RESOLUTION ON THE AGED
WHEREAS the Gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles human beings across the barriers of age; and
WHEREAS the commandment of God is that we honor our mothers and fathers in order to enhance human life as a whole;
BE IT RESOLVED that local LSM groups be encouraged and urged to look toward the elderly in their own communities to understand their situation, so that they may relate to them in just and loving ways as local situations require, and uphold and support them in prayer — particularly in the corporate prayers of the Church; and to report this experience in their area to the Council.
The resolution appeared in the March, 1976 edition of the LSM Newsletter, given with the following suggestions for implementation given by Michelle Ellison of Long Island Stoneybrook LSM :
Attitude: As students and as Christians, we must realize we are working with, not for, older persons in our society - community. We must avoid falling into the snare of tokenism. Ours is not a condescending one-way relation-ships. To be growth facilitating, it must be a two-way relationship; each learning from each other, each having something to offer. If we truly are to be effective it will demand sacrifice: sacrifice of our time, and the bringing of our wills, minds and hearts into truly listening to our elders.
Possibilities:
Find out in what ways the church in your area is involved with the elderly. (If you belong to a parish congregation, keep in touch with the pastor, work with the congregation)
You may find yourself in a referral situation. Know the agencies and services available to your locality.
Things that may be needed:
Transportation to houses of worship Transportation and aid in shopping Visitations to nursing homes, retirement communities, senior centers and homes of the members of the local congregation.
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RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Heinecken, Martin J., and Hellerich, Ralph R., The Churches Ministry with Older Adults: A Theological Basis a study book issued by the Consulting Committee on Aging, Division for Mission in North America, LCA Write to the national LSM to borrow, or for conies, write to the
Lutheran Church in America
Division for Mission in North America 231 Madison Avenue
Hew York, NY, 1OO16.