Richard “Dick” Gimmi, 93, is a former fighter pilot who still drives at the racetrack. Gimmi is a model of faith to younger members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbia, S.C., said his pastor, Tony Metze.
ers, canes, etc.) free to the community. • Home installation of grab bars and ramps. • Intergenerational activities, including classes, Wednes- day meals and special service projects. A caregivers program with 250 volunteers, mostly
19 MICHAEL MOORE
result the congregation set up a foot care clinic. It eventu- ally included whirlpool baths and other health services, not only for members but also for older adults in the community. Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA) sees its
mission as helping older adults become stronger disciples of Christ and assisting congregations in that endeavor. Te inter-Lutheran organization was established in 1991 and provides adult ministry resources such as newslet- ters, publications and training events for congregations and adults 50 and older. “We think older Lutherans have a vital contribution
to make to their families, passing along their faith, and to their church and community, serving other people,” said John Herman, ALOA president. “In general we’re a well- kept secret. Part of our goal is to make ourselves and our resources better known.”
Creatively involving older adults Although an emphasis on older adult ministries is oſten lacking, there are churches, large and small, that are find- ing creative ways to minister to and with this age group. Sheridan Lutheran Church, Lincoln, Neb., has 4,000
members, with about 20 percent of them 65 and older. Older adult ministry is a priority. From a gardening group to bus trip outings to free home health equipment to support groups, the church provides a multitude of ministries to and service opportunities for older adults. “Lots of seniors are wrapped into various programs,”
said Cheri Peterson, the church’s coordinator for prayer, care and senior ministries. “You want them to be part of the whole church.” Sheridan has a network of services, including:
• A support group for those in life transitions, including families with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. • Home health equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, walk-
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www.thelutheran.org
older adults, reaches out to those homebound or in nursing homes. Volunteers are matched with an older, in-home person. Tose in the hospital are also assigned a caregiver. Whether it’s a death in the family, a need for meals,
transportation to a doctor’s appointment or any other need, caregivers provide assistance and support for older adults, Peterson said. Greg Bouvier, a pastor of Sheridan, said the goal is to
connect people. “Tey want to be engaged in that way,” he said. “Our seniors are shining examples of walking faith- fully and closely [with] the Lord.” Take Interstate 29 north from Lincoln and you’ll find
Roseni Lutheran, a rural congregation 10 miles from Beresford, S.D., which has 90 worshipers on a Sunday. About 60 of them are 65 and older, but young and old work and serve together, said Carla Nelson, pastor. Among its ministries are quilting days, preschool play dates and outreach to three nursing homes. Five times a year older members teach younger ones
how to quilt and knit scarves. Quilts are given as giſts to high school graduates and to Lutheran World Relief. Twice-a-month preschool play dates allow parents and
kids to bring children to sing and play around a theme planned by congregational grandmas. “It lets them care and share,” Nelson said of the group. During Lent an ELCA intergenerational program
called “Into the Wild” focused on the biblical story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Te program included a brief litany, Scripture reading and a group activity. One week featured the creation of a mural depicting the wilderness of Jesus’ day and what wilder- ness is today. “It’s amazing to see 65-year-old farmers coloring with
4-year-olds. Both were having fun envisioning and draw- ing,” Nelson said. Despite its small membership everyone has a role to
play in ministry. “I have come to see intergenerational as a fabulous way to do ministry,” she said. Brian McCaffrey, chair of the Northeast Forum on
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