Conference to host event focused on ministry with the aging

A new event will help church leaders to better connect with aging members, including those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“Connect, Create, Contribute: the Church’s Ministry with the Aging and those with Dementia” is a day-long training event for church leaders, both clergy and lay. The event is being held in conjunction with Older Adult Awareness Month.

The event will be held twice in May, first on May 21 at Tulsa-Asbury, then on May 22 at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City. The events are sponsored by the Oklahoma Conference and the Discipleship Ministry Team, with additional local sponsorship provided by Oklahoma Methodist Manor, Tulsa-Asbury and Epworth Villa.

Each event will feature keynote speaker Missy Buchanan, an author and speaker known for examining topics of aging and faith. Her keynote topic, “The Journey of Aging in a Fast-Changing World: Helping older adults to connect, create and contribute,” will be shared during the lunch hour.

The training event will include worship and communion, workshops on elder abuse and dementia, and closing keynotes from local experts. Participants will receive .5 Continuing Education Credit for completion.

Cost per participant is $15, which includes both materials and lunch. For more information, contact Rev. Derrek Belase at dbelase@okumc.org or by calling 405-530-2144. Registration is available online at okumc-reg.brtapp.com/ConnectCreateContribute.