Print Issue: September 12, 2002

Christ The King Kicks Off Over-40 Singles Ministry

By Priscilla Greear, Staff Writer

ATLANTA - The new "Kindred Spirits" singles ministry for those over 40 of the Cathedral of Christ the King will present "The Song of Solomon 6-Week Video Series" on love, sex and marriage in September to help kick off their outreach program.

Kindred Spirits is a Christ the King ministry for singles 40 and over with a mission to foster a Christ-centered community through spiritual enrichment, outreach service programs and social activities. Those from churches around the archdiocese as well as other Christian denominations are welcome to participate.

Margaret Bergeron, a ministry founder and president along with Rose Garrison, said they've already spoken with over 70 people interested in joining. They both believe that there are many single, "silent parishioners," including those who are divorced or widowed, looking for an avenue to connect and build relationships with other single Christians. Their CTK liaisons are evangelization director Keri Allen and rector Msgr. Tom Kenny.

"We're just really excited to have the opportunity to show 'Song of Solomon' as our big spiritual kick-off event for the organization," said Bergeron. "It's going to be that bond of spiritual and community service that will bind us socially. We want to make it work . . . Everybody's been saying 'we're glad it's finally happening. We've been wondering why this hasn't happened before.' Everybody's been eager."

Bergeron, who is divorced, said that in the spring she, Garrison and others began talking about the need for a ministry specifically for singles over 40, as they were involved at church, but "we didn't feel like we totally fit in any of the groups."

"There's a need to give back to the church community (while) at the same time having fun and sharing with those in similar life situations," she said. "There really hasn't been anything that would serve as a common service, spiritual and social group for this life stage . . . There's just a need for people to know they are not alone. There are many people who want to get to know them."

The "Song of Solomon" series by Tommy Nelson will begin Friday, Sept. 27 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Each night will begin at 7 p.m. with social time, followed by the video at 7:45 p.m. and a discussion period at 8:45 p.m. The topic on Sept. 27 is "The Art of Attraction, the Art of Dating"; on Friday, Oct. 4 the video will address courtship; on Friday, Oct. 11, intimacy; on Friday, Oct. 18 conflict; on Wednesday, Oct. 23, romance; and on Wednesday, Oct. 30, commitment.

Other upcoming activities include watching "Dearly Departed" at the Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell Sept. 28, and a picnic and hiking outing on Oct. 5.

Participants are encouraged to help develop the ministry by volunteering in the membership, technology, spiritual/service, financial, activities (social, sports, adventure) or leisure/special events committees.

Bergeron said that now the group especially needs help with technology and membership. "We do have a lot of interest from other churches already that don't have existing organizations. The whole key to making this work is people volunteering and participating and giving to the organization. It's going to take everyone involved to make it work."

Registration fee for the video series is $3 per night, which includes refreshments and sandwiches. To register or for information on the group call (404) 995-0858 or e-mail CTKKSMB@hotmail.com. Information can also be found on the CTK Web site www.christtheking-atl.org. The Cathedral is located at 2699 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta.