Job Ideas for Older Workers. Here's a report from the American Association of Retired Persons offering ideas for how older members of your congregation can find employment. Do any of these ideas spark thoughts on ways you can use your senior members for ministry and service within your congregation?

Savvy Senior
http://www.savvysenior.org
Or check out this incredible resource page
http://www.savvysenior.org/seniorcenter.htm

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES

Appendix A Resources - From the Appenidx to Richard & Leona Bergstrom's book Amazing Grays: Unleashing the Power of Age in Your Congregation.
published by ChurchHealth, 2000.

As you develop a ministry for and by older adults, it is important to be aware of the resources available. The following is a list of books, tapes, websites and articles that correspond to the issues addressed within the chapters of this book. Specific Resources include:

CHAPTER 1: WHY DEVELOP OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES?

“A Profile of Older Americans: 1999.” http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/aoa/stats/statpage.html. The Administration on Aging lists key statistics on older Americans in 11 key subject areas.

Win Arn and Charles Arn. Catch the Age Wave. (Kansas City, KS: Beacon Hill Press) 1999.

Ken Dychtwald. Age Wave: How the Most Important Trend of Our Time Will Change Our Future. (Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub.) 1990.

Ken Dychtwald. Age Power: How the 21st Century Will be Ruled by the New Old. (New York, NY: Tarcher/Putnam) 1999.

Gary McIntosh. Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church. (Fleming H. Revell) 1995.

Gary McIntosh, D.Min., “Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church,” Lecture on audiocassette available through CASA at 1-888-200-8552.

Peter G. Peterson. Gray Dawn: How the Coming Age Wave Will Transform America—and the World. (New York, NY: Time Books, Random House). 1999.


CHAPTER 2: WHERE DO WE START?

Dick Cooney, LifeStage 5 Pastor at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Rolling Hills Estate, CA.,“Your Purpose Statement: A Guide to the Stars,” Audiocassette. Available through CASA at 1-888-200-8552.

Dick Cooney, LifeStage 5 Pastor at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Rolling Hills Estate, CA,“Steps for Beginning a Middle & Senior Adult Ministry,” Audiocassette. Available through CASA at 1-888-200-8552.

Miriam S. Dunson. Facing Forward in Older Adult Ministry. (Geneva Press) 1999. http://www.ppcpub.org.

Richard W. Garmatz. Never Too Old: How to Involve Older Adults in Your Church. (Concordia Publishing House.) 1992. http://www.cphmall.com.

Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. and Donald F. Clingan. Aging: God’s Challenge to Church and Synagogue (Discipleship Resources: 1-800-685-4370;
http://www.discipleshipresources.org)1996.

Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., Designing an Older Adult Ministry. (Discipleship Resources: 1-800-685-4370; http://www.discipleshipresources.org) 1999.

Terry Walling, Focus, Personal Mission Statement: Self-Discovery Workbook #2, Church Resource Ministries, ReFocusing Network System, 1240 Lakeview Ave., Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92707, 1-800-777-6658. Email: crm@crmnet.org. Website: http://www.crmnet.org.



CHAPTER 3: WHAT SHALL WE DO?

Creative Forecasting. This monthly publication is designed primarily for activity directors of senior residences and is full of great ideas you can adapt in an older adult ministry setting. Available by writing to Creative Forecasting, Inc. P.O. Box 7789, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7789.

Dave Koser, Pastor, Lake Avenue Congregational Church, “Weaving A Pattern for Growth: A Kaleidoscope of Senior Program Ideas.” Audiocassette. Available through CASA, 1-888-200-8552.

Timothy Starr, Seniors in Action. A manual full of program and activity ideas for older adult groups. Available through Christian Seniors in Action, 1123 Garden Creek Circle, Louisville, KY 40223. Telephone: 905-727-1650. Website: http://www.activeseniors.org.

Timothy Starr, The Third Age in Action. A manual with ideas for programming. Available through Christian Seniors in Action (see above.)


CHAPTER 4: HOW CAN WE SERVE?

Elder Craftsmen
610 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 319-8128
FAX (212) 319-8141
Internet: http://www.eldercraftsmen.org
Email: eldercraftsmen@mindspring.com
Mission: Elder Craftsmen helps people age 55 and older be creative, productive, and independent and seeks to gain broader recognition by the general public of the skills and capabilities of older people.

Finishers Project
P.O. Box 926
Brookfield, CT 06804
1-203-740-7278
http://www.finishers.org
e-mail: finishers@compuserve.com
Mission: The Finishers Project is a service designed to provide adult Christians information and challenge for processing and discovering ministry opportunities in the missions enterprise —short-term, part-time or as a second-career.

• Creatively use your skills for God
• Position yourself to make an eternal impact
• Engage your spiritual gifts and passions

Access over 20,000 mission opportunities, at home or overseas, full time, part time or even for several months each year

Habitat for Humanity
121 Habitat S.
Americus, GA 31709
1-229-924-6935
http://www.habitat.org
Mission: Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.

Intercristo
19303 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone Number: 800.426.1342
Employer’s E-mail: employeehelp@intercristo.com
Job Hunter’s E-Mail: jobhunter@intercristo.com
Career Assistance: careerhelp@intercristo.com
Mission: Intercristo is a job referral ministry helping Christians find job opportunities within Christian organizations.
http://www.intercristo.com

Senior Corps
Corporation for National Service
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20525
Phone: 202-606-5000
http://www.cns.gov/senior/index.html
Mission: Through the National Senior Service Corps, nearly half a million Americans age 55 and older share their time and talents to help their communities. Information about RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and Ameri-Corp is available through CNS.

CHAPTER 6: GOD’S WAITING ROOM

Dave Koser, “Evangelizing Strategies for the 50-64 & 65+ Age Groups in Your Community.” Audiocassette available through CASA. http://www.gocasa.org,
1-888-200-8552.

Senior Evangelism Partnership, in association with Mission America, is developing materials and resources for churches wanting to evangelize older adults. Contact: Senior Evangelism Partnership, P.O. Box 406, Wheaton, IL 60189. Phone: 1-630-769-6017, or toll-free at 1-888-323-4677. Websites: http://www.seniorevangelism.org and http://www.seniorlifestyle.org.

“Steps to Peace with God.” Pamphlet explaining the plan of salvation. Available through Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Box 79, Minneapolis, MN 55440.

CHAPTER 7: LIFELONG LEARNING RESOURCES

American Red Cross
430 17th Street NW.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 737-8300
Internet: http://www.redcross.org
Mission: The American Red Cross offers health education programs (wellness courses and home nursing instruction), health services (screening programs), blood services (collection and processing of blood donations), disaster relief (health care for illness or injury caused by disaster), and emergency services to the Armed Forces.

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
(301) 504-0580
Internet: http://www.cpsc.gov
Consumer Product Safety Hotline
1-800-638-2772 (toll-free)
1-800-638-8270 (toll-free—TTY)
Mission: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an agency of the Federal Government, develops safety standards to protect the public against injury from consumer products. It helps consumers evaluate product safety and promotes research into the causes and prevention of product-related injury.
Publications: Limited quantities of publications such as Home Safety Checklist for Older Consumers are distributed free by the CPSC. A list of publications is available on request.

Elderhostel
75 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110-1941
(617) 426-7788
1-877-426-8056 toll-free
Internet: http://www.elderhostel.org
Mission: Elderhostel is a non-profit organization committed to being the preeminent provider of high quality, affordable, educational opportunities for older adults.
Services: Elderhostel programs are held at colleges, universities, and other educational and cultural institutions throughout the US, Canada, and more than 70 countries overseas. They offer a wide range of short-term liberal arts and science courses such as Intergenerational, Crafts, Performance Arts, and Active/Outdoor which are all taught at an introductory level.
Publications: The Elderhostel Catalog of course descriptions is published 10 times a year. The Catalog includes the Between Classes newsletter.


Food and Drug Administration
Office of Consumer Affairs
HFE 88
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 827-4420
Internet: http://www.fda.gov
Information to all Issues: 1-800-532-4440; Food Issues: 1-800-FDA-4010
Mission: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes Federal Government regulations concerning the safety and effectiveness of food products and additives, human and veterinary drugs, cosmetics, products that emit radiation, and medical devices.
Services:
* The Office of Consumer Affairs answers questions about the side effects, safe use, and effectiveness of vitamins, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and products that produce radiation (x rays, microwaves, lasers, sound waves, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation).
* The FDA approves drugs used in the United States.
* The FDA enforces the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and related laws to protect consumers from unsafe and impure foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
Publications: Free publications are available that deal with the areas of foods, drugs, medical devices, and radiological products. The FDA Consumer is published monthly.


Food and Nutrition Information Center
Room 304
National Agriculture Library Building
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
(301) 504-5719
FAX (301) 504-6409
E-mail: fnic@nalusda.gov
Internet: http://www.nalusda.gov/fnic
Mission: The Food and Nutrition Information Center provides information to professionals and the general public on human nutrition, food service management, and food technology.
Publications: Bibliographies and resource guides are available on topics such as nutrition and older people, heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, vegetarianism, food safety, and food labeling. All publications can be obtained through the web.


President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
200 Independence Avenue S.W.
Suite 738-H
Washington, D.C. 20201
(202) 690-9000
FAX (202) 690-5211
Internet: http://www.hhs.gov/progorg/ophs/pcpfs.htm
Mission: The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) encourages Americans to raise their fitness levels.
Publications: The PCPFS publishes a quarterly newsletter. Council publications include Pep Up Your Life, a fitness book for older people produced in collaboration with AARP that offers a variety of exercises for all levels of ability, and The Nolan Ryan Fitness Guide, designed for adults age 40 and over.


Prevent Blindness America
500 East Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 843-2020
FAX (847) 843-8458
Internet: http://www.preventblindness.org
1-800-331-2020 (toll-free)
Mission: Prevent Blindness America works to preserve sight and prevent blindness by sponsoring community services, offering public and professional education programs, and funding research.
Services:
*Prevent Blindness America distributes information about eye care, eye safety, the prevention of eye disease, and medical centers that specialize in diagnosing and treating eye diseases.
*Local chapters offer community services such as eye exams and self-help groups for people with glaucoma.
Publications: Pamphlets on eye safety, glaucoma, and eye exams, and a catalog of publications are available on request. LIFESIGHT: Growing Older With Good Vision is an educational program for older adults.

SeniorNet
Third Floor
One Kearny Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 352-1210
E-mail: seniornet@aol.com
Internet: http://www.seniornet.org
1-800-747-6848 (toll-free)
Mission: SeniorNet is a national nonprofit educational organization founded to teach computer skills to older adults and to provide a means for older adults to access information and to form friendships within an online network community.
Services
*SeniorNet teaching sites are located throughout the United States and are locally funded. SeniorNet offers introductory classes for beginners and specialized classes dealing with topics such as genealogy and financial management.
*Members receive discounts on computer hardware, software, and books and are eligible for site classes and an online network account.
*SeniorNet Online, a national computer network that ties sites and members together, can be used by any member with access to a computer and modem.
Publications: SeniorNet publishes a number of informational pamphlets of interest to older adults, such as How to Buy a Computer. Members receive a subscription to the SeniorNet newsletter Newsline and The SeniorNet Sourcebook, a collection of creative ways SeniorNet members use their computers.

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
(410) 965-7700
Fax: (410) 965-0695
Internet: http://www.ssa.gov
1-800-772-1213 (toll-free)
Mission: The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the Federal Government agency responsible for the Social Security retirement, survivors benefits, and disability insurance program, as well as the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Publications: Free publications describe the Social Security and SSI programs. Copies of Understanding Social Security and other pamphlets are available from local offices.


CHAPTER 8: THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, BUT THE BODY IS WEAK
Alzheimer’s Association
919 North Michigan Avenue
Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois 60611-1676
800-272-3900 or 312-335-8700
Internet: http://www.alz.org
Mission: The Alzheimer’s Association is a source for information, support, and assistance on issues related to Alzheimer’s Disease. It provides leadership to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, while enhancing care and support services for individuals and their families.

American Cancer Society
2525 Ridge Pt. Dr.
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78754
(404) 320-3333
FAX (404) 329-5787
Internet: http://www.cancer.org
Mission: The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national community-based volunteer health organization whose mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by promoting its prevention. ACS seeks to diminish patients’ suffering through research, education, advocacy, and patient services.
Services:
Local ACS units sponsor a wide range of services for cancer patients and their families, including self-help groups, transportation programs, and limited financial aid.
The Reach to Recovery program helps breast cancer patients meet the physical, emotional, and cosmetic needs related to their disease and its treatment.

American Diabetes Association
1660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-1500
Internet http://www.diabetes.org
1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) (toll-free)
Mission: The mission of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Services: The ADA works to educate the public to recognize the warning signs of diabetes and to realize the importance of prompt treatment. A toll-free telephone service provides information about the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and about resources available to people with this disease. Local ADA chapters conduct scientific meetings, sponsor screening programs, and offer older patients and family members information, educational materials, support, and referrals to appropriate community agencies and services.
Publications: Diabetes Forecast, a monthly publication, is full of hints, recipes, and stories beneficial to diabetes patients and their families. The ADA also offers a variety of pamphlets and books helpful to older people, including Diabetes in the Family; Older Adults—Diabetes and You; The Other Diabetes; and the Family Cookbook.

American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 373-6300
Internet: http://www.amhrt.org
1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) (toll-free)
Stroke Connection - 1-800-553-6321 (toll-free)
Mission: The American Heart Association (AHA) is a volunteer health organization that funds research and sponsors public education programs to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Services: AHA distributes public education materials on the prevention and control of diseases of the heart and circulatory system. The Stroke Connection maintains a listing of groups across the Nation for referral to stroke survivors, their families, caregivers, and interested professionals. It publishes Stroke Connection magazine, a forum for stroke survivors and their families to share information about coping with stroke.
Publications: The AHA distributes a number of pamphlets for older adults including After a Heart Attack; How You Can Help Your Doctor Treat Your High Blood Pressure; Save Food Dollars and Help Your Heart; Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery; Recovering From a Stroke; Cholesterol and Your Heart; Walking for a Healthy Heart; and An Older Person’s Guide to Cardiovascular Health. A list of publications is available from local affiliates, listed in the telephone directory.

American Parkinson’s Disease Association
Suite 4B
1250 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10305
(718) 981-8001, 1-800-223-2732 (toll-free)
FAX (718) 981-4399
Internet: http://www.apdaparkinson.com
Mission: The American Parkinson’s Disease Association is a volunteer organization that funds research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, educates the public about the illness, and offers assistance to patients and their families.
Publications: Basic Information; Parkinson’s Disease Handbook; Coping With Parkinson’s Disease; Be Active; Be Independent; Let’s Communicate; Good Nutrition; and How to Start a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.

Arthritis Foundation
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 872-7100
Internet: http://www.arthritis.org
1-800-283-7800 (toll-free)
Mission: The Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that supports research to find a cure for and ways to prevent all forms of arthritis and seeks to improve the
quality of life for people with arthritis.
Publications: Local chapters provide general information and referral services to people with arthritis, their families, and the general public. More than 100 brochures, booklets, videotapes, and other resources are available free or at minimal cost. The Foundation’s national consumer magazine is published bimonthly and is available to members.

National Alliance for Caregiving
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
Internet: http://www.caregiving.org
Mission: This agency focuses attention on the issue of family caregiving of the elderly through research, program development and public awareness.

National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Ave.
Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895
1-800-89-3650
Internet: http://nfcacares.org
Mission: This organization is dedicated to helping caregivers live quality lives. Educational resources are available.

National Stroke Association
96 Inverness Drive East, Suite I
Englewood, CO 80112-5112
(303) 649-9299
FAX (303) 649-1328
Internet http://www.stroke.org
Mission: The National Stroke Association provides information about stroke to the general public and health professionals and offers supportive services to stroke survivors and their families.
Publications: Be Stroke Smart is distributed monthly. Brochures include Stroke: What It Is, What Causes It; Proper Diet After Stroke; What Every Family Should Know About Stroke; and The Road Ahead: A Stroke Recovery Guide.

Sonshine Society
Box 327
Lynnwood, WA 98046-0327
1-425-353-4732
http://www.ss2001.com
Mission: The Sonshine Society is dedicated to providing tools and resources for nursing home ministries. You can request a “Power Packet” with samples of their large print materials.

Stephen Ministries
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114
314-428-2600
Internet: http://stephenministries.org
Mission: Stephen Ministries is dedicated to training Christians for meaningful ministry in the 21st century. It serves thousands of congregations in over 90 denominations. It provides Christ-centered training and resources for local congregations in one to one lay caregiving, inactive members ministry, and evangelism.


CHAPTER 9: FIND US FAITHFUL

Barbara Quick. Under Her Wings, The Mentors Who Changed Our Lives. (New Harbinger Publications) 2000.

Irene Endicott. Grandparenting by Grace: A Guide through the Joy and Struggles. (Broadman & Holman Press.) 1994.

Irene Endicott, Grandparenting: It’s Not What it Used to Be: Expert Answers to the Questions Grandparents Ask Most. (Broadman & Holman Press.) 1997.

Arthur Kornhaber, MD, Grandparent Power! (Crown Publishers, New York.) 1995.

Focus on the Family, LifeWise. A magazine of Focus Over Fifty Ministry. 805 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920. 719-531-5818. Many helpful articles are reprinted on the website: http://www.family.org/focusoverfifty

Richard L. Morgan, Remembering Your Story: A Guide for Spiritual Autobiography. (Upper Room. 1-800-972-0433 Website: http://www.upperroom.org)

Richard L. Morgan, I Never Found that Rocking Chair: God’s Call at Retirement. (Upper Room. 1-800-972-9433. Website: http://www.upperroom.org)

Richard Peace, Spiritual Autobiography: Discovering and Sharing Your Spiritual Story. (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress) 1999.

Paul Stanley and J. Robert Clinton, Connecting: The Mentoring Relationship You Need to Succeed in Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress) 1992.

Dan Wakefield, The Story of Your Life: Writing a Spiritual Autobiography. (Beacon Press.) 1990.


Chapter 10: LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Christian Association of Primetimers>>Name changed to Significant Living.
P.O. Box 777
St. Charles, IL 60174-0777
1-800-443-0227
Internet: http://www.christianprimetimers.org
http://www.significantliving.org

Mission: An organization dedicated to assisting churches and parachurch organizations develop ministries that reach “primetimers” across the nation. Also called the “Christian alternative to AARP.”

Christian Association of Senior Adults (CASA).
22511 Bluejay
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
1-800-200-8552
Website: http://www.gocasa.org
Mission: Encourages outreach and evangelism, service and assimilation, fellowship and spiritual/personal growth, for middle and mature adults through provision of resources and leadership training for pastors and leaders.


General Resources

All states and regions are served by State Offices on Aging. Each state has its own website, and can be accessed at: http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov. You will be instructed to click on the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the name of your state. From there you are directed to that state’s services and programs for seniors.

One excellent comprehensive resource guide is entitled Eldercare: The Best Resources to Help You Help Your Aging Relatives, edited by Marty Richards, MSW. This guidebook lists nearly 200 readily available resources, including books, periodicals, videos, audiocassettes and websites. The contributing editors have reviewed and rated the best resources regarding caregiving, death and dying, employment and retirement, financial and legal matters, health and medical care, housing and living arrangements, and relationships and family. This guidebook is essential to any resource library.

Eldercare: The Best Resources to Help Your Aging Relatives
Editor: Marty Richards, MSW, ACSW
Resource Pathways, Inc.
22525 S.E. 64th Place, Suite 253
Issaquah, WA 98027
ISBN: 1-892148-07-2
Copyright: 1999


Administration on Aging
Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue SW.
Washington, DC 20201
(202) 619-0724
FAX (202) 619-3759
E-mail: aoainfo@ban-gate.aoa.dhhs.gov
Internet: http://www.aoa.gov

AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons)
601 E Street NW.
Washington, DC 20049
(202) 434-2277
Internet: http://www.aarp.org
(1-800-424-3410) (toll-free)
Mission: AARP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older Americans achieve lives of independence, dignity, and purpose.
Publications: The AARP Bulletin is published monthly. Modern Maturity is published bimonthly. Publications are available on housing, health, exercise, retirement planning, money management, travel, leisure, and many other topics.

American Society on Aging
Suite 511
833 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 974-9600
FAX (415) 974-0300
E-mail: info@asa.asaging.org
Internet: http://www.asaging.org
(1-800-537-9728))
Mission: The American Society on Aging (ASA) is a nonprofit, membership organization that informs the public and health professionals about issues affecting the quality of life for older people and promotes innovative approaches to meet these needs.
Publications: Generations is published quarterly for members and subscribers, and Aging Today is published bimonthly for members and subscribers.

Eldercare Locator
Washington, DC
Internet: http://www.eldercare.gov
1-800-677-1116 (toll-free)
Mission: The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help older persons and caregivers locate local support resources for aging Americans. The toll-free number is operated as a cooperative partnership of the Administration on Aging, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the National Association of State Units on Aging.
Services: Information specialists give callers the names and telephone numbers of the most appropriate local information and referral resources weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (e.s.t.). The specialist asks the caller for a brief description of the information desired or the problem and for the county and/or city (and ZIP code, if available) of the locale of interest. Callers can receive assistance on current needs or on long-term planning questions.
Publications: A monthly report entitled Eldercare Locator Selected Call Statistics is available. Requests taken by phone only.