Contents:

• Older Adult Recognition Day
  Spirituality is key to a vital old age. In fact, aging is often referred to as a spiritual journey. As older adults develop faith maturity and grow in Christian faith, they often exhibit certain characteristics. They place an emphasis on connecting with others, finding meaning and purpose in life, and holding personal power to influence outcomes. When older adults perceive aging as a spiritual journey, they raise the priority of enhancing their relationships with God, loved ones, faith communities, and communities of residence.


• Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century
  The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. affirms that the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience, and talents.


• Caregivers and Aging
  Most of us in the helping profession (clergy, medicine, education, counseling) choose our profession with a sense of calling, a desire to serve others, to fulfill the Great Commission. Given that sense of calling, we at times find ourselves caught in the stark contradiction between our hearts and the reality of life.


• Certification in Older Adult Ministries
  You may be interested in the fall course being offered by Wesley Theological Seminary: "Comprehensive Ministry with Older Adults."


• Elders as Earth Advocates and Partners with Youth
  God's world is in trouble. We live with the growing reality of global warming, melting of the ice cap, fires, floods, droughts, and scarcity. What are some earth-healing activities in which seniors and younger persons might take part?


• Senior New Ways: Coming Fully Alive as You Age
  Nationally acclaimed program for boomers and older adults -- packaged and ready to go!


• The Older Adult As a Disciple
  The church is called to fulfill two commands by our Lord Jesus Christ toward older adults -- love them and make disciples. Part of loving older adults is assisting them in their growth as disciples of Jesus Christ. The primary questions that the church has to answer are these: How do we love older adults? How do we make disciples of older adults?


• A Panel Discussion on Aging
  Featuring authors Missy Buchanan, Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., and Richard Morgan


• Older Adult Ministry Events


• Fall 2008 Center Sage in pdf format