Get the latest posts in your favorite feed reader! RSS FeedGet the latest posts in your favorite feed reader! | Help
All posts from "March 31, 2008"
March 31, 2008
An Old Church in an Aging Society
What are some of the implications for ministry to seniors in the church today?
In 1900, 4 percent—or one out of every 25 Americans—were 65 or older. That amounted to three million in total number. One hundred years later, in 2000, 13 percent—or one out of every eight—were 65 or older. The total number was 37 million; more than the total population of Canada.
In 2040, there will be 20–25 percent, or one out of every five Americans, who will be 65 or older. That’s 80 million if you’re keeping score! This aging population continues to live longer and have opportunity for more productive living than was ever anticipated 100 years ago.
March 31, 2008
For All Those Born Before 1945
The next time you have an event for older adults and you are looking for something to stimulate such a group, you can take them for a journey down memory lane or distribute a copy of this to your adults 50+.
We are survivors!
Consider the changes we have witnessed:
We were born before television, before penicillin, before polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, plastic, contact lenses, Frisbees, and the pill.
We were before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams, and ballpoint pens; before pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air-conditioners, drip-dry clothes—and before anyone walked on the moon.
We got married first and then lived together. How quaint can you be?
March 31, 2008
A Kindness Returned—134 Years Later
Shortly after the tragedy of 9/11 a wonderful story of giving, was reported by Page Ivey of The Associated Press. It emerged from a school house in Columbia, South Carolina.
First you have to have some historical perspective. Two years after the Civil War, with much of Columbia still in ruins, some of the bitterness over the North-South conflict was put aside by a single gesture: New York firefighters set out to collect pennies to buy Columbia a firetruck.
You see, on February 17, 1865, a devastating blaze broke out that devoured over 36 blocks, or about one-third of the city. Columbia had lost most of its firefighting equipment during the Civil War and desperately used bucket brigades in their attempt to douse flames.
March 31, 2008
How Senior Friendly Are You?
We must consider the implications of the labels and terms we use.
Which would you rather be called? “Shut-in” or “home-centered”? The elderly or ill are not really shut-in. Because of their condition they just have to stay centered in their home.
When I was in college, I wanted to serve in the local church in some way. I chose to bring the weekly service tape to a local “shut-in.”
As I think back, I cringe at that term. I didn’t know if I wanted to go and visit a person who had been “shut away.” Overcoming my reservations, I quickly came to the conclusion that a statement was being made about Miss Johnson that I didn’t like.
March 31, 2008
Sometimes Words Are Needless
Unique ministry opportunities are often available when you least expect it.
Mike and Marie Meaney of Bellevue, Washington, have a unique ministry in their retirement years.
After completing 40 years in their respective careers as caterer and teacher, they knew God wasn’t through with them. Sensing God’s direction, Marie, on her 60th birthday, flew to Lusaka, Zambia, Central Africa, to assess needs of teachers and students.
She returned home and began writing a curriculum for children at risk. She developed teacher training seminars and raised money for African schools.
March 31, 2008
Autograph Hunt
The next time you have an event and are looking for something to stimulate a group of people sitting at different tables or in a group setting, try this. Find people that fit the descriptions and have them sign their name on the appropriate line. No one can sign more than once.
March 31, 2008
Brain Ticklers
The next time you have an event and are looking for something to stimulate a group of people sitting at different tables or in a group seeing into conversation, try this. See which table can come up with the most correct answers to the following quiz. Our thanks to Pastor Dick Cooney, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Rolling Hills Estates, CA, and Chairman of CASA Advisory Committee for sending in this quiz.
From the following vanity license plates, can you guess which “professionals” own these cars? Match up a numbered word with a lettered word.
March 31, 2008
Crazy Quiz
The next time you have an event and are looking for something to stimulate a group of people sitting at different tables or in a group setting, try this. The following represent familiar words or phrases. See which group can come up with the most correct answers to the following quiz.
The “Crazy Quiz Answers” follow. (No peeking before the quiz).
The next time you have an event and are looking for something to stimulate a group of people sitting at different tables or in a group setting, try this activity. See which group can find the most correct answers.
March 31, 2008
About Us
The Christian Association Serving Adult Ministries, or CASA, started in the mid-1980s to provide leadership resources and training for pastors and lay leaders in ministry to, and with, adults ages 50 and older. It also started to help leaders to challenge adults “50+” to live a life of purpose and meaning through participation in outreach, fellowship, spiritual growth, and services.
CASA began as a cooperative regional ministry, primarily serving churches in Southern California. In response to the needs and opportunities of the growing “Age Wave,” CASA’s board of directors decided in 1993 to expand this cooperative ministry nationwide and overseas. Today, the organization has members in 36 states and Canada, representing a cross-section of denominations, independent churches, and organizations.
In 2008, CASA and Christianity Today International’s Leadership Media Group partnered to develop BuildingAdultMinistries.com, a website and e-newsletter focused on further equipping and energizing pastors and lay leaders for their ministry work involving adults 50 and older. This site features articles, ministry ideas, information, and news essential to church leaders, as well as training downloads that will help build and strengthen “50+” ministries.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 |
