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Beyond 50 Ministries - Formerly Older Adult Ministries

Tapestry III Conference
Those beyond 50 and those who are in ministry with them will want to attend Tapestry III: Maturing Spiritually, February 26-28, 2010, at the Life Enrichment Center.  The keynote speaker is Marvin Cropsey, editor of Mature Years magazine and several other popular Bible studies in the International Lesson Series.  A change in keynote speakers had to be made due to health issues, but the workshops will be as offered in the brochure (see link below) with the exception of “Transforming Suffering Into the Gift of Love.”  Registrations will be accepted through January.  On Saturday of the conference a Ministry Expo will be available with information and staff from various agencies, such as AARP, Elder Hostel, Hospice, Grief Recovery, Parish Nurse ministry, RSVP, SHINE, Society of St. Andrew, UMCOR, NOMADS, the Tallahassee-based Alzheimers Project, and others.  Music groups and sacred dancers from New Covenant UMC will provide music and a concert during the conference.  For more information, contact Nancy Metz, Beyond 50 Ministries chairperson (239 945-6707, poornancy@gmail.com).

Brochure for Tapestry Event Feb. 26 - 28, 2010


Facilitator's Manual
The Beyond 50 Ministries Task Team of the Florida Conference has prepared a resource for use in developing or strengthening older adult ministries in local churches.  It includes creating awareness of the issues that older adults of all ages face, and it equips churches for ministry by, with, and for older adults in the challenging years ahead.  Facilitators have been trained in the use of this resource, and more will be trained.  If you would like to have a trained Beyond 50 Ministries facilitator equip clergy and laity in your church, please contact Sara Kelly (Bdd1032@aol.com / 407 814-1703).  Please note that while this training is free, your church should plan to reimburse mileage and overnight expenses, if necessary;
  

SEJ AOA Website
Have you visited the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults (SEJAOA) website at www.reneweddisciples.com?  Each Conference has been invited to relate what’s going on in ministry by, with, and for mid- and later-life adults.  You’ll also find information about the next Wisdom and Grace Conference, held each year in August at Lake Junaluksa.

The number of participants from Florida (35) at the 2009 Wisdom and Grace Conference was more than double the 2008 number (15). Conference Preacher was Rev. Dr. Reginald Mallett. We encourage you to plan now – get a vanload together to attend the 2010 Conference August 9th – 12th. Workshops, worship, and the scenery are soul-satisfying! Brochures with registration forms will be mailed to those who have attended before and will also be available at the website in the spring. Take advantage of early-bird registration before June 1st!

Are you an ageist (someone who holds negative stereotypical ideas about older people)?
Take the quiz to find out!

Resources: Worship Resources for Celebrating Age Diversity 
                Worship Litany of Praise  

Facilitator's Manual

 

Speaker's Bureau

 

Reading Resources

Mission Statement:

The Beyond 50 Ministries Task Force of the Florida Annual Conference will equip church leaders (clergy and laity) to utilize the spiritual gifts and talents of older adults as vital disciples of Jesus Christ by

1. Building awareness of the complexity of the adult community over the age of 50;
2. Educating and equipping church leaders (clergy and laity) by providing resources and information about older adults for all ages;
3. Encouraging and supporting advocacy, evangelism, and regional/local events for the inclusion and complete integration of adults beyond 50 in the Body of Christ;
4. Cooperating with church leaders to develop and share models for innovative, creative ministry by, with and for all adults beyond the age of 50, churched and unchurched; 
5. Providing mentoring to support churches involved in ministry of adults over 50; and
6. Developing financial resources for ministries of adults beyond 50. 

For more information about Beyond 50 Ministries, please contact:   Nancy Metz   
       
Beyond 50 Ministries Task Team District Contacts

General Board of Discipleship's Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries

General Board of Discipleship's "Center Sage" newsletters

Mission Opportunities: Primetimers, a mission volunteers program of the General Board of Global Ministries, can be accessed at www.primetimers.info