genuinely look forward to. Our friend Bill Bender grilled up a delicious spread of salmon and two kinds of chicken, and everyone else pitched in with classic picnic sides and desserts. We gathered in the air-conditioned gym – a welcomed experience from the hot pavilion and patio days of old!

Over the past five years, we’ve used the picnic as a chance to share ministry updates with our seniors. Each team member talks through what’s going on in areas like children’s, youth, technology, and overall church leadership. Pastor Mike usually wraps it up with a look at where we’ve been and a little peek at what’s ahead.

One story that really stood out came from Joseph, who shared how the Coventry Schools invited him—yes, invited—to get involved. He’s now coaching middle school basketball and even serves as chaplain for the high school football team. Recently, after our church hosted its first tailgate party, Joseph joined the team on the sidelines. That night, three teams—Coventry, North, and Rittman—met at midfield and prayed together.  It was a powerful moment, a reminder that God is at work.

Our Encore members are amazing. They’ve lived faith-filled lives and now see these new ministries as fresh opportunities to give—through prayer, donations, or volunteering. Whether it’s buying donuts for the student Bible study or helping with VBS and Show Choir, they’re all in.  Our picnic reminded me how deeply the Encore group still impacts the future of our church.

Dave Schroyer,
Seniors Ministry Pastor