From Acorns
Oak Trees Grow
by Hazel Bennett
An "acorn" vision of a program of wholeness for Christian living that would enhance the spiritual, psychosocial, intellectual, and physical health of older adults in small-group settings within congregations — this is the kernel that was planted in the soil of the South Carolina Conference Council on Older Adult Ministries, in collaboration with the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. That vision was shared with the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries by way of a grant application.
"Watered" by a grant from that group in 2003, a small but effective shoot was nurtured as three groups were formed, each representing two churches of differing racial/ethnic backgrounds. Resources were secured and training was given to a co-leader from each church; the groups began weekly meetings, with each session engaging them in activities for physical strength, mental stimulation, spiritual growth, and social support and connectedness.
The growth of that young "sapling" was phenomenal. Stiff joints were loosened by stretching exercises; minds were challenged by creative mental activities; souls were fed through the "Companions in Christ" program; friendships and love were developed among the members, spilling over into other activities planned by the group. An 80+-year-old man who had not been able to raise his right hand above his shoulder became able to raise it above his head, just from exercising. People who lived in the same community but hadn't known one another became dear friends. Experiences of life, even of death, were shared by a caring group of close Christian companions.
Before the end of the year, the burgeoning, healthy, beautiful "tree" caught the attention of the Caring Communities section of Duke Endowment. The Council was invited to apply for a grant. So impressed was the endowment group as they saw the possibility for growth and enlargement that they "fertilized" the tree with a grant of $97,950 for 2004. If all provisions of the grant are followed, a total of $300,000 will be given over a three-year period.
The South Carolina Conference Council on Older Adult Ministries and the Arnold School of Public Health of the University of South Carolina are awed by and deeply grateful for this opportunity to expand the program. They are now at work, hoping to bring about a whole forest of older adult "oak trees" who love the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength — and their neighbors as themselves.
For more information, contact the Rev. Hazel Bennett, Chair of the Conference Council on Older Adult Ministries and Southeast Jurisdictional Representative to the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries, 864-227-7423; hazelc@emeraldis.com.