My Personal Blog

It is a few days before Christmas. We know this not only from the calendar, but by the inflated santas and snowmen, the bright icicles dangling from the roofs, and the commercial encouragement to buy that perfect gift that costs way beyond our means so that those we love will not be disappointed. But how many of us can afford the $1000 diamonds, the $95 dollar perfume, the $1500 laptop? What about all those who look around them and hopelessly think "Christmas is not for me"? What about those whose expectations (if they still have any) will be dashed? What about those for whom Christmas celebrations are a thing of the past--an exercise of memory? What about those who have recently lost loved ones?  Who are addicted? Who are slowly slipping away from this world in pain and loneliness? Is Christmas for them?

In Isaiah 60:1-3, Scripture give us the good news of the Messiah who is to come.

"The Spirit of the Soveriegn Lord is upon me, because the Lord has appointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemeies. To all who mourn in Israel he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory."

Jesus, the one who's birth we celebrate stood in the temple at Jerusalem and gave his inaugural address in which he quoted this passage and referred it to himself. He came to heal the brokenhearted, to comfort those who mourn, to bring joy and praise instead of despair. This was his gift to a world in need of a Messiah.

As we look around and try to avoid those who might put a damper on our celebrations (or push them aside with our carefully wrapped canned goods and quick visits), let us instead remember that the purpose of Christmas, the wonderful Gift that God sent to earth was meant for these very people. As we deal with the difficult members of our families, churches, and communities let us bring the comfort, peace, joy, and love of this wonderful gift. And if we are the ones who mourn, despair, are held captive, let us remember that the gift is for us. That this wonderful Messiah wants us to be like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. He has come for our redemption.

Last night I attended a Christmas party for our Sunday school class. For the last six months this class has been using the Autumn Saints curriculum materials, in fact some of these people were the first to pilot the third unit --To Die Is Gain. Those actually doing the work of Autumn Saints have continually said how beneficial they have felt it to be. However, several of the people at the party had opted out on doing the studies and said that they would rejoin the class when the class goes back to "the old style of Bible study", one that does not discuss personal issues. This is a struggle that I have in presenting the studies. Our own church has over 350 senior adults who would benefit from such a study, yet only 25 have actually done the studies. Some seniors are in denial, intimidated, threatened, or lazy in facing the work of elderhood. Why would I mention such a thing on a website encouraging churches to use the materials?

I believe that we are on the cutting edge of indepth ministry to senior adults. In my various phone and email conversations, I find leaders passionate about the spiritual needs of their senior adults. They consistently express appreciation for the curriculum materials. In 2030 over 25% of our population will be over 65. The baby boomers are coming! I believe that God is calling people to a ministry to senior adults that is more than social. I believe God is calling us to sainthood. To develop a Christlike character that will enable us to be mentors and examples to the young people of our country.

The question remains, how do we lead against the headwaters of our culture? Everything in our culture encourages seniors to play, deny aging, do everything possible to stay young, or to let go of responsibilities. If we are careless, seniors can blow away 20-30 years of their lives on superficial living.

First of all, leaders have to become prepared themselves! You cannot teach what you have not lived. Preparing takes time and commitment. The materials I have designed are not a quick ticket to draw new people to the church. They represent faithful commitment to spiritual development and sanctification. They require individuals to prepare for aging gracefully and intentionally.

Secondly, we need to begin to introduce the concepts in some non-threatening ways. Our Sunday school party last night was a potluck. After a wonderful dinner, we sat around the table talking. Soon (with a little direction) we were sharing stories about how the depression and war had affected our families. People were animated and open about their early experiences. The program had been to sing carols but people were so into conversations that the evening passed at the candlelit dinner table. Don't look now but these senior were doing some causal  "Life In Review." I had snuck it in by the back door. The trick is to move them from the casual to the intentional.

Thirdly, we need to start with the few brave souls that are willing to dig deeper to see what God has for them in the third stage of adulthood. Those few who embrace the work of elderhood will be the mentors and examples for those who come later. It is challenging work and not for the faint of heart. It is not about numbers, but about indepth quality of spiritual life.

I am hoping this blog will bring a sharing of ideas and experiences for our Autumn Saints. Please feel free to share your experience in a positive way or give constructive ideas.

In his service, Sandy

Welcome to my web blog

This is a whole new experience for me. I have a great desire to interact with those of you who have a passion for senior adult ministry. In an era when seniors are either ignored, discriminated against, or encourage to spend their last breath in holding on to youth, I encourage you to join me on a journey to invite seniors to embrace their elderhood. I hope we are able to view the third stage of life as God's tool to shape us into his saints on earth. I believe if we participate in this shaping we will become examples and mentors to each other and the young people of our country. It is hard but rewarding work! Let's dig in!