Program provides alternatives for singles

MINER -- When a group called Christian Singles II formed a year ago in Miner, it was created mainly for single adults to have a place of fellowship.

"It's not a singles club to meet someone," said the group's coordinator, Sue Fox. "But if you happen to find your soul mate in the process, then that's fine, too."

Once a month over the past year, adult singles 40 and older gather at Miner Baptist Church for a potluck dinner and to have a good time. The church even provides the meal's meat and drinks.

The idea to develop the group came out of necessity, Fox said.

"Our assistant pastor (at Miner Baptist Church) decided a year ago that it would be beneficial to the people in this area because there's no place to go unless they bar hop. There's no place for Christian singles to get together for fellowship," Fox recalled.

Between 20 and 30 people meet each month, Fox said.

"It's mostly the same people, and more and more keep coming," Fox said. People aren't just from Miner and Sikeston. They come from Jackson, Cape Girardeau, East Prairie, Bertrand and Charleston, Fox said.

The nondenominational group meets for about two to three hours on a Saturday evening, Fox said.

"Different singing groups come in and do a concert for us, and the lady who does the games used to be a director at a nursing home," Fox explained.

Since forming, the group has gone together to various activities. For example, on their next meeting set for Feb. 18, they're going bowling. Last summer they had a cookout at the Charleston Baptist Association campgrounds in Benton.

"It's not like you're going to meet somebody. It's not a like a dating service, but if things work out with somebody then that's OK," said Montey James of East Prairie who attends meetings regularly.

The monthly gatherings are very versatile and it's not same thing all the time, said James, who started attending the meetings after being asked to sing for the group. And she liked the group so much she decided to meet with them on a regular basis.

"I enjoyed being with the group," James said. "They were all friendly and it was good Christian atmosphere and we all had things in common."

Since she started meeting with the group, James said she's met a lot of new people.

"We play games and it's just really fun. We laugh and enjoy each other," James said.

The group has also baked cookies and distributed them to nursing homes. And when one of the men in the group developed cancer and was given only a short time to live, some of the members in the group acted as runners to ensure his affairs and will were in order.

"Socially, we have a ball. But there are little things that go on like that, too. If someone's sick, there's somebody they can always talk to," Fox said.

Although it's for singles ages 40 and over, anyone can attend, Fox said. Reasons why people attend is based on what their need is at the time -- but it's mostly to have fun, Fox said.

"There have been different ones who say through this, more or less, they've come out of their shell. We have some widowed and some divorced. They keep company with people who share the same values, problems and good times," said Fox, who is a widow.

Before Christian Singles II formed, the closest singles groups was in Lilbourn, Fox recalled. But it only lasted year and was a long drive for most people, she said.

"Sikeston is kind of centrally located and some from that (Lilbourn) group still come," Fox said.

Since the group has such a successful first year, Fox said she doesn't anticipate it ending anytime soon.

"Too many women and men have said, 'It has helped me get back into the swing of life and come out of my shell,'" Fox said. "They've recognized there is life after divorce and widowhood."

The Fellowship of Christian Singles II meets at 6 p.m. the third Saturday of each month at Miner Baptist Church, located at 416 State Highway H. For more information, contact Fox at (573) 472-3132.