Reverend McDowell

Bryan's Position Description:
As Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Older Adult Ministries, Bryan oversees the ministry of pastoral care for all members of First Presbyterian Church. Along with the Senior Adult Council, the Senior Adult Ministry both ministers to and through the vast resources of those members of the congregation over 50. Bryan is primary consultant to the Diaconate in its work of pastoral care; plans and leads the bi-monthly services "Vespers with Communion and Intercessory Prayer"; an experienced teacher of Bible and Theology, worship leader and preacher.
Brief Description of Senior Adult Ministry:

Through the Senior Adult Council, the Senior Adult Ministry, affectionately known as "SAM," ministers to and with the church members over 50 years old (more or less!). A monthly program, "Thursdays with SAM" (third Thursdays) offers a program of general interest, lunch and fellowship (arts, politics, music, health and medicine, history, community leaders, etc.). The SAC Newsletter is published quarterly. The "Bake and Take" group makes and delivers muffins to shut-ins and to new members monthly. Shut-ins receive cards on their birthdays. Two or three times a year, outings, both local and abroad, are planned (from local bus tours to far away cruises). Retreats and conferences in Montreat, NC, Mo-Ranch, TX and Camp Ferncliff, AR are popular annual events. The Associate Pastor for Older Adults and the Senior Adult Council promote a positive image for aging and advocate for the elderly on a wide range of issues related to aging in our youth-oriented culture. Mission trips, taking communion to shut-ins, leading worship in retirement homes, and assisting with light household repairs for older adults are examples of ways our senior adults serve. A newly added focus is on health and fitness. We successfully completed a "Walk to Jerusalem" in record time; and have a committed class of Tai Chi on Thursday mornings. Who knows what we will do next! Remember: aging begins at birth!