Cedars of Lebanon
What are the Cedars of Lebanon?
The Cedars of Lebanon is a ministry that encompasses the disciples of the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ that are predominately fifty-five years of age or older. This is a ministry that still seeks the lost, looks to strengthen the saved and attempts to meet the needs of the poor. We are also concerned with meeting our own unique needs and presenting ourselves as both a source of understanding and wisdom as well as encouragement to disciples in our church as well as our sister churches. The Cedars of Lebanon is a churchwide ministry and small groups remain the same. We do ask that you are a member of the GPCC or a sister church and have arrived at the age of fifty-five, but we certainly would not turn anyone away who is approaching that age. It was felt that the age setting would allow many to graciously enter a ministry that is certainly aware of the many needs of those who are gracefully aging. God has blessed us with His grace and allowed us to be both fruitful and faithful in our work.
Description of the Cedars Activities
We have regular monthly meetings to encourage and strengthen one another.
We host a Churchwide Women’s Devotional twice a year.
We have developed a “Solo Parenting Group” that recognizes and supports single parents within our church.
We have developed an “One Accord Group”, that ministers to disciples with non-disciple spouses. This group also includes widows and divorcees.
We have a liaison between the Impact Ministry (Singles Ministry) and the Cedars.
We have developed a Campus Connection. We at times feed and house students when prudent.
We have developed a “HOPE for Kids” scholarship fund that we contribute to.
We have a global connection with three other Cedars groups in South Africa.
We also contribute to the Tigre School in India, supporting orphans of the area.
We have developed a “Hot Topics” information center. We are regularly given information that is truly pertinent to the older population that will increase our health and welfare.
We have developed a vigorous community outreach. We participate in assisting an elementary school to improve reading and math skills, as well as attendance.
The local Black Nursing Association has held Junior Nursing Academies to introduce the students to the medical world. They have enlisted the aide of both the police and fire departments within the school.