Building an Elder Ministry Program: A Case Study Elder Ministry Committee Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

Committee Members Fr. David Pfaff – Spiritual Leader Pat Boyer –St. Bartholomew, Pewaukee –Committee Chair –President - Boyer & Associates Ken Castello – St. Francis, Menomonee Falls –Chaplain three nursing homes –Member of Community of Hope –Member of Franciscan Order Barb Lentz – St. Bartholomew, Pewaukee –Representative of Community of Hope

Committee Members Deacon Evelyn Payson- ?Church –Retired Librarian John Hanna – St. Lukes, Madison –Ombudsman for the State of Wisconsin

Elder Ministry Committee Goals for –A needs assessment of the Diocese –Encouraging Parish Senior Ministries –Strengthening ties with St. John’s & other senior housing & aging services –Increasing awareness & support within the Diocese of aging services –Recognizing contributions of older Episcopalians –Understanding the needs of the “Sandwich” generation

Major Accomplishments in 2008 Website Parish Survey Diabetes Health Fair

Website

Parish Survey 59 Parishes - 49% response rate (29)

Survey Results Over 221 surveys returned from 29 Parishes –63% –23% - Sandwich Generation –9% - Caregivers –5% - Other –1 person – churches – want to develop parish elder ministry committee

Survey Results Suggestions –Support Group for people caring for seniors –Assistance with helping a parent cope with change of residence –Intergeneration Programs – Adopt a Grandparent –Resource Center –Funeral Planning –Senior Singles –Day Trips for Seniors Many said they are not familiar with the Internet

Survey Results Web site info suggested –Nurse for Senior Health Issues –Legal assistance –Spiritual website specific for seniors –Steps to locating info on the web

Survey Results Suggestions for Diocesan Level programs –Central information center for seniors –Celebration of Golden Wedding couples –Tours of the Cathedral

Diabetes Health Fair September 13, 2008 Three speakers –Nutrition –Foot Care –Diabetes by the Numbers Good comments although low participation

Goals for 2009 Increasing members of the committee –Varying meeting times, days & location Assisting in developing parish elder committees Speaking at the American Society on Aging Conference – 2009 – building an elder ministry – Sharing our Vision

Why Ministry for Elders? Sandwich Generation Aging population Baby Boomers retiring

Population Growth Baby Boomers – reach retirement age after  by 90.2% in  by 65.7%

How to enhance Senior Resources in churches Create a parish elder committee Develop Senior Programs –Invite neighborhood seniors –Keep seniors in active ministry Develop intergenerational programs –Adopt a grandparents –Celebrate your own Elders in your church

Ending Thoughts It is important that we continue to focus on the needs of the youth in our churches, they are our future. However, it is just as important that we expend that same energy on the needs of our elders. The Baby Boomers are coming!!