Online Archives

BY CHRISTINE KUMAR

UMConnection Staff

The Rev. Judy Birch believes that vibrant discipleship transcends age.

Birch, chaplain at the Inter-Faith Chapel, located at Leisure World retirement community in Silver Spring, recently held a seminar for more than 150 people on "Renewing Vision and Vigor for Older Adult Ministry" in Washington, D.C.

The seminar was sponsored by the American Society of Aging/ National Council on Aging.

Birch, a Deacon in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, has been the chaplain at the Inter-Faith Chapel for the past 21 years.

"I am still learning. If there's anything I have learned, it is that the saying, ‘You can't teach an old dog new tricks,' is a travesty," she told the audience. "Our chapel is a lively, vibrant church community."

"Many United Methodist churches have a large population of older adults and many people see older adults as dragging their feet," she said. "But they are a great resource for the church because many are forward thinkers and life-long learners."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the older adult population, ages 55 and older, is growing faster than any other age group in the United States.

Birch believes that the older generation has a wealth of experience and information to share.

Her passion for older adult ministry was inspired by childhood memories of growing up on a farm and visiting older people's homes when they were sick with her family. She was also close to her grandparents.

The Inter-Faith Chapel hosts a diverse community of older adults, ages ranging from 70 to 90-years-old. Ministries and activities are spearheaded by the same age group who thrive in a lively community of other Christian believers who believe that they are called to serve.

During her presentation, Birch spoke of the five different areas of Chapel life that have been successful: worship, spiritual formation, pastoral care, outreach and fellowship.

Sunday morning worship services are well attended. Three choirs perform through voice and bells. "Sermons are not dumbed down," said Birch. "Clergy provide sermons that are cutting edge with new angles on Scripture and the issues of our day."

The highlight every year is the "In Praise of Age" Sunday when members age 90 or older are honored. "It amazes those younger who look at them and say, "If that is what 90 looks like, then I think I will be okay," Birch said.

Some of the programs for spiritual formation, Birch said, include 16 classes that are offered on topics like "Bad Boys of the Bible," and "African-American Spirituals." The seniors also hold discussion groups on books, movies and events in their personal lives where they see the presence of God.

Rituals are developed to help

people explore the spiritual dimensions of aging. These rituals mark such life events as transitioning into a retirement community or giving up driving.

The chapel also has a concert and personal grooming series.

As a Deacon, Birch is happy with the role that she is playing in

working with older adults. "The role of Deacons is often misunderstood. We are the bridge between the world and the church," she said.

"With the gifts that are amongst us, we do the best we can to show all persons in our community that they are valued and loved."