Purpose: The purpose of the older adult cluster will be to affirm the unique worth of older adults and develop programs that contribute to their spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being. The clusters will achieve this goal by:
" Meeting quarterly at one of the churches
in the cluster. This church will organize the program relating to some issue
of aging.
" Each church is asked to use the program information in some way during
the next quarter at their church and report back to the cluster as to how it
was received.
" Networking with other churches in the cluster for ideas.
" Share resources with each other and possibly plan a cluster get-together
for all seniors in that cluster.
" Encourage programming in the local churches, to the middle-aged group
who are making decisions for their parents.
" Inform group of all the resources in the Presbytery Resource Center that
can be used at their church.
Who is needed in this cluster from each church?
" Elder in charge of Adult Education or a
representative from the Adult education committee. This is to insure programming
to the middle age group of the church relating to aging and also gives a link
to session.
" A representative from your health ministry group. This gives them tools
to work with health issues relating to aging.
" Pastor or associate pastor. Insures the spiritual well-being of our seniors.
" Representative of your senior fellowship group. Insures a good working
relationship with this team.
" Liaison in charge of trips and tours. Keeps this person knowledgeable
of what is being planned for seniors and allows he or she to communicate with
the seniors as they are enjoying an outing.
If there is a good team assembled from each church, you will increase the odds that something wonderful is about to happen at your church. Aging is a family affair!