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Older Adult Council

The purpose of the Older Adult Council is to strengthen older adult ministries in the local churches and districts of the annual conference.

The Council offers resources for intentional ministries of the Virginia Conference “providing a place of welcome, spiritual nurture, discipleship and empowerment in ministry to, for, by, and with older adults.”

By our definition, older adults are those persons age 55 and above. However, programs of the Older Adult Council will never be restricted by age – minimum or maximum – as there is always something for each of us to learn and ways for us to grow in our individual and corporate spiritual journeys no matter what our age. We recognize the wave of Baby Boomers are entering older adulthood and have unique needs for discipleship.  We encourage intergenerational ministries. 

Festival of Wisdom and Grace

A conference for finding purpose and renewal in the second half of life

AUGUST 19-22, 2024

Held annually, the Festival of Wisdom and Grace invites participants to explore how we flourish as we age and how we navigate transitions, live into our talents and passions and cultivate our relationship with Christ. In 2024, we will explore the theme “Wesleyan Roots” and enjoy worship, workshops, recreation, entertainment, learning and plenty of time for fellowship. You will also have time to explore Lake Junaluska and enjoy the gardens and places of meditation, lakeside trail and more.

New online learning series for older adult ministry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — ENCORE Ministry, the older-adult ministry of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, has partnered with the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga School of Nursing’s EngAGING Communities to create an online learning experience for clergy and church leaders interested in topics related to intentional ministry by, with and for older adults. Starting Feb. 20, “Building Community With Older Adults” will be at noon U.S. Central time on the third Tuesday of each month through December. Programs also will be recorded and posted on ENCORE’s website.

Resources

Medical Alert Systems: Support for Older Adults Living Alone

Print & web resources for Older Adult Ministries

Older Adult Council Description and Older Adult Recognition Sunday

Southeastern Jurisdictional Festival of Wisdom and Grace

Older Adult Ministry resources from Discipleship Ministries

Article on isolation and failure to thrive among older adults

Members of the Older Adult Council can provide leadership and/or resources for a wide variety of programs and workshops including creating spiritual legacy boxes, grief ministries, faithful aging, sacred circle dance, Boomer Ministries and more.  

For more information about the Older Adult Council, programs, or ministry ideas, contact the co-chairs of the Council: Rev. Denise Childers (Northern Virginia District) at [email protected] and Louise Miller (Valley Ridge District) at [email protected]

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