Deacon's Corner July 2024

 

“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, because this is the right thing to do.” Colossians 3:20

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians while imprisoned in Rome, yet, in verse 3:20 he

spoke directly to the children. He did so because he EXPECTED them to be there and he wanted them to know they were as much “in the Lord” as the adults around them. Every July APC, and hundreds of churches across the country, reinforce Paul's inclusive message through Vacation Bible School...teaching children about Scripture and about Jesus' life and how to follow Him. Adults voluntarily jump in and enhance the experience with positive and fun information. Turns out the experience benefits not only their current spiritual awareness and knowledge, it is also considered a positive investment in their lives as they progress to adolescence and young adulthood.

In a Harvard, T.H. Chan School of Public Health study published online in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” (September 2018), Dr. Ying Chen, PhD reported, “People who attended weekly religious services, or practiced daily prayer or meditation in their youth, reported greater life satisfaction in their 20's and were less likely to have depressive symptoms, smoke, use illicit drugs or have an STD.”

Jared Kennedy, a Louisville, KY pastor and contributing author to Lifeways Research's

 “Insights” newsletter wrote in a 2022 edition, “When kids are given an opportunity to contribute to the life of the church during their growing up years, they're building relationships with Christians who are ahead of them on their faith journey.”

As Deacons, it is our quest to minister to as many of the needs and situations that can, and do, affect the “faith journeys” of all our brothers and sisters in Christ. An important part of that group are our seniors who, by the way, are eminently qualified to be considered “ahead” of kids on their faith journeys. See where I'm going here?

First a little context; by definition anyone 65 years old and over is considered a “senior”. According to “A Place For Mom” author Leah Hallstrom: In the U.S. there are 55.8 million adults in that category of which 1.3 million (2.3% of the elderly population) live in nursing homes. An additional 818,800 elderly Americans reside in assisted living facilities.

Daniel B. Kaplan PhD, an associate professor at Adelphi University notes in a study report on the “Effects of Life Transitions on Older Adults” that, “...Nearly 30% of the almost 60 million older people who live 'in the community' (as opposed to an institution like a nursing home or assisted living) live alone; and about half of the people who are 85 years or older and live in the community, live alone”.

At APC we have a small population of seniors spread around Washington County. Some in assisted living, some living with siblings or grown children, some living alone in the communities. They are well taken care of by their families and or facilities but some may feel lonely and isolated. Studies show older people who lack social interaction tend to have more health problems. So, what's my point?

Actually, I have two. First, as a congregation we should encourage and endeavor to have our children know and interact with elder or senior members who can give them spiritual example and provide information. Maybe invite random members of our senior community to address a Sunday school class.

Secondly, I would encourage you to reach out to some of our seniors in alternate living situations on your own: call, a note, a card, a visit? Bring your kids to see them; it'd be like having extended grandchildren showing up. Trust me any of those would make their days! 

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of all generations. Ask your father and he will inform you, your elders and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy 32:7 

Respectfully, Tom Genovese for the Deacons

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