Senior Games Group: Building Friendships Through Fun And Fellowship

Growing up on a farm, in the foothills of 1940s Kansas, there was not yet electricity outside of the city. So, in a world of woodburning stoves, Model Ts, and iceboxes instead of refrigerators, playing cards, and other games was the primary form of entertainment — as well as a way for friends and family to enjoy time together.

For longtime parishioner Alden Shipp, who has served St. Peter’s as both an usher and Eucharistic Minister, this was his childhood. And there are few things he enjoys more than sharing these games — Cribbage, in particular — with his fellow parishioners. And thus, they also became a way for Alden, and his wife, Joyce, to gather, meet new friends, and enjoy the company of their fellow parishioners in the Senior Games Group.

Although currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has been meeting for nearly two decades, playing a variety of different games over the years. Cribbage, a game that can be played with a “group” as small as two, tends to be the most popular and is one of Alden’s favorites.

“When all this started years ago, somebody said, ‘What could seniors do?’” he says. “And they said, ‘Well, play games.’ And I said, ‘Well, I’ll be glad to teach them Cribbage.’ It is the only game that has survived since our original meeting.”

Alden hopes to introduce a new game — 7-Point Pitch — once the group begins gathering again. Although Cribbage will likely continue, he thinks there is likely enough space in the Martha Jane Room, where they gather, to have two different games going at the same time.

“I would like to get some other games started,” he says. “I miss the fellowship and fun of playing cards together and the friendships.”

All seniors are invited to join the group, which typically meets on Thursday afternoons. Sometimes, it’s only a few people, while other days, attendance is closer to a dozen or more. You don’t have to be an expert to attend. Those with more experience are happy to teach and share their skills with newcomers, who are always welcome. And, although the group is primarily parishioners, anyone is welcome to join this fun-loving group.

“We have a little bit of everybody,” Alden says. “It’s an extended religious family.”

Whether you already know how to play, or are hoping to learn and add new games to your repertoire, the Senior Games Group is the perfect place to come enjoy an afternoon, meet new friends, and spend time in fellowship.

“We enjoy visiting,” says Alden. “It’s a fun way to spend a Thursday afternoon.”

If you would like more information on the Seniors Games Group, please contact Alden and Joyce Shipp at 217-222-7355.

Although currently on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senior Games Group has been meeting for nearly two decades, playing a variety of different games over the years. Cribbage, a game which can be played with a “group” as small as two, tends to be the most popular with the group.