Key points:
- The United Methodist Hilltop Circuit offers a transportation ministry, special worship service and monthly visits to get older members involved in church life.
- The initiative boosts older adult participation in church.
- A Wednesday service dedicated exclusively to older worshippers provides a space to share experiences, support one another and engage in communal prayer.
Understanding the challenges older congregants face — including mobility issues and financial constraints — the United Methodist Hilltop Circuit in the Sakubva suburb recently introduced a dedicated service to enrich participation in church life.
Operating every Sunday and Wednesday, as well as on special occasions, a new minibus ensures that members and friends can attend services.
For those unable to travel due to advanced age, the Revs. Edicance Marange and Martha Mberi conduct monthly home visits, offering communion and pastoral care. The initiative highlights the importance of inclusivity in faith communities, demonstrating how churches can actively honor and support their older members.
Bishop Gift K. Machinga, who serves the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, called the outreach “a powerful demonstration of love, inclusion and spiritual care.”
“I am glad to see this initiative that started during my tenure as the pastor-in-charge at Hilltop still operational,” he said. “This ministry restores dignity, combats isolation and reminds the elderly that they remain valued members of the church family.”
Machinga urged other circuits to follow the Hilltop example by reevaluating their ministry priorities and intentionally including all members through visits, phone calls and transportation support. Doing so, he noted, is both a biblical mandate and a way of honoring those who helped build today’s church.
Marange, pastor-in-charge, said the initiative continues his work dating back to 2002 at St. Peter’s Circuit in Chitungwiza Marondera District. Since his appointment at Hilltop Circuit in Mutare District in 2024, he has overseen a dedicated ministry catering especially to 25 women ages 65 to 92 years.
“Transportation is a cornerstone of this ministry,” he said, “A minibus ensures that elderly congregants are picked up from their homes and returned safely after services. For those unable to attend due to health issues, we conduct home visits and administer Holy Communion.
“The elderly may no longer be active in church committees or administration,” he explained, “but they still require spiritual nurturing. Their prayers and wisdom remain invaluable to the church community.”
A Wednesday service dedicated exclusively to older worshippers provides a space to share experiences, support one another and engage in communal prayer. Gathering regularly has become a form of therapy, offering emotional comfort and encouragement.
“With age, some are ailing,” Marange noted, “but coming together in church provides spiritual and emotional healing. Even in their Wednesday service, they share joys and sorrows, strengthening each other.”
Elina Goba works with older adults. “Caring for elderly worshippers,” she said, “requires patience, love and understanding. Some experience mood swings or sudden health emergencies, requiring swift attention. But we have learned to understand their challenges. Despite these difficulties, working with them is deeply rewarding.”
Patience is essential, said janitor and driver Edison Rwaindepi.
“Helping them into the minibus can take seven minutes per person,” Rwaindepi said, “so I always travel with an assistant. Some are welcomed home by their families, while others have no one to receive them — it is a mix of emotions.”
People speak warmly of how this ministry has enriched their lives and acknowledge the kindness and sacrifice of the church’s helpers.
Linda Matasa, 72, enjoys serving as a helper, ensuring all congregants safely enter and disembark the vehicle.
“The Hilltop Circuit’s transportation initiative is more than just convenience,” she said. “It is a lifeline for elderly congregants. Even without bus fare, we are guaranteed attendance, ensuring financial constraints do not hinder our spiritual journey.”
Matasa emphasized the church’s challenging location atop a hill, making it difficult for some to climb. “Without the minibus service,” she said, “many elderly worshippers would have been unable to participate in church activities.”
Annamercy Matondo, 78, applauds the program. “Beyond the logistics,” she said, “gathering for worship has become a form of therapy, strengthening our faith and emotional well-being. When one of us falls ill, we offer prayers, and for those unable to attend, pastoral home visits ensure they receive Holy Communion.”
Matondo deeply appreciates the church’s commitment, recognizing its impact in keeping members spiritually connected. “We do not miss anything happening at church and for that we are very grateful,” she added.
Singing hymns brings joy to Unah Chandiwana, 82. “Every Sunday and Wednesday,” she said, “I wake up excited, knowing I will be picked up.”
For many congregants, church attendance has improved their physical and emotional well-being.
Susan Mushonga, 72, who once struggled with mobility, now moves with the aid of a walking stick. “I was sick and could not walk,” she said. “Now I can walk and come to church. When my sister visited and saw me walking, she was surprised, but I attribute all this to God through continued prayers and church services.”
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Martha Nhachi, 84, said receiving communion at home resuscitates her spirit. “When I was told that the pastor is coming,” she said, “I asked my helper to help me get prepared. I knew that I should be in uniform as I am a full member of the women’s organization. When the pastor comes, I will be very happy because he prays for me.”
Bishop Machinga said Hilltop Circuit’s ministry is a testament to the transformative power of faith-based care. “Through transport assistance, specialized services, home visits and unwavering pastoral support, the church ensures that aging members remain spiritually uplifted and engaged,” he said.
“What Hilltop Circuit has achieved is a blueprint for inclusivity that other churches can look to when seeking ways to honor, support and empower their elderly congregants.”
Chingwe is a communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.
