Bishop Schwerin's Reflections on General Conference 2024
Bishop Dan Schwerin offers some reflections after listening to how news of The United Methodist General Conference is being received in Northern Illinois.
The Older Adult Ministries Council works to ensure the quality of life for older adults by equipping local church ministries with training; providing information, support and motivation, and leadership; and present opportunities for life enrichment and spiritual growth.
What we can do for you
The fact is that older adults are the fastest growing population in the church. OAM Council is finding ways and means to share with pastors and members and caregiving institutions to serve the needs of older adults, those that continue to enjoy church fellowship and those that are no longer physically able. The council has tapped the resources of General Board of Discipleship and church-related elder care institutions to assist in this endeavor. With the blessing of NIC, we have the OAM Initiative to make things happen, to unleash the power of older adults, in the next several months. Provide assistance to help your church celebrate and honor older adults in your congregation during May, which is Older Adult Ministries Month. Provide resources for Golden Cross Sunday.
What we are doing now
Equipping local ministries and potential leaders. Identifying district representatives and other individuals for the equipping process: training opportunities by the general church and denomination experts on the ministry, provide necessary materials, follow-up. The council is intentional in securing regional representation. We are working to strengthen relationships with NIC-related institutions (retirement homes, etc.) that serve older adults.
Co-Chairs: Pong Javier abjavierjr@aol.com and Jim Barry texbarry1@yahoo.com
Resources
Bishop Dan Schwerin offers some reflections after listening to how news of The United Methodist General Conference is being received in Northern Illinois.
Rev. Cheryl Weaver, Wisconsin Conference’s benefits officer, will also serve Northern Illinois Conference in this capacity, beginning June 1.
The UMC General Conference (postponed from 2020) came to order on the morning of April 23. Follow daily reports focusing on topics of interest to Northern Illinois Conference readers.
General Conference takes thousands of people to help the event run smoothly and do its work. United Methodists from across Northern Illinois partici…