The United Church of Christ, in terms of age of congregants, is now the “oldest” mainline denomination in the United States and today’s older adults deserve—and expect—more than the traditional church fare of potlucks and slide shows. The curriculum “Age-Friendly Congregations”, produced by the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, helps churches strengthen ministry to their older members while benefiting the entire congregation.
Over the next three months, the Rev. Daniel Haas will offer a series of thoughtful Bible studies. Author the Rev. Beth Long-Higgins uses chapters from Ephesians, Ruth, and Romans to introduce readers to the experience of aging in the 21st century. The intent, she says, is “to stimulate conversations in congregations about aging – both the challenges and opportunities that members face as they live longer, and the opportunities for ministry with those who are aging in the wider community.”
“Faith formation is a lifelong process,” says the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, co-editor of the resource and one of its authors. “This curriculum takes seriously the belief that persons of all ages and stages of life experience and crave spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth. Ministry to people of diverse ages requires an openness to new attitudes and insights about aging. Please join Rev. Daniel Haas during Celebration of Joy on March 3, April 7, and May 5.