As the population of Door County continues to age, some local churches are reaching out to older citizens to help combat loneliness in the community. According to recent census data, 28.9 percent of Door County and 18.7 percent of Kewaunee County citizens are above the age of 65 and an increasing number of them are finding their twilight years spent alone.  This has prompted some area churches to make coordinated efforts to get in touch with older members to make them feel welcome in the community. Michael Sullivan, the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee, said he promotes looking beyond oneself.

In addition, Friends Community Church pastor Nancy Bontempo said she feels as if some older residents might not feel as if they fit into a changing world, even in a church setting. She said she has seen an increase of older residents who seek a more traditional church environment than the more worship-style experience.