Today’s guest blogger is Warren Frelund. Warren has been a deacon in The Episcopal Church for 20 years. He is currently semi-retired but remains active in ministry development. He and his wife, Sue, live in Mason City, Iowa, enjoying the company of their grandchildren.
Last Sunday I worshiped with a very small congregation in Iowa Falls. I have been assigned by Bishop Scarfe to this community along with a retired priest to celebrate Holy Eucharist the second and fourth Sunday of the month. Morning Prayer was the worship of choice yesterday so I decided to drive the 90 mile round trip to worship with them.
While driving home I realized that the worship leader and the congregation were all over 65.
It struck me that here is a group of older adults gathering together for worship who are also involved in active community ministries like delivering meals to shut-ins and sponsoring community meetings to explore ways in which support is being offered to older adults.
I feel very blessed to be part of a group of folks who are still actively living their faith in God. It reminds me of the video posted above that was posted on this blog last year.
Ministry at all ages is important to the body of Christ. Older adults have many gifts to offer the Church and, even while we are building the future, the Church needs to remain open to the important role these gifts play in engaging new mission.
How can your community intentionally engage with Older Adults to continue the ministries of the church in the world? What are ways that you can embrace this kind of ministry in your community?