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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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Honor Older Adults in May and through the Golden Cross Offering

In May, churches take the Golden Cross Offering. Donations support Northern Illinois Conference ministries with older adults and help provide scholarships for ind…

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In Sympathy: Philip M. Dripps

Rev. Philip M. Dripps, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 15, 2026.

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In Sympathy: Charlotte (Char) Hoffmann

Rev. Charlotte (Char) Hoffman, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2025.

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Signs of Hope

"Mutual benefit is breaking out and ubuntu steps are among us each day," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. In this article he includes some tanka, a form of poetry that comes from Japan. These keep an eye on the small as…

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