Wisdom Conversations: opportunities for learning and sharing experiences of ministry with older adults


Our Wisdom Conversations program has three components:

  1. Annual Virtual Wisdom Conversation
  2. AAMN Quarterly Virtual Wisdom Conversations
  3. AAMN-Parker Center Monthly Office Hours

 

  1. 2024 Annual Wisdom Conversation: Mental Wellness and Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities

Thursday, March 21, 4:00 – 6:00ET

Faculty:

  • Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund, Author, Pastor & Advocate; President and Founder, Blessed Mind, LLC
  • Beth Long-Higgins, VP of Engagement and director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging at United Church Homes
  • Becky King, Director of Spiritual Care for Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton and Dean of Chaplains, United Church Homes

While it is estimated that 20% of people aged 55 years and older experience some type of mental health concern, there is very little conversation about mental wellness within faith communities. What are the risk factors and warning signs we should be aware of, what resources are available, and what can we do to reduce the stigma associated with asking for help in order that more may age abundantly?

Join the Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund for this important conversation. Using storytelling, research, and best practices, Sarah will offer real-world practical advice based on her years serving as a local pastor in large and small congregations in Brooklyn, Minneapolis, New Smyrna Beach, and Indianapolis. She has earned a Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work degree at Rutgers University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary with a focus on revitalizing the local church. She is the recipient of the Bob and Joyce Dell Award for Mental Health Education from the UCC Mental Health Network for her “outstanding authorship and leadership in breaking the silence about mental illness in family and in church and offering healing and hope.”

Pastors, educators, volunteers, and all who work with and among older adults are invited to attend this Zoom Meet. There will be time for Q&A and we hope everyone will leave with at least one specific action item to help bring mental wellness to your community.

Wisdom Conversations draw on the work of Mary Catherine Bateson (Composing a Further Life, 2011) who suggests wisdom is the accumulation of information and/or experiences that are ripened through continuing reflection over time during which we draw connections, find similarities and underlying patterns.

Wisdom is a process—a verb not a noun.

Registration Fees

$15     Early Registration before March 7th

$20     Registration March 8 and later

$30     Groups of 5

Register Today!

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=7045cc67-89d5-4d88-b932-b6753fa8c313&envId=p-XGn0UVxaWku2SKUXEebxZA&zone=usa

 

  1. AAMN Quarterly Virtual Wisdom Conversations

These one-hour zoom gatherings usually have one guest speaker on a specific topic with time for networking, sharing ideas, and Q&A.

Last Year’s (2023) Topics:

  • May: Ageism in Faith Communities, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, Parker Center staff
  • August: Ministries for People Experiencing Dementia and Their Caregivers with Daphne Johnston, Respite4All
  • November: How Best to Support Caregivers, Rev. Darla Metz, Parker Center staff

 

  1. AAMN-Parker Center Office Hours

Office Hours—a one-hour open zoom forum for Abundant Aging Ministries Network (AAMN) members to talk with one another and with Parker Center staff about how they can best support the older members of their faith communities to age more abundantly–ask questions, discuss goals and strategies, share successes, and lament those initiatives that fell short. There is no planned topic. It is an open discussion with anyone who is present with discussion on any topic.

Upcoming Office Hour Sessions: (Generally the third Thursday of the month at 3:00ET)

  • 15, March 21, April 18, June 20, July 18, September 19, October 17, and Dec 19

Register Today!

Please register to get the zoom link: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=a823822f-ec39-474a-a3b5-beb6553c1229&envId=p-XGn0UVxaWku2SKUXEebxZA&zone=usa

 

Wisdom Conversations Objectives

  • Build connections with others who are engaged and interested in older adult ministries.
  • Share from a variety of contexts for older adult ministries to stimulate creative thinking and connections.
  • Offer resources and key concepts for participants’ ministry contexts.

Wisdom Conversations draw on the work of Mary Catherine Bateson (Composing a Further Life, 2011) who suggests wisdom is the accumulation of information and/or experiences that are ripened through continuing reflection over time during which we draw connections, find similarities and underlying patterns.

Wisdom is a process—a verb not a noun.

So how do we encourage individuals to engage in this process of ripening and deepening our relationships with the divine? What are the experiences of others who are called to work with older adults in ministry? And what is the role of community in this sacred wisdom growing work?