Our goal is to develop strategies which will help inform older adults on a wide variety of topics: those relating to spiritual, physical and mental health, financial concerns, law and retirement issues, housing and transportation matters, volunteer and employment opportunities, and end of life planning.
Retreats and other events planned by the Older Adult Ministry create opportunities to gather and focus on particular age-related issues, with time for worship, learning together and fellowship.
Members
George Whipple, moderator
Cellonia Ndede
Evalyn Page
Lillian Rhudy
Ralph Rhudy
Karen Scherling
Local Events
Gifts of the Heart: Body, Mind, and Spirit Self-Paced Virtual Conference
Now Available! Click the videos to the right or the links below to view.
Older Adult Week is fast approaching, taking place May 4-10! Presbytery of the James Older Adult Ministry is excited to present the perfect program for your church! Blessings of the Heart: Spirit, Mind & Body is a self-paced virtual conference featuring local subject matter experts, launching April 24 here!
We encourage you to share this information and coordinate group viewings and discussions with one of your congregation's small groups. Your senior group, Sunday school class, Bible study, or another small group may consider dedicating three to four sessions to this experience, exploring the spiritual, intellectual, and physical aspects of the heart from an older adult perspective.
Join the community conversation on our Facebook event page!
Each of the presentations described below runs about 30 minutes, allowing time for group discussion and reflection during a one-hour program:
SPIRIT: In the Midst of Our Changes
Hear Rev. Jay Morgan, chaplain at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, discuss the spiritual challenges and blessings that come with change and aging.
MIND: Blessings of the Heart
Cardiologist Dr. Shel Thomas offers an insightful look at the miraculous intricacies of the human heart.
BODY: Keeping the Body Active
Fitness specialist Taryn Young from Westminster Canterbury Richmond shares accessible and mindful techniques to keep our hearts and bodies healthy.
Though designed for older adults, these presentations are valuable for all audiences!
Join us!
ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN THIS EVENT?
We'd love to hear all about it! Please share how your group or congregation's participated by emailing us or by posting to the event Facebook page! We'd love to get your feedback on this self-paced conference experience!
Regional and National Events
2025 POAMN Conference
September 17-19, 2025
Save the date for the national POAMN 2025 conference, September 17-19 at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community in Boulder, Colorado.
Join ministry leaders, chaplains, and lay leaders for fresh perspectives on older adult ministry. Come ready to be inspired with new ideas to implement. Leave with tools to deepen your spiritual connection to serving older adults in your faith community.
The workshops will help you address emerging challenges and needs of older adults, caregivers, and faith communities.
More information coming soon!
News and Updates
POJ Older Adult Ministry Leads Chester Presbyterian in Exploring Senior Engagement
On January 24-25, 2025, elders, deacons, and staff at Chester Presbyterian Church gathered for a two-day session on strengthening their Older Adult Ministry (pictured). Led by the Presbytery of the James (POJ) Older Adult Ministry team, the group examined church and community demographics, assessed current efforts, and explored future possibilities.
Participants viewed a webinar from the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN), which highlighted one church’s approach to expanding its ministry for older adults. POJ’s team, led by George Whipple, shared valuable resources, potential challenges, and success stories.
For congregations interested in developing their own Older Adult Ministry, the POJ team is available for guidance by contacting Rev. George Whipple.
2025 Older Adult Ministry Resource Guide
The POAMN Board is pleased to bring you the 2025 Resource Guide for Older Adult Ministry to provide valuable tools and ideas for older adult ministry activities at your church or community. We urge you to circulate this among your leaders.
In this edition, we have focused on a few special areas as well as provided some general topic ideas. All the articles are meant to stimulate opportunities for group discussions and meaningful older adult activities.
The guide also includes a worship service for use on Older Adult Sunday, May 4, or any date you want to celebrate the older adults in your community. The service was written by Rev. Denise Shannon, POAMN's moderator.
Selection of Articles From the 2025 Resource Guide:
- Get Ready for May: Begin Planning Your Older Adult Week & Month Activities Now
- Explore Opportunities in Ministry With Older Adults
- A New Tradition: Celebrating Intergenerational Bonds
- Start or Enhance Your Ministry With a POAMN Grant
- Sharing Meditation Practices: A Journey of Faith and Reflection
- Looking Back, Looking Forward
- Enhance Your Ability to Serve: Older Adult Ministry Certificate Through Columbia Seminary
- Creating Goals to Promote Joy
- Embracing the Journey of Writing Your Personal Narrative
- Empowering Senior Adults in Navigating the Digital World
What does Christian vocation look like for the elderly?
God calls us to serve the world with our bodies—even when those bodies are failing.
“Life is a gift of God, and aging is a natural part of living, involving the whole life span from birth to death. Older adults are not a different category of persons, but are simply those persons who have traveled further along on the journey.”
Task Force on Older Adult Ministry—2004 General Assembly PC USA 1992