A special group for Presbyterian church annuitants and retired church workers is proving popular in Wellington.

While many often can't make it due to other commitments (showing how active these people still are) at least twenty five people usually attend each of the four-monthly meetings. These include time to socialize, devotions, a guest speaker, and a catered finger food lunch.

Members of the group range in attitudes and abilities, but one thing they all have in common is that they have served the church, says convenor, the Rev Blair Rodgers.

"When you retire it's a break from your active working life, so its good to have a chance to meet with your peers and talk about old times again," says Mr Rodgers. There are about 90 people on the group's mailing list.

Recent guest speakers have included hymn-writer Shirley Murray, a visiting American minister (Rev Darwin Mann) and a former Salvation Army officer who is now ministering at the Ngaio Union Church (Graham Millar).

Mr Rodgers comments that it is important that retired people continue to feel valued and cherished by their church and community. "Groups like ours can help strengthen the identity of at least one section of people as God's agents."