"Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good" (Titus 2:2-3).

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.

For many people, the practice of one's religiosity is a route to spiritual maturity.Bishop Rueben Job reminds United Methodists that faithful living requires three rules: "Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God" (Three Simple Rules by Rueben P.Job. Abingdon Press, 2007). How people of all ages, including older adults, live out these three simple (?) rules are important to the life of our congregations.

Attendance at church is the most frequently used measure of religious involvement. And, as many studies have shown, religious attendance is more common among older adults than younger people. Older adults gather with other faithful members to connect with themselves and with each other and to nurture a deeper understanding of God through Jesus Christ.

Older adults provide leadership, presence, gifts, and service in their congregations and communities of residence. Many are engaged in volunteer services and participate in short-term mission projects. Older adults provide communities with more than tradition; they offer themselves, their faith, wisdom, and experience for the benefit of God's kingdom here on earth.

With more people living longer and healthier lives during the mature adult years, older adults play an important, if not pivotal, role in helping to shape the faith and character of future generations. Helping to revitalize existing congregations and encouraging young people in their faith journey is not simply a "pipe dream" but an ongoing reality that is taking place in our churches. Spiritually mature older adults are not only growing in their faith but are helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

With this reality in mind, congregations need to recognize, encourage, equip, and support the gifts and service of its older members. General Conference in 2008 adopted a resolution prepared by the UM Committee on Older Adult Ministries that calls for congregations to observe Older Adult Recognition Day sometime during the month of May each year. The month of May was chosen specifically because this month is also known a Older Americans Month.

The context of the resolution reads:

OLDER ADULT RECOGNITION DAY

WHEREAS, special observances in The United Methodist Church are intended to illustrate the nature and calling of the church and are celebrated annually; and

WHEREAS special observances are placed on the calendar to make clear the calling of the church as the people of God; and

WHEREAS, both the population in the United States and throughout the world is increasingly aging and growing older as more people are living longer; and

WHEREAS, the average age of the membership in The United Methodist Church is comprised of persons 60 years of age and older; and

WHEREAS,older adults make significant and important contributions in the life of The United Methodist Church and to the spreading of the gospel throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, the scripture commands us to "honor your father and your mother,"

Be it therefore resolved that The United Methodist Church observe an annual Older Adult Recognition Day; and

Be it therefore further resolved that an Older Adult Recognition Day may be observed annually, preferably during the month of May. The day is to recognize and celebrate the gifts, talents, and contributions older adults make within and beyond the local church. The day should also provide congregations with the opportunity to learn more about the issues and concerns related to aging and older adulthood.The Committee on Older Adult Ministries will have responsibility for the supervision and promotion of the observance of this special day.(Approved by General Conference -- April 2008)

How will your congregation celebrate Older Adult Recognition Day?Will you conduct a special worship service involving older adults in the planning and service? Will you honor your older members with a special dinner or luncheon? What are other ways you plan to celebrate the faith and service of your older adults?

I hope your congregation will make a special effort to celebrate Older Adult Recognition Day in May 2009 and will continue to do so each year following. Please communicate your ideas with the Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries and tell us what you are planning to do or what you have already done. We want to share your ideas with readers of Center Sage newsletter. Be creative in your venture and help recognize the gifts, wisdom, faith, and service of our older members.

Resources for Celebrating Older Adult Recognition Day

Information on how your local congregation can recognize and celebrate the faith and service of older adults is available on our website (www.aging-umc.org) by clicking on the link titled Worship Resources. For a printed copy of Resources for Celebrating Older Adult Recognition Day, please contact our office at e-mail:tkline@gbod.org or phone: 1-877-899-2780.

Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. is the Director of the Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tennessee. He is author of numerous books on midlife and older adult ministries. His most recent book is titled Aging & Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach (Discipleship Resources, 2008).

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