September 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mark's, Richmond
We are an aging
nation. Currently 13% of Americans are 65 or older and by 2030 this
number will double. The leading edge of the Baby Boomers (born between
1946 and 1964) have marked their 65th birthday, and every day another
8,000 or so turns 65. These "young old" adults will redefine retirement
as they have redefined social norms at every stage of their lives. The
church needs to be ready to engage and - perhaps, re-engage with this
vibrant adult group.
We are an aging
church. The good news is that aging is changing. Despite the disease and
disability focus of many aging programs, only 5% of adults 65 and older
reside in nursing homes - the majority live independently in the
community.
Knowing this, it
is all the more critical to re-shape our ministry with older adults. To
persist in a passive adult ministry model will drive the Boomers away as
it does not meet their needs, abilities, and most importantly desire to
contribute in tangible ways to the broader social good. The church has a
chance, perhaps a second chance to capture the imagination and energy
of this idealistic and socially motivated group of older adults.
St. Mark's,
Richmond, invites you to join them on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. for a seminar designed to impart information on optimal aging
and the spirituality of older adults coupled with practical ministry
ideas and tools to take home to your congregation. Presenters:
Dr. Ayn E. Welleford, Chair, VCU Dept. of Gerontology; Ms. Dorothy
Linthicum, Program Coordinator, Virginia Theological Seminary Center for
the Ministry of Teaching, and the Rev. Dr. Melissa Fallen, Baptist
Theological Seminary of Richmond.Cost is $10 (covers lunch). RSVP to Malinda Collier, dre@stmarksrva.org by September 9. St. Mark's Episcopal Church is located at 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220.
