Zion’s Gathering Place

Zion’s Gathering Place was featured in the UCC Digest, our denomination’s email. Read the story here.
 
Zion’s Gathering Place provides senior adults in our community with an engaging, respectful, safe, and welcoming environment to enjoy activities, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement. 
 
Our mission is to empower older adults to live active, healthy, and meaningful lives through social engagement, lifelong learning, and compassionate support. Guided by Christian principles of love and service, we foster a nurturing community where every person is valued and treated with dignity. We also support families and caregivers, ensuring all who enter experience care, encouragement, and hope.
 
Zion’s Gathering Place is open on select Fridays from 9am until 2 pm
Location: Zion Reformed UCC in Hagerstown, MD
Zion’s Gathering Place is co-sponsored by Christ’s Reformed Church
 
Daily Activities:
Low impact exercise – Chair yoga, stretching, seated weight training and aerobics
Crafts – Painting, scrapbooking, make greeting cards, pressing flowers, wreath making, floral arranging, etc.
Games – Card games, Scrabble, Bingo, Chess, etc.
Cognitive activities – Trivia, memory games, educational workshops, group discussions, storytelling, guest speakers, book club
 
 
Our Core Values
Compassionate Care – Guiding by the example of Christ’s love, we serve every senior with kindness, empathy, and respect-regardless of background or belief.
Community and Fellowship – Creating a warm, welcoming environment where all feel connected and supported through relationships, shared activities, and mutual encouragement.
Hope and Purpose – Promoting a sense of joy, meaning, and purpose through engaging programs and spiritual support for those who desire it.
 
Here’s a note from one of our attendees:
When Megan first told me about Zion’s Gathering Place, I wasn’t sure if it would be the right fit for my mom because of her dementia. I wondered whether she would be able to participate in the activities or feel comfortable in a new environment. Changes can be difficult , and I did not know what to expect. Looking back now I am grateful that we gave it a chance.

Zion’s Gathering Place has been a true blessing for my mom and me. Megan and her entire team do a fantastic job creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels included and engaged. They always come up with wonderful activities that keep participants active, connected, and looking forward to each day.

One of the moments that touched us the most was on our first visit. My mom and I were so impressed to see a welcome sign on the door and a blackboard with a greeting written in Romanian. That thoughtful gesture made us feel truly seen, valued, and at home from the very beginning.

The breakfast and lunch selections are delicious and enjoyable, and it’s clear that a great deal of care goes into every detail. Mrs. Carol Schultz’s presentations are always interesting and informative. The exercise sessions are also very helpful and engaging.

I can’t express how much this gathering has meant to me and my mom. Living with dementia has changed so much for our family, and there are days that can feel overwhelming. Having a place where my mom is included in the activities, and treated with so much kindness has been such a blessing. Every time we come, I love seeing her smile, laugh, and enjoy being part of the group. These moments are so precious to me. They remind me that even though dementia has taken away so much, there is still joy, connection, and purpose to be found.

Zion’s Gathering Place has given me more than a place to bring my mom. It has given me encouragement, support, and comfort knowing we are not walking this journey alone. It has also given us special moments that I will hold close to my heart.

We are incredibly grateful for the kindness, dedication, and compassion that Megan and her team show every day. Zion’s Gathering Place is more than just a program, it is a caring community that has made a meaningful difference in our lives.

Sincerely,
Marina Fedeles
 
If you would like to support Zion’s Gathering Place,
you can use the QR code to donate online: