The Seniors Ice Cream Tradition
Every summer for the past four years, we’ve wrapped up our Encore senior ministry season with an ice cream social—and let me tell you, it’s become one of the favorite events. Unlike our regular monthly luncheons, which involve a full meal, this event keeps it light and simple: just dessert. I always remind folks to grab lunch beforehand, maybe at McDonald’s across the street, just a whole lot of ice cream.
We provide the ice cream, and everyone brings their favorite toppings. Sometimes we end up with twenty jars of fudge topping and barely a single bag of gummy bears, but that’s part of the fun. We challenge folks to bring something creative, though most still default to the classics. That’s alright—our staff brings in some wild toppings just to shake things up a bit.
One of my favorite parts is the entertainment. For the past few years, we’ve hosted a barbershop quartet in the foyer. They love the intimate setting, and the acoustics in the room make their a cappella singing sound incredible. It turns into a lively, interactive afternoon, and the laughter and smiles make it all worth it.
In years past I helped scoop ice cream behind the counter, but I got “fired” because I was slowing down the line because I couldn’t stop chatting with people. Now, I stick to the front, welcoming folks as they arrive.
We’ve found it’s a perfect way to close the season in June before our break in July. The ice cream may be simple, but the fellowship is always rich. It’s a one month break as we meet again in August.
Dave Schroyer,
Seniors Pastor
