1. What is Third Age Ministry?  Why do we need it?

2. Why Recognize the U.N. International Year of Older Persons?

3. Guidelines for Planning Events Throughout the year

4. Organizing and Planning Suggestions

5. Suggestions for a Celebrative Worship Service
“An Affirmation of Aging”

6. Things to Celebrate in Worship

7. Things About Which To Be Concerned In Worship and Prayer

8. Suggested Scripture and Sermon Ideas

9. Suggested Hymns

10. Litanies for Older Adults Week

11. Program Ideas

12. Additional Program Ideas for Intergenerational Activities

13. Report-Back Form on Activities and Events

14. Resources
 
 

The focus of Third Age Ministry is to recognize aging as a natural part of living, involving the entire life span from birth to death, and to affirm and to celebrate aging for all ages.  These materials are designed to assist congregations in their ministry with adults in later life, identifying the varied gifts and skills of older adults and seeking ways to address their needs and utilize their skills.

The United Nations has designated 1999 as the Year of Older Persons, under the theme of “Toward a Society for All Ages.”  In support of this action these materials are designed to help congregations in the celebration of the United Nations International Year of Older Persons. Congregations are encouraged to educate themselves concerning the worldwide population growth among older adults, and to explore the effect that this dramatic growth of the older population worldwide has on the United States and on the Church.

The rationale for focusing on Third Age Ministry is the fact that the numbers of older adults in the church, in the United States and around the world, are increasing so rapidly that it cannot be “business as usual” in the ministry of the church.  Society is changing, the demographics are changing, and the church must also change in order to be relevant.  Win Arn and Charles Arn have written a book entitled Catch the Age Wave (Baker Book House, 1994) in which they state:

What will characterize the effective churches of tomorrow?  How will they be distinctive?  The answer is: Their paradigms will have changed.  Effective churches will confront the issues of their changing society, while retaining their basic theological truths.  They will have found that many of their old paradigms no longer allow them to accomplish effective ministry and outreach.  (p.12-13)

In naming some of the paradigm changes the Arn’s list such things as changing from the old paradigm of the motivation for retirement being in order to “play”, to retirement motivated by the desire to work, learn and serve, as well as to play.  In the Church the movement has been from a fairly youthful church 50 years ago, to a church that is made up of a majority of persons over 50.  Of concern is the fact that there has been an increase in the number of very small churches, made up mostly of persons over 65 years old.

These materials are presented to assist congregations as they begin to take a more direct look at the increasing need for ministry with, by, for and to the older adults in the church and community.  These materials include guidelines and program ideas, and suggest resource materials to assist congregations in planning for Third Age Ministry and in celebration of the 1999 International Year of Older Persons.  In support of the United Nations designation of older persons as a worldwide emphasis, the Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Christian Education has taken this action to encourage support and participation in this celebration throughout the church.

Much of the material in this packet has been adapted for use from material developed for the celebration of the U.N. International Year of Older Persons by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and by Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., President, National Interfaith Coalition on Aging, and the Lutheran Church.  The material that has been adapted or quoted is indicated in the contents of the packet.

In the United Nations Resolution on the International Year of Older Persons in 1999 it is stated that the World Bank reports that over the next few decades, the numbers of people in the world over 60 years of age will triple, causing the global percentage of older persons to jump from 9 percent in 1990 to 16 percent in 2030.  The result will be a global society that is by far the oldest in the history of the world.
 

In 1900 life expectancy in the United States was 47.  Although it took 1,900 years for life expectancy to reach that point, in the 20th century alone another 28-31 years have been added.  Currently for men life expectancy is about 75 years of age, and for women it has reached 78 and is rising.  The projection is that by 2030 life expectancy will be 88 for men and 91 for women.  The fastest-growing segment of the population is those persons 85 years of age and over.  The number of centenarians doubled during the decade of the ‘80s.  This means that in the coming years there will be more older adults than ever before in history.  Most of those older adults will be women, many living along.
 

In view of these demographics, the United Nations took action to designate 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons.  The theme for the year is “Toward a Society for All Ages,” reflecting a growing concern for ensuring intergenerational integration.  In the background materials from the U.N. it is stated that the objective is to ensure that attention will be given to the situation of older persons, addressing issues in five areas: Independence, Participation, Care, Self-fulfillment and Dignity of Older Persons.
 

In the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the General Assembly Council reports that 55% of the laity of the church and 56% of C.P. clergy are over the age of 55.
 

With these demographics in mind the Church will want to be certain that the 20+ years of extended life expectancy are years of spiritual growth and meaning.
 

Ministry in the Church will expand to confront issues impacted by these new demographics.  Some of these new ministries will include:
    ·Spiritual Growth in Later Life
    ·Intergenerational Experiences Across the Ages (Education and Action)
    ·Life Span Learning
    ·Leader Development
    ·New Models for Retirement Years
    ·Health Care and Housing
    ·Service and Ministry
 

1. Plan for intergenerational activities that emphasize the celebration of aging for all ages.

2. Plan intergenerational, intercultural events together with other churches, especially churches of other cultures that include         opportunities for sharing traditions and rituals.

3. When planning events, plan different events for the different categories or levels of functioning among older adults, such as (1) the active/healthy just retired persons, (2) the inactive/healthy persons who have difficulty getting around, (3) the homebound persons or those in nursing homes.  Ministry needs to include all, but be suitable to each level of functioning.

4. Be aware of ageism throughout the church and society and work to eliminate it through ministry.

5. Encourage in all ways the view that aging is a natural part of living, involving the whole life span from birth to death.

6. Keep in mind that older adult ministry is to, for, by and with older persons.

7. Acknowledge that in both small and large churches, and all in between, ministry with older persons is a growing need.

8. Assure a barrier-free environment in which older persons (and younger persons) can function in spite of impairments.

9. Recognize that older persons represent a creative resource bank available to the church, and involve them as persons of insight and wisdom.

10. Assure that the homebound persons and those in nursing homes are not separated from the life of the congregation, but retain access to the sacraments and are given assistance as needed by the community of faith, and that their skills continue to be used as appropriate.

11. Provide guidance and support for adult children caring for their parents or other family members.

12. Cooperate with other churches and community agencies for more effective older adult ministry throughout the community.

13. Be aware of the signals you give to older adults as you plan programs.  For example, if a program is listed as “family centered” when many members of the congregation are widowed, with no family, they can feel left out.  Other signals might include: Having most programs at night, when it is difficult for older persons to attend, poor acoustics, no large print hymnals or bulletins, no hearing enhancements, many steps into the building, no handicap provisions (parking, restrooms, doorways, pew space for wheelchairs), uneven pavement or carpet, etc.  Think of these things before the week of celebration so that there is no hindrance to full celebration for all persons.
 

14. When making plans for older adult ministry, be aware of the fact that all older persons do not fit into one category.  Plans need to be made for the “young-old,” who are active, healthy, eager to be involved in projects, etc.; for the “middle-old,” who remain independent, but who experience some of the limitations brought on by the aging process and need some help; and for the “older-old,” who are homebound or living in care facilities of one kind or another, but who are still a part of the community of faith and need to maintain those ties.  Ministry will differ for each stage, and it has little to do with chronological age but has more to do with functional level.
 

NOTES FOR PLANNING:
 
 

1. Choose a committee to be in charge of planning for Third Age Ministry.  The committee needs to be intergenerational, include both men and women, and be committed to the task.  (The following suggestions are for the Committee.)

2.  Write a purpose statement.  What would the committee like to happen as a result of Third Age Ministry in your congregation?  Some possible purposes might be:

    To honor the significant contributions that older members of the congregation have made in the life of the church through the years.

To educate the congregation concerning the issues of aging, toward an understanding that aging is a natural process of living, and that each stage of each age brings special needs to be filled, special skills to be used, and special gifts to be shared.

To educate the congregation concerning the dramatic growth in the numbers of older persons worldwide, and provide opportunity to discuss the meaning of this phenomenon as it relates to life in the United States, and in the church.

To include persons who are homebound, as well as residents in nursing homes and other care facilities, both in giving and receiving the ministry of the church.

To plan as many intergenerational activities as feasible in the overall program planning.

3.  Choose a theme that reflects the purpose statement as well as the unique interests and concerns of your particular congregation.

4.  Identify the issues you wish to include in the program plans.

5.  Work with and involve all the session committees in designing Older Adult Ministry as this work touches the work of all committees.

6.  Plan an event or activity that is ecumenical and/or interfaith in nature to learn more what other faith groups are doing in older adult ministry, and share materials and program ideas.

   If your congregation chooses to plan a worship service to celebrate aging for all ages, here are some ideas    and elements of Worship that might be helpful:

 1.  Affirmation of Aging:

        We Believe in the unique worth of every aging person.

        We Believe life is an ongoing process of growth and change.

        We Believe that the love of Jesus Christ is the foundation and norm of our service.

        We Believe that the elderly are pioneers of a new era of self-reliance and interdependence.

(From “Abundant Life for the Aging: Our Vision and Our Calling,” the Report of the Task Force on Ministries with Aging Persons, adopted by the 1979 General Assembly, United Presbyterian Church.)
 

2. Things to celebrate in worship:
    • the increase in life expectancy from 47 years of age in 1900 to nearing 80 in 1998

    • the 20-25 years of life for many to enjoy after retirement

    • growth in medical technology that allows better health in later life

    • opportunities for continued learning and spiritual growth that are available

    • the knowledge, experience, wisdom and skills that older persons bring to the congregation

    • the opportunity for intergenerational interchange among all ages

    • the Scriptures, so filled with stories of God’s using especially older persons in the accomplishing of God’s purposes

    • the example set by Jesus Christ for dealing with grief, controversy, suffering, anger and fear, and showing forth God’s love   in the midst of it

3.  Things about which to be concerned in worship and prayer:
        Ageism is a reality in our society and in our churches, resulting in the marginalizing of many persons.

        Medical technology, medical insurances, and health delivery services have become so specialized, complicated, and expensive that many older persons are left without available services.

        A very mobile society causes families to be separated, and older persons find themselves alone at a time when they most need the support of family members.

          Retirement communities and nursing homes have become so expensive and yet so in demand, that many older persons cannot afford to live there.

        Society tells older persons that retirement means the rocking chair, travel, and no responsibility, and many older persons buy into that stereotype. This means that the lifelong learning experience of those older persons is lost to society.

4.  Suggested Scripture and sermon ideas that can be used in worship
   (developed by Reverend Richard Gentzler, President, National Interfaith Coalition on Aging):
    • Genesis 1-26-31;6:3
        We were created in the image of God, and God created the aging process.
    • Genesis 18:1-8;21:1-7
        Older persons are of worth to God.
    • Exodus 20:12; Job 12:12; Proverbs 16:31;20:29;23:22
        Celebrate the wisdom of mature years.
    • Psalm 71
        Responsibility of older persons.
    • Psalm 92:14; Isaiah 46:4
        God gives us strength for our mission.
    • Micah 6:6-8
        What God requires of people of all ages.
    • Zechariah 8
        Thank God for the diversity of ages.
    • Luke 2:22-38
        Expectation of joy in later years.
    • Luke 5:36-39
        The old is good.
    • John 3:1-8
        Nicodemus (the elder Pharisee) visits Jesus.
    • Hebrews 11:8-16
        The faith of Abraham and Sarah and God’s blessing.

5.  Suggested Hymns
        “Here I am, Lord”
        “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
        “Blessed Assurance, Jesus I Mine!”
        “God of the Sparrow”
        “How Great Thou Art”

6. Ideas for the Children’s Message (Reprinted from Lutheran Association of Older Adult Ministry “Bless the Years” Resource)

TITLE: God Bless and Keep You
TOPIC: Bless the Years Sunday

Good morning!  How many of you know some songs?  I’m going to sing a song without the words and you tell me the title of it. (Sing tune to “Happy Birthday to You”)

What is that tune?  When do we sing that?  How many birthdays have you had?

Some people in our church have celebrated a lot of birthdays-more than 70 or 80 or even 90.  That’s a lot of birthdays! They were little children like you at one point, and they learned about God in Sunday School and church like you do.  But they didn’t stop learning about God during their life - for all of their years, they continued to read their Bible and go to church and pray to God.  God will be with us throughout all our lives.

I would like to teach you another verse to the Happy Birthday Song that we sing in my family.  We say the words: “God bless and keep you” We are praying to God that he will be with this person for their whole life.  Can you sing that with me?

Remember that God will be with you all through your life.

…Children’s Message (Reprinted from Lutheran Association of of Older Adult Ministry “Bless the Years” Resource)

When there are 2 candles on a birthday cake, what do they mean? 4? 6? 8?
Some of the church members here this morning are over 60 years old -
If we had a big enough cake for someone 60 years old, how many candles would we be needing? And if 5 people brought their birthday cakes with a candle for each year of their own and we lit all those candles, think what a bright light we would have!
 A lot of members of our church here this morning have had so many birthdays all
their candles wouldn’t all fit on a cake! But these people are people whom Jesus has blessed with many years; years in which they’ve been receiving big promises from Jesus.
He told them He’d be with them always
He told them they would be lights  -  not just candles
                                                        or little light bulbs
                                                        but bright lights so others
                                                        who would see them would
                                                        see what a loving Lord we have.

Jesus has been their light to show them their way through life.  And when we
watch them they show us how to love our loving Lord.

Adults in differing age groups often have different preferences as to their worship style.  While not every member of each generation sees things exactly the same way, some of the potential areas of difficulty in generational attitudes toward worship include:

    ·Pace. Seniors like worship service to move along slowly and predictably.
        Boomers like worship to move at a fast clip, and Busters want it to move even
        quicker.  Both Boomers and Busters look for some variety and spontaneity.

    ·Lighting.  Seniors prefer softer lighting as it gives more of a worshipful feeling.
        Boomers and Busters look for a brighter lighting so they can see people well.

     ·Sound.  Seniors appreciate being able to hear well but dislike sound the blasts.  Boomers want the sound louder, but
        not intrusive.  Busters want the sound so loud they can feel it.

     ·Length. Seniors have a longer attention span and thus are willing to sit through longer services.  The attention span
        of Boomers is shorter; Busters shorter still.

     ·Formality. Seniors expect a certain level of formality and decorum.  Boomers enjoy organization without the appearance
        of ritual.  Busters prefer a sense of spontaneity.

     ·Participation.  Seniors tend to watch and enjoy.  Churched Boomers and Busters want to participate, while
        unchurched Boomers and Busters prefer to be entertained.

     ·Music. Seniors love the hymnal and familiar songs of faith, with music slowly paced and reverent.  Boomers and Busters
        like to “sing a new song” to the Lord.
 

Welcome and Concerns of the Church
Lighting of Candles
*Call to Worship
    Leader: Aging is the human condition from the moment of birth.
    People: Each stage holds a mixture of joy and sorrow, pain and celebration.
    All:   Let us worship the God of all.
    Leader: People from all of life’s stages young and old, weak and strong, wise and innocent.
    People: Claim the eternal Rock of the Ages in whose love we all belong and find peace.
    All:   Let us worship the God of all.

*Adoration of God     “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
Invitation to Confession
Prayer of Confession (unison)
    Gracious living and loving God,
        We come to you in our full-blown humanity.
        We admit our limitations of wonder and faith.
        We yearn for your goodness and great mercy.
        We confess our inclination to focus on the frailties and loses of life.
        We ask for your help always to see our possibilities in your love.
        Remind us that we are made for you, Dear God, and re-light the spark of
        your love in our very being today and in the days that may follow.  AMEN
Time of Silent Reflection
People Respond to the Forgiveness of God   “Hear our prayer, O Lord”
        “Hear our Prayer, Oh Lord.  Hear our prayer, O Lord.
        Incline thine ear to us.  And grant us thy peace.”
The Assurance of Pardon
    Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.  Even youths will faint and
    be weary, and the young fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up
    on wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.  --- Isaiah 40: 28-31
*The Doxology
    Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
    Praise Him all creatures here below;
    Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  AMEN
Time with the Young Disciples ( Pastor- see ideas for children’s in the "Ideas for Celebrative Worship" above.)

Prayer of Illumination and the Prayers of the People

Reading of the Scriptures

Special Music

The Sermon

Hymn of Celebration
    “For the Gift of Length of Days” (See next page below.) (To the melody of “For the Beauty of the Earth”)

Affirmation of Faith (Unison)
        We believe in the God, who is present in the lives of little children and youth; who gives to every person the right to
        grow “in wisdom and years, and in divine and human favor.”  (NRSV)

        We believe in the God, who energizes young adults to find and realize their destiny in live; who sustains parents of
        children and youth; who invigorates those in mid-life; who gives to every person the right to grow “in wisdom and
        years and in divine and human favor”.

        We believe in the God, who carries with love those who struggle to walk where they wish to go, who listens
        with compassion to the life stories of those who are challenged to make sense of life at eventime; who resides at
        the bedside of those in need, and assures them of ever present love.

        We believe in the God of all ages, who is ageless, and who dwells with all people of every age in almighty power and
        great glory forever!  AMEN

Commitment of Life through Giving  - (Testimonies of or about older leaders in the church)
The Offertory and Receiving of Gifts
*The Gloria Patri
*Closing Hymn     “O God Our Help in Ages Past”

*The Benediction and “Passing of the Peace”

            For the gift of length of days
            To be singing words of praise;
            For the wisdom gained from years
            Filled with work and joys and tears:

                [REFRAIN]
            Hear the thanks of youth and age
               for our priceless heritage.

            For the eagerness of youth,
            Searching for eternal truth;
            For the willingness to learn
            How to think and to discern:

            [REFRAIN]

            For the wish to sense and know,
            And for children’s urge to grow;
            For their energy and zest,
            Striving toward their very best:

            [REFRAIN]

            For the crowning gifts of age,
            Love to share, thoughts to engage,
            New perspectives still to learn,
            New relationships to earn:

            [REFRAIN]

            For the freedom given to all
            To Respond to Christ’s clear call,
            Showing what must still be done
            Here on earth to make us one:

            [REFRAIN]

(Copyrighted by Jane Parker Huber, written especially for the Presbyterian Older Adults Ministry Network.  Used by permission.  The hymn may be used in worship services without additional permission.)

One:     O God, Whose children we are,
            Help us recall all the ways and time you have proved to be our loving parent;

All:       For it is You, Lord,
            Who provided us with those who cared for us in infancy, affording shelter,
            protection, nourishment, and care, while we neither realized these were our
            needs nor knew who they were who gave us such care.

One:     O God, Whose children we are, help us recall the joys of our childhood;

All:        For it is You, Lord,
             Who has surprised us with the color of sunsets, the brightness of stars, the fragrance of flowers, and the songs of
            the birds, the laughter of friends, the warmth of the beds that welcomed us after exhausting play, and the soft voices
            of those who spoke with us our evening prayers;

One:      O God, Whose children we are,
            Help us recall your protecting hand attending us as years have passed;

All:         For it is you, Lord,
            Who brought healing to our scratches and our bruises and our pains,
             recovery from illnesses, renewed spirit after disappointments, and
             warded off dangers and disease that threatened our well-being;

One:     O God, Whose children we are,
            Help us recall the times you have stood close by when sorrows
            crowded in on us;

All:         For it is You, Lord,
            Who gave your son for us,
            experiencing in His whip and cross and nails
            deep pain and loss,
            who knows and feels your every loss,
            assuring us that you will never leave us
            nor forsake us in our heavy heartedness;

One:     O God, Whose children we are,
            Help us to see the gift that is ours in this family we call church;

All:         For it is You, Lord,
            Who looked beyond what we have been and are,
            who in the waters of Baptism marked us as your very own,
            members of Your family, to be and behave as loving sisters and brothers of one another;

All:         O God, Whose children we are,
            Help us as we grow older,
            to grow wiser,
            to grow in our thankfulness,
            to grow in our sense of responsibility,
            that we may use the gifts of grace, experience, skill, time, and
            all our resources for service to you and our neighbor,
            through Jesus Christ, our Brother and our Savior.  Amen

Gracious, living and loving God,
    we come to you in our full-blown humanity
    we admit our limitations of wonder and faith
    we yearn for your goodness and great mercy
    we confess our inclination to focus on frailties
    we ask your help always to see our possibilities in your love.

We remember old hymns and songs, O God,
    help us to sing songs of an expanding future.
We treasure lasting friendships, dear God,
    move us to welcome new voices into our thinking and lives.
We celebrate long years of blessings and joy,
    teach us that in you the best is yet to come and give us patience.
We embrace the memories of places near and dear,
    enlarge our lives with dreams of new scenes and new horizons.
We value daily opportunities of choosing the use of our time,
    make us comfortable with solitude and reflection.

We are made for you, dear God, and our hearts are restless till we rest in you.  You have made us for love, continually re-light the spark of your love in our souls--for our own bodies, for the lives around us, especially those in need, for our creativity and for Your good creation.

We are made for singing, dear God, fill us with thanksgiving for this moment, this day, this year.  Repeatedly re-set our minds on the exciting promises of your lasting presence in the moments, days and years to come.  Enable us always to sing our way to Christ’s cross and beyond.  Fill us with the Good News that is joy and passion and being full of care.

Gracious, living and loving God,
    fill our hears and minds and bodies with grace and life and love.  Amen

Suggestion:  Leader reads first paragraph.  Second paragraph - leader reads first part of sentence, congregation reads second part of sentence.  Third paragraph - leader reads.  Fourth paragraph - congregation reads.  Fifth paragraph leader and congregation read together.
 
 

Leader:    As we gather today we celebrate the great diversity among our church family.

People:    We celebrate children and young people who have excitement about life, and realize that we must look to others
                        for help in areas of inexperience.
                We were all children once.  That is something, that every one has in common.
                        We sometimes forget, and we ask You to help us remember.

Leader:    Change comes so fast today that we hardly become adjusted to one change before another comes along.
                Much has changed in our lifetime, and sometimes it makes us fearful.

People:    You laid the foundation upon which we were able to bring about change in our world.  Without life experience
    and knowledge, we would not be able to find cures for diseases or develop the new technology to help us learn
    in exciting way, or travel around the world so easily or communicate with all parts of the world.
We are thankful for the freedom from competition, but none of us want to be placed on a shelf.  We must all continue to
    be active in ministry.
We will continue to be in mission in order to grow in our spirituality.   We recognize that which You have given us
    and appreciate that which You continue to give through all of life.
            We will look to You as we continue to grow in body and in spirit.
            This process of aging is one that we all share in everyday.

Leader:    Our God, we do thank You for your gift of diversity.  We thank You for our heritage.
                    Help us to support each other in our various life responsibilities.
                        Help us to be truly the one body of Christ, the church.
                                            Amen.
 

Suggestion that might be used in celebrating of aging for all ages.
1.     Plan intergenerational, events to share food, rituals, favorite hymns and liturgies, and faith stories. “Show and Tell”
        could be a part of the program for all ages.

2.     Create banners and posters and design bulletin boards that announce to the congregation the United Nations
        International Year of Older Persons and Third Age Ministry.

3.     Recognizing the need for evangelism among older adults, plan special events or a special series of services on
        particular topics that interest older persons and encourage the older members of the congregation to invite
        their unchurched friends and neighbors to attend.  The events could include an art fair where grandparents
        and grandchildren can work together on projects, a musical production, a special speaker on hot topics, a drama put
        on by church members, etc.

4.     Ask the session to choose one older adult or couple who has made significant contributions to the church through the
        years in service, teaching ministry, the elder who has been ordained the longest, etc., and recognize the person/couple
        and present them with a plaque or certificate of appreciation.

5.     Plan a series of lectures or workshops on topics of interest to older adults and their families:
        • Writing your life story
        • Writing your spiritual autobiography
        • Simplifying your life
        • How to share your faith with your grandchildren
        • Wills, living wills, durable power of attorney, filling out our official forms
        • Death and dying
        • Things you need to know about Alzheimer’s disease
        • The need for continued spiritual growth in later years
        • Retirement and re-engagement after retirement

6.     Build a series of as a basis for discussion on the issues including Ageism, Care for the Caregiver, Death and
        Dying, Spirituality and Aging and Justice Issues.

7.     Choose a problem that is of concern to the entire community relating to older adults, and work together with
        other churches to address the problem as a community of faith.

8.      Develop a bulletin board to be used throughout the year that focuses on older adults and gives information
        concerning volunteer service opportunities, information and articles of interest to older persons, opportunities for service
        in the ministry of the church, and other issues of interest.

9.      Begin a support group for the caregivers of older persons.

10.   Provide opportunities for older members of the congregation to tell their life stories to the younger members,
        especially to children and youth.

11.    Identify in the community all resources available for addressing the needs of older persons, such as the area agencies
        on aging, retirement communities, nursing homes, etc., and utilizing the skills of older adults, such as identifying
        volunteer opportunities for older adults.

12.    Plan a discussion among the church leaders to:

        ·explore the impact of the longer life span in American society, in your church and in your community

        ·discuss what changes must take place in church planning in order to address the changing times, the
            changing demographics, especially the increasing numbers of older persons in the church, and therefore the changes
            in ministry that are needed.

13.    Start a Sunday School Class for the homebound.  Contact your local telephone company and arrange for a
        conference call during the Sunday School hour.
 

NOTES FOR PLANNING:
 
 

In view of the fact that the United Nations Year of Older Persons has the theme “Toward a Society of All Ages, “ congregations are encouraged to focus especially on intergenerational activities.  Some program suggestions are added here to stimulate thinking in the area of intergenerational programs.

1.  Adopt A Grandparent or Grandfriend Plan (for children and teenagers).

2.  Adopt A Young Family Plan (for older adults whose families live far away).

3.  Grandparent/Grandchild (adopted or otherwise) work on art projects together.

4.  Secret Pal Program (older adults matched up with children as secret pals).  They give gifts, write notes of encouragement
    or congratulations for a quarter of a year, then at a church luncheon the “secret pals” are identified and honored.

5.  Put on a musical production by children’s choir and older adult choir.
    Suggestion: “Side by Side” a Musical That Brings together Senior Adults and Young Voices.”  Order from: The
    Lorenz Corporation, 501 E. Third St., Box 802, Dayton, OH 45401.  Cost: $4.95 per booklet containing all the
    information needed to put on a production.

6.  Develop a mentoring program for older adults to mentor young children and teenagers in their school work as needed.

7.  Develop a mentoring program whereby teenagers can teach older adults how to use modern technologies---
    computers, VCRs, etc.

8. Plan a worship service to be led by all ages, children, teens, young adults, middle adults and older adults.

9.  Sponsor a Vacation Church School for children simultaneously with a Vacation Church School for older adults, and
    plan some activities to do together that involves storytelling and sharing of experiences.

10. Plan a work project (building, painting, cleaning up, repairing, etc.) in which older adults, children and teens can
        work together to accomplish the goal.

11.  Plan a series in the church school program for intergenerational Bible studies.

12.  Match up church school classes intergenerationally for the week (or even a year) to study and/or play together. 13.
        Set-up interviews with representatives of the generations. Use video tapes, audio tapes, print, pictures and stories
        on bulletin boards to share persons’ faith stories.
 

NOTES FOR PLANNING:
 
 

In an effort to improve Third Age Ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and to make materials more useable and helpful, please fill out this form and send it to:

         Laurie Sharpe
         Third Age Ministry
         Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Christian Education
         1978 Union Avenue
         Memphis, TN 38104

1.  Did you find this Third Age Ministry Planning Packet helpful?  In what way?
 
 
 
 

2.  What do you wish had been in the packet that was missing?
 
 
 
 

3.  What did you not find helpful in the packet?
 
 
 

4.  If there were a small charge for the packet, would you still use it?
 
 
 

5.  Please list all the activities you will use in Third Age Ministry in your congregation:  (Please give as much detail as
    possible.  If you need more space, please add extra pages.)
 

6.  In what ways are your efforts intergenerational, including adults of all ages, including children and teens?
 
 
 
 
 

7.  In what ways are you ministering to the homebound and those members in nursing homes or other care facilities?
 
 
 
 

8.  Which of your programs are ecumenical, multicultural or interfaith? If so, please describe the program.:
 
 
 

9. Comments or suggestions for future resources for Older Adult Ministry...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After you copy, print and complete this form please mail it to Laurie Sharpe at the address above, or e-mail your response to las@cumberland.org

THANK YOU!