I am sure many of you watch game shows on TV. In fact, you probably kick back in your favorite recliner attempting to answer the question in 15 seconds as music plays in the background ticking off the clock.
Today, I am going to be your game host. You have 15 seconds to answer the following question. Are you ready? Set? Go! What ministry in your church takes place with two people and requires six sessions?
This year, Grandparents Day, a day honoring grandparents, will be observed on Sunday, September 12. Grandparents often lavish their grandchildren with love, hugs, and gifts. On Grandparents Day the favor is returned as grandparents receive gratitude for their wisdom, kindness, and nurturing.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. It’s a day set aside to raise awareness and to better understand the abuse and exploitation older adults may experience. Although elder abuse is a tough topic, it’s certainly one that deserves our attention. Abuse and exploitation against older adults can happen in many different ways. For example, financial exploitation can occur in the form of scams targeting older adults or stolen identity to access banking information. Neglect can stem from caregivers denying basic necessities like assistance with hygiene, nutritious food, medications, or safety.
As the pandemic continues, so do concerns about older adults and their mental and emotional health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a good time to shine a light on issues and resources for older adults and their families and caregivers.
Have you ever noticed after marriage couples seem to adapt to various divisions of labor? Often the man does the yard work, car repairs, and finances whereas the woman usually does the grocery shopping, house cleaning, and cooking (although I have known some men who are better cooks). After years of marriage, couples don’t think about these divisions of labor. They just do them. This changes when someone experiences the death, divorce, desertion, or imprisonment of a spouse. All of a sudden, the person’s world is turned upside down and he or she has to assume all of the roles.
by Pat Brandenstein Do you remember Saturday mornings: waking up early, pouring yourself a big bowl of Cheerios, turning on the TV (which was snowy because it was one of the first TV’s on the market), and seeing your favorite Western? The good guys—in white hats—were always ambushed by the bad guys—in black hats—waiting behind a huge rock. The ambush …
by Pat Brandenstein
You have a purpose if you are still breathing!
On September 30, 1993, I was working as a school nurse in the clinic at DeSoto (Texas) East Junior High School. The phone rang and a man said he was calling from the DeSoto Police Department. My heart immediately stopped. I was thinking of my 16-year-old daughter who had just received her driver’s license.
The purpose of the Golden Cross Foundation is to fund the expansion of older adult ministries and services in the Tennessee Conference. The foundation is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors with representatives from all five districts of the Tennessee Conference.
Hearing stories about the many ways high schools are trying to deal with graduation ceremonies — or lack thereof — during the COVID-19 pandemic made me reflect on my own high school graduation. Perhaps you too have given thought to your own high school or college graduation.
A companion to Designing an Older Adult Ministry, this book provides new information and outlines ways to develop and strengthen ministries by, with, and for older adults that can, and will, enhance the spiritual growth and well-being of people of all ages.