I have worked with seniors in 4 senior living centers that span from independent to ALC to Memory Care for the past 7 years. In that time I have not used any curriculum but have used the lectionary texts and commentary and have found that if I can simply tell the "STORY" that the interest stays high and that it opens the possibility for interjecting commentary on contemporary illustrations so as to tie it back into things they "still" know or remember. Hymns of course work well in that seems to be part of the brain that is less affected by the memory loss and triggers memories from their earlier life which they usually sing with gusto.
I have also found that all of this works well with those who are aging but not affected by dementia or memory loss. Sometimes I think that the church puts too much emphasis on making the theological point and getting across the "lesson" but if we remember, Jesus taught best when he told stories and the more familiar the text in our case, the better. If we can provide new learnings on old favorite texts for short bursts it keeps their attention, even when we think they are asleep or not paying attention.
The best thing we can give in any worship, preaching, teaching setting is LOVE and Fellowship and reconnecting them with one another and with God.
With the new structure and the addition of an umbrella organization do we know what the additional cost is going to be and how it will be funded? Will it be passed on through usual channels or will there be a separate funding source to help alliviate the additional cost for this expanded leadership?
I still, even after this very clear explanation, do not see the need for the change. Having worked most of my career outside of the CRC and in the service sector as well as the church, I can tell you that CRWRC is the most recognizable name on many assistance sites. My fear is that you will loose the branding by changing the name to something unrecognizeable. With the logic that because we work with so many NGO's on the field it should be more inclusive, that then means that if it wants to keep up, the "Salvation Army", which has even broader support from both churches and agencies, should change it's name to something less denominational. Sorry, but I for one think that you will be loosing more than you gain.
Posted in: Bible Study Help for Adults With Dementia?
I have worked with seniors in 4 senior living centers that span from independent to ALC to Memory Care for the past 7 years. In that time I have not used any curriculum but have used the lectionary texts and commentary and have found that if I can simply tell the "STORY" that the interest stays high and that it opens the possibility for interjecting commentary on contemporary illustrations so as to tie it back into things they "still" know or remember. Hymns of course work well in that seems to be part of the brain that is less affected by the memory loss and triggers memories from their earlier life which they usually sing with gusto.
I have also found that all of this works well with those who are aging but not affected by dementia or memory loss. Sometimes I think that the church puts too much emphasis on making the theological point and getting across the "lesson" but if we remember, Jesus taught best when he told stories and the more familiar the text in our case, the better. If we can provide new learnings on old favorite texts for short bursts it keeps their attention, even when we think they are asleep or not paying attention.
The best thing we can give in any worship, preaching, teaching setting is LOVE and Fellowship and reconnecting them with one another and with God.
At least that is what consistently works for me.
Posted in: Share Your 3-Word Prayer for the Human Sexuality Conversation
Entire God's Word
Posted in: The SALT Report Explained: Question #4
With the new structure and the addition of an umbrella organization do we know what the additional cost is going to be and how it will be funded? Will it be passed on through usual channels or will there be a separate funding source to help alliviate the additional cost for this expanded leadership?
Posted in: Name Change: Will It Be a Relief to Be “Renew?”
I still, even after this very clear explanation, do not see the need for the change. Having worked most of my career outside of the CRC and in the service sector as well as the church, I can tell you that CRWRC is the most recognizable name on many assistance sites. My fear is that you will loose the branding by changing the name to something unrecognizeable. With the logic that because we work with so many NGO's on the field it should be more inclusive, that then means that if it wants to keep up, the "Salvation Army", which has even broader support from both churches and agencies, should change it's name to something less denominational. Sorry, but I for one think that you will be loosing more than you gain.