"Resourcing mid and later life disciples for the abundant life."
Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults
CONFERENCES
NEWS AND EVENTS
VIRGINIA
Virginia Conference Older Adult Ministries Council
Mission Statement
To strengthen older adult ministries in the local churches and districts of the annual conference. Older Adult ministries are intentional ministries of the Virginia Conference providing a place of welcome, spiritual nurture, and empowerment in ministry to, for, by, and with older adults. By our definition, “seasoned” 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.
MINISTRY GOALS 2009-2012
1.
Maintain and enhance working relationships at the conference, district, and local church levels and with conference-related agencies.
Maintain and enhance working relationships at the conference, district, and local church levels and with conference-related agencies.2.Establish a plan for Older Adult Council and general older adult leadership development.
Establish a plan for Older Adult Council and general older adult leadership development.3.Organize training and educational activities.
Organize training and educational activities.4.Continually identify existing and develop new older adult resources and promote their
Continually identify existing and develop new older adult resources and promote their utilization.
5.Identify and promote an understanding of the needs, concerns, and activities of older adults.
Identify and promote an understanding of the needs, concerns, and activities of older adults.6.Assist churches in establishing and maintaining older adult ministries.
Assist churches in establishing and maintaining older adult ministries.Among Our Ministries for 2009-2010
•An experiential display at our Annual Conference with activities to raise awareness of the impact of aging and highlighting our “Seasoned Adults Spice Up the Church” logo.
An experiential display at our Annual Conference with activities to raise awareness of the impact of aging and highlighting our “Seasoned Adults Spice Up the Church” logo.•Sponsorship of a Conference-wide event in October, 2009, featuring Dr. Richard Gentzler of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministry of the General Board of Discipleship.
Sponsorship of a Conference-wide event in October, 2009, featuring Dr. Richard Gentzler of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministry of the General Board of Discipleship.•The third offering of our advanced class for Certified Lay Speakers on developing an Older Adult Ministry.
The third offering of our advanced class for Certified Lay Speakers on developing an Older Adult Ministry.•Development of worship materials for the 2010 Older Adult Recognition Sunday on the theme of “Seasoned Adults Flavor the Young: Intergenerational Ministries.”
Development of worship materials for the 2010 Older Adult Recognition Sunday on the theme of “Seasoned Adults Flavor the Young: Intergenerational Ministries.” •Plans for a Conference-wide Older Adult Retreat to be held in the fall of 2010.
Plans for a Conference-wide Older Adult Retreat to be held in the fall of 2010.For more information about our mission and resources, visit the Older Adult Ministry section of the Virginia Conference website at: www.vaumc.org. Select “Ministries,” then “Age-Related Ministries,” followed by “Older Adults.”.
Virginia Conference Vision Statement
"We envision faith communities where all God's people are welcomed
at table, nurtured, and transformed to be Christ to others in the world."
Martha E. Stokes
Director of Leadership and Inclusivity
Virginia Conference
P.O. Box 1719
10330 Staple Mill Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Martha’s staff portfolio includes the Board of Laity, Board of Discipleship, all the Commissions dealing with inclusivity (Disabilities, Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Race and Religion, and Status and Role of Women), Hispanic/Latino Ministries, and the Life Span Ministries Councils for Single Adult and Older Adult Ministries. She has been a part of the conference staff team since July of 2000. Martha holds professional certification through our denomination in Older Adult Ministries and credentials as a nationally certified vocational evaluator and as a Virginia certified rehabilitation provider.
Phone: (800) 768-6040 ext. 154 or (804) 521-1154
Fax: (804) 521-1154 Conference Website: www.vaumc.org
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