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Jim Farrelly
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Older adult ministry assists congregations in their task of encouraging and nurturing older adults to fully develop and utilize their Christian faith, talents and spiritual gifts in ministry.
The South Wisconsin District older adult ministry committee encourages congregations and provides resources, models and direction to:
- Develop excitement for and understanding of how to utilize the spiritual gifts, skills, time and talents of older adults as resources within the church among pastors and congregational leaders.
- Help congregations plan, implement, sustain, and build older adult ministry program(s) around the functions of the congregation: worship, nurture, witness, stewardship, service, fellowship and health.
- Help congregations identify the physical, emotional, mental, social, developmental, and spiritual needs of older adults in their congregations and address these needs through ministry activities by the congregation.
- Help God's people recognize that the development of one's Christian faith is a lifelong commitment that requires continual nurturing and to inspire lifelong learning and abundant living.
- Promote a healthy understanding of the aging process as a blessing and gift from God our Creator by sensitizing people of all ages to the value of intergenerational activity and helping them work at developing relationships and partnerships across generations.
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A day with Dr. Paul Maier at Cedar Valley
A capacity crowd of 100-plus participants came out for the Cedar Valley Gathering held May 14 in West Bend. It was a great day for catching up with friends and meeting new ones, enjoying good food and relaxation. But most of all, it was another chance to sit back and absorb some of the great insights of Dr. Paul L. Maier, LCMS second vice president, author, professor and speaker.
Maier’s topic for the day was “Christ or Caricature?”—a seminar on history, archaeology and Christianity. In these challenging times when faith  is under fire from religious competitors, radical critics, media personalities and the like, how are we as Christians supposed to defend our faith? Maier helped attendees discover that there are many details about Jesus of Nazareth and the world that he lived in supported by proofs found outside of Scripture. These historic and archaeological findings make our Bible and our faith even easier to defend. Between sessions, the planning committee led the group in stretching exercises and gave away door prizes. Maier also signed copies of his many books that were for sale at special rates. The day ended with a wine and cheese reception provided by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, music and a hymn-sing, and dinner.
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