September conference seeks to encourage leaders of older adult ministries to ‘walk in new shoes’

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network invites attendees to try on new adventures in service to God

August 31, 2023

The theme for the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network’s conference is taken from Isaiah 40:31.

If the prophet Isaiah has promised that “those who wait for the Lord will … run and not get tired … walk and not become weary,” then the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network plans to deliver on that promise with a healthy dose of inspiration and information.

Under a scriptural theme drawn from Isaiah 40:31, “Walking in New Shoes,” POAMN will sponsor a conference for POAMN members and friends from Sept. 14–15 in Grosse Ile, Michigan, a Detroit suburb.

Participants will have a unique opportunity to gather at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, host site for the 2023 conference, for a day and a half of workshops, worship, fellowship, food and an outstanding roster of speakers, including POAMN’s current president, Pat Baker, director of Older Adult and Caregivers Ministries at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker, Georgia.

During the conference — which is designed for all those who are engaged in ministry with older adults — attendees will explore trying new things, including ways to continue their service to God and the local and global community.

Adrienne Knight (Contributed photo)

“If you’ve been thinking of trying something new, or you think it might be time for you to give a little time to something else,” says conference planning chair, Adrienne Knight, a ruling elder at Knox Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, “this conference will give you some fresh ideas to ‘walk in new shoes.’ Not only will there be worship time for your ‘sole,’ but you will also have a chance to ‘walk a new path’ with local and international adventures while ‘lacing up’ to serve your community and church.”

Among the conference’s many notable speakers and leaders will be Steve Benton of Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, a volunteer for Living Waters for the World; Jon Brown and Eileen Lindner, Volunteers in Global Service; Sue Hurst, Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, an AARP volunteer; Ray Kramer, a computer security advocate; Cindy Ray, Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA); Doug Wood, Appalachia Service Project; and Patrick Bultema of KareTeam, a software startup focused on enabling aging people to live their best lives, on their terms, in their place, connected with family and friends. Worship leaders for the conference will be David Montgomery and Loren Scribner, both of Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church.

Patrick Bultema (Contributed photo)

As a network of persons engaged in ministry with older adults, POAMN’s mission includes nurturing the faith community, equipping leadership, and resourcing congregations and other organizations that minister to, for, and with older adults. POAMN seeks to encourage ministries that affirm the dignity and value of the multiple generations of aging adults with a focus on spirituality, wellness, care and social involvement. Its purpose is to educate, advocate, develop and share resources, and train leaders by raising awareness around issues facing aging adults and those who serve those aging adults, all in a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

“If you are seeking a ministry for older adults and those who have a passion for older adults, why not join us as a member of POAMN,” says Knight. “We offer yearly and monthly activities, webinars, newsletters, an informative website and this amazing 2023 conference.”

All paid conference attendees will have the option of joining POAMN or renewing a membership for 2024 at 50% off the regular membership rate, which will make them eligible for the conference’s member registration rate.

POAMN is also extending a discount of $15 on the registration fee — which includes the two-day program and five meals plus snacks but not lodging — for those who register for the conference by Aug. 9. Visit the conference website for complete information or to register.

The Presbyterian Mission Agency is in mission partnership with POAMN through the Office of Christian Formation, a partnership that works together to support and celebrate ministries of older adults.

Emily Enders Odom, Associate Director of Mission Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus: Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
D.J. Lee, Sr. Service Specialist, Korean Membership, Plan Operations, Board of Pensions
Laura Lee, Art Director, Presbyterian Women

Let us pray

Lord, today we give thanks for our long life and continued opportunities to serve Christ. We thank you for the faithful as they witness to you under difficult and trying conditions. Amen.