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Older Adult Ministries

Older Adult Ministries

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

News & Announcements

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Building Faith and Friendships at JOY Camp

JOY Camp 2026 brought together 61 campers and 27 volunteer counselors for a week of faith, friendship, and outdoor fun at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill., June 21-27. Centered on the…

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In Sympathy: Nya Kwiawon Taryor

Rev. Nya Kwiawon Tarylor Sr., a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. 

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Lula B. Sherman UMC Hosts Consulate of Costa Rica

Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston entered into a new community partnership on July 14 when it cut the ribbon on new office space in the church for the Consula…

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Illinois Pilgrimage Opens Hearts and Minds

From June 25 to 28, members from the Northern Illinois, Illinois Great Rivers, and Wisconsin Conferences embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage organized by the NIC Committee on Religion…

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