What generation gap?

April 26 event for older adults to inspire new ministries

"Generations2gether": that’s the unusual title for an April 26 program in Tulsa for all senior adults. Registration is now open.

Age labels divide Americans into the Greatest Generation, Millennials, Baby Boomers, and Generation X. Yet we unite in Christ. Can’t we all just get along?

William Randolph, an expert on aging, will discuss generations — differences, similarities, and the potential for intergenerational ministries by churches — during the Senior Adult Day Apart at Asbury United Methodist Church.

The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on that Saturday. Registration fee, $15, includes lunch and snacks. Deadline is April 21 to sign up.

The Singing Ambassadors, Asbury UMC’s older adult choir, will perform. Exhibits by several agencies and organizations will be of interest to seniors.

The Older Adult Council of the Oklahoma Conference is host, along with Asbury UMC.

If you are a senior, an adult child of seniors, or a pastor/church staff member who is interested in Older Adult Ministry, you are especially encouraged to attend.

Here’s what to expect that day.

Participants will consider their own generations, begin to understand different generations, and assess similarities between generations. They will explore why churches should have intergenerational ministries, where such opportunities exist, and how to make a new ministry sustaining in the long term.

Attendees should expect to interact in small groups, to learn from each other and apply Dr. Randolph’s ideas. The book "Gen2Gen" will be a resource.

Randolph directs the Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the UM General Board of Discipleship. Prior to joining that staff, he was a retirement community chaplain and pastored UM churches in three states. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in aging and spirituality, from United Theological Seminary, Ohio.

According to UM statistics, U.S. church members total about 8 million. More than one-half of them are age 50 and older.

For more information, contact David Thomas, minister to senior adults at Asbury UMC, 918-492-1771. You also may send your registration to him at the church, 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, Okla. 74133-3309. To download the brochure click here Brochure

Three generations are represented at Tulsa-Asbury UMC, which will host the Senior Adult Day Apart on April 26.