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This article is part of The Third Third of Life Toolkit—a collection of resources for ministry to and with people ages 55 and over, brought to you by two ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: Disability Concerns and Faith Formation Ministries.

 

We talk a lot about the pitfalls of technology, but not much about how it can enhance the life of older adults, who often deal with isolation, loss of mobility, and loneliness. The resources gathered here show that technology can be used to add meaning and connection in the third third of life.

  • In an article titled “Beyond Singing Hymns” in Reformed Worship (June 2019), Bill Gaventa notes, “Common technology enables worship to be shared via Skype or Facebook, or, in reverse, enables an older member at home to read a Scripture passage or share a faith story on camera, to be projected on sanctuary screens.” How might technology help you include homebound adults in worship and community life? People with limited hearing? People with visual challenges?

  • In Becoming a Digital Grandparent, Paula Span describes some of the meaningful ways grandparents are using video chat to build relationships with their grandchildren who live far away. 

 

FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION

  • After reading some of these articles, talk about or reflect on how technology might enhance worship and community for third-thirders at your church.

QUESTIONS?

If you’re part of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and you have questions about how to strengthen your church’s ministry to and with people in the third third of life, one of Faith Formation Ministries’ Regional Catalyzers would love to talk with you about ideas and strategies.

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