Ministry and Mission Among Older People

Many congregations in the Church of England consist predominantly of people aged over 55, and we see an aging population generally. As a result, the Diocese of Bradford has formed a Ministry Among Older People Group, who seek to recognise and encourage the wide range of abilities and potential to be found among our older members and endorse their positive contribution to church life. We also aim to encourage evangelism among the older sectors of our communities, as well as ministering to their individual needs as they become frail and less able towards the end of life.

We have a growing range of activities and objectives including:

Support and advice to parishes

Training courses

Liaison with other interested groups (eg Help the Aged)

Liaison with local authorities and councils

Networking and sharing of good practice

Encouragement and endorsement of existing parish work

We ran two well attended seminars at the Diocesan Day on 12th April. From this we have obtained a huge number of ideas and suggestions that we will be takinig forward to a Sharing and Learning event. This will take place on Saturday, 20th September 2008, from 11:00am to 4:00pm at Kadugli House. More information on that will appear here, as well as in the Clergy Mailing and Newsround.

There is also the opportunity to be kept informed and to take part in a growing network of people who are interested or involved in this vital part of our ministry. This is achieved by signing up to our mailing list. This will copy you by e-mail on discussions on this subject, and allow you to take part.

For more information or to get involved, please get in touch with Stan Jenkins or Suzanne Evans at Kadugli House (01535 650532)