Boomer Church: New models for ministry with older adults

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. 

Clergy transitions

The Rev. Margery Howell resigned from St. Christopher's, Portsmouth, 6/28/2015

The Rev. Bob Gay retired from Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, 7/19/2015

The Rev. Earnest Graham will leave Hickory Neck, Toano, to accept a call to Diocese of North Carolina, 8/31/2015

The Rev. Shirley Smith Graham will leave St. Martin's, Williamsburg, to accept a call in Diocese of Virginia, 8/30/15

The Rev. Michael Stone will retire from Manakin, Midlothian, 11/1/2015  

Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop on November 1 will be webcast live

The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Michael Bruce Curry, will occur on Sunday, November 1 at noon at Washington National Cathedral.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, was elected and confirmed as the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church at the 78th General Convention on June 27. According to the Canons of The Episcopal Church, he becomes Presiding Bishop on November 1. Bishop Curry is the first African-American to be elected Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.

The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop will be live webcast. The service will be reflective of the comprehensiveness of the Episcopal tradition and community. Bishop Curry will preach at the service.  

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. Andrew's, Newport News 

Almighty God, we ask for your steadfast guidance as St. Andrew's church seeks a new rector. Give us discerning hearts and open minds. Inspire us to carry out our mission knowing that we are supported by prayer and love. Unite us as a parish during our journey together and encourage every voice to be heard in this time of transition. lead us to that person who is called to minister to our church and day school as we go forward to spread the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

St. Luke's, Powhatan  

Loving God, you call us to spread your kingdom through praying, serving, healing and teaching, send you Holy Spirit to fill us now that we might be your healing hands and feet, drawing all people to a saving knowledge and love of you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Boys Home annual quilt raffle

Would you like a chance to win this beautiful quilt? Or maybe 10 chances?  It's time to get your raffle tickets for the annual Quilt Raffle at Boys Home of Virginia. The quilt being raffled was hand-made and donated by Phyllis Gibson. It is queen sized with an "around the world" stitch pattern. it is made of batik materials and is machine stitched and hand hemmed. Tickets are $5 or 10 tickets for $45. A winner will be drawn on September 12. Get more information and an order form for your tickets here.  

Digital organ available for donation

1993 Wurlitzer classical digital organ (manufactured by Viscount) available free to a church that will use it.  It is self-contained and meets AGO-standards with a baroque specification, and sounds quite good for it's age.  It is early digitally sampled pipe sound, not computerized, and includes adjustable digital reverberation.  The internal speakers are enough to easily fill a medium-size room, and this instrument formerly served a Methodist church on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  The computer board was recently replaced by a Viscount-authorized technician, so the instrument works without any problems and has plenty of life left in it. The organ is located at a residence on Roanoke Island, North Carolina as is/where is, however delivery might be able to be arranged.
 
Anyone interested in accepting this charitable contribution should contact: Christopher Rusk, Organist & Choirmaster, St. John's Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. 757-777-6939.

Praying for the churches of Southern Virginia

As part of our liturgy at Annual Council 2015, each delegation wrote a prayer for their parish. We are sharing these prayers each week in the eNews so that we all can support one another in the upcoming year.

St. John's, Portsmouth

God our Father, you see the children of our world growing up in an unsteady and confusing age: Bless our parish efforts to "move into the neighborhood" as we intentionally advertise the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria to our local community and financially and prayerfully support the development of the "Who are you, Jesus?" app for young, English-speaking children throughout the world. Through your grace, may our efforts draw a new generation to hear and follow the Good Shepherd who calls us each by name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Trinity, South Hill

Most heavenly Father, the giver of life we come to you asking you for guidance and direction. We ask you for a life pleasing in your sight that we may live a life worthy of your calling bearing fruits and growing in knowledge and wisdom. Father, we ask you for the coming year to show us the fruits of the spirits, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray that our vestry show these fruits and that they handle business in these godly manners while handling the affairs of the church. We pray that the outreach committee bridge the gap in our community that enables us all to come together as children of God. Lord, we ask that the advisor of the youth group, instill godly leadership values in our young boys and girls that they may be able to give back as adults. We pray for their safety and that they make good and wise decisions. Father, touch our hospitality committee that they may serve with unconditional love and support for church organizations. Father help us in our stewardship to be responsible, godly people and good steward of what we have been entrusted to do. We pray that you open up our understanding and increase our wisdom. We pray that the altar guild committee train our acolytes in serving with all the fruits of the spirit that they will be seen in them at all times. We pray that they understand the important of the service they are providing for our church family. Father we ask, that home comers will return to their roots in person, in finance and in love. For those who have moved away that, we pray they will feel the love of returning home. We pray for those who have sinned, be restored that they return and be welcomed just like the prodigal son returned home. We pray for our Trinity Church Sunday is a spiritual success. Trinity church began when three churches combined: St. John, St. Matthew and St. Mary, meaning three in one. We pray that we continue to remember our foundation and the faith on which we stand. We pray that our building and grounds and cemetery committees keep our property beautified and in good working condition. Lord we ask that our Christian education meets the needs of the parishioners and guide us into all truths that we may live by your word. We pray that we grow in unity, love and our membership increase. Father we thank you. Through Jesus Christ our lord, who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen.