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For more information, Kim Ebersole |
Older Adult MinistriesIn a culture enchanted with the idea of youth, the Church of the Brethren chooses to live another way by valuing and welcoming the gifts of older adults. To encourage a positive vision of aging within the church, staff raises awareness of and develops resources on issues related to aging, in addition to providing a support network for those working with older adults.
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 Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
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"Unexpected travels in healing…"End-of-life video resource availableThis hour-long video of the 2011 NOAC presentation by David Fuchs and Curtis Dubble is a helpful resource for individuals, families, deacons, and congregations as they explore end-of-life issues. Read more about the 2011 presentation here. Download the order form. |
Connecting Generations
Connecting Generations is a monthly meditation, containing a scripture, meditation, and prayer about some aspect of growing older: spiritual tasks of aging, role changes, the challenge of caregiving, transitions, and leaving our legacy. There are also questions to think about and discuss, as well as reading suggestions.
Read Connecting Generations online or sign up to receive it.
Celebrate older adults in your congregation
"The hope to which you have been called..." Eph 1:18
Each May, the Church of the Brethren observes Older Adult Month, an opportunity to celebrate God’s gift of aging and the contributions of older adults in our congregations. However, your faith community can celebrate the presence of older adults in your congregation all year long! By recognizing the gifts of older adults, we honor their legacies and on-going contributions to our lives and our faith communities. To assist your congregation in celebrating the gift of aging, click to find a variety of worship resources.
Contact Kim Ebersole, director of older adult ministry, by e-mail or telephone at (800) 323-8039, ext. 305.
Departing With Dignity—A Service of Celebration
The Good Shepherd Home in Fostoria, Ohio, has created a brief service that celebrates the life of each resident when they die. Before the deceased’s body is removed from the Home, family members, staff, and residents who wish to participate gather to pray and say goodbye. Click to download a copy of their service, Departing with Dignity: A Service of Celebration (PDF).
Healthy Aging for an Abundant Life
“O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come.” ~Psalm 71:17-18
As we age, we develop wisdom we can share with our peers and with the generations that follow us. The National Council of Churches has developed a new education and worship resource, Healthy Aging for an Abundant Life, to cultivate wisdom for promoting healthy aging throughout our lifetime, and particularly into our midlife and older age.
Learn how, over a lifespan, environmental factors including food, chemical, natural, social and economic environments can influence the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Fortunately, there is much we can do at every age to avoid, slow down, or reverse those health problems and greatly improve our odds for preventing disease. We can also provide the comfort of God’s love to our friends, loved ones, and neighbors suffering from chronic illness. This free 12-page guide includes worship and study materials, sermon starters, and ideas for individual and congregational action. Download a copy here or request a hard copy by e-mailing chloe@nccecojustice.org or calling the National Council of Churches of Christ’s eco-justice program at 202-481-6932.
Let's Move
As a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, Sunday school teacher, or someone who just cares about the well-being of children, you are invited to participate in Let's Move! Let's Move! is a national initiative focused on solving the challenge of childhood obesity. Recently, Let's Move! launched a component specifically encouraging the involvement of faith and community leaders, and the Church of the Brethren was asked to be a part of this launch.
Visit the Church of the Brethren's Let's Move! website to learn more about the program, ways the denomination's ministries are connecting to Let's Move!, and how your family and congregation can be involved. You can also share ways you and your church are moving and being active.
