Chester Diocese
News Item
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Celebrating older people
THIS month, Chester Diocesan News, our newsletter, is a special issue dedicated to the immense contribution older people make to Christian and community life. A working group and networking groups exist in our Diocese to raise awareness of the needs of older people and of their spiritual gifts. Events and discussions are regularly organised. Fuller details are contained in the August issue of CDN. Or telephone Jenny Dent at Church house to find out more. In the meantime, here are some of the ideas that have already been shown to work for older people in our Diocese … • Daytime initiatives: MCC (Mature Christian Club, meets monthly); CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other: meets fortnightly); and Elder Club (meets weekly for 90 minutes, to talk together, have a speaker and once a month to have lunch). • Running a House Group within a residential home. One such a house group was begun with residents. It then extended to people living nearby who could no longer get to church. It meets weekly in term time, keeps contact with a mission couple in South America (through a member who is a computer wizard) and lets the clergy in once a month to lead a communion service. • Extend group, to keep flexibility of movement at the maximum possible. Says someone involved: “Age Concern promoted an exercise class at our church centre for those with limited mobility. Their commitment to sponsor it having ended after a trial term, we voted to continue it ourselves. At present we are about two-thirds church people, one third our relatives and neighbours. • Faith boxes. First talk over with someone what could remind them of milestones in their faith – then keep associated items in a box. This can be broadened into an overall memory box. Sharing these memories with others is the key. • “When I die” – booklet of points (largely practical) to talk through pastorally with people as they age. • Discussing through with older people what special opportunities they have to contribute, for example being a prayer partner for a specific cause/organisation; continuing to put typing or computer skills to good use for others; or using language skills for translating documents. • Holiday at home. The basic idea is to give those who don’t go away on holiday a break together. Usually organised during August (which can feel such an empty month) – it includes a week of daytime fun activities in a church centre, around a theme. An alternative method is to organise a week of shortish coach trips to places fairly near (to keep the travelling down) and have lunch out together, and afternoon tea before an early return home. • Pick and mix. One person involved says: “We link our regular first Thursday in the month lunch at the church centre with an occasional chance to worship beforehand – carols in December, Communion at Epiphany and Ascension. A few lunch ‘regulars’ have come to a service for the first time in years. But if you just choose to start with the mid-morning coffee, that’s fine too.”
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Older people’s meetings can be fun
Be sure to get your special issue of CDN
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