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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

February 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Licensed, launched and ready to go!

by Bruce Geeves

 

 

Over the past twelve months I have tried to meet, get to know, understand, listen and hear what people are doing. I have seen a lot of wonderful work that people are doing in parishes and in the community. Often this is done quietly and goes un-noticed.

Many of these activities are developing relationships with others. They provide contact with the Christian community, with practical help and a response to their spiritual needs. This can include special activities, craft, lunches, interest groups, helping others with shopping and doctors' appointments, meals-on-wheels. People visit others in their homes, take services in retirement villages and hospitals: the list goes on.

Strategy for 'Transformation' of Seniors

For Transformation to happen we need to acknowledge our complete dependence on God. We need to

  • have a team of Senior Prayer Activists who can pray for other Seniors, particularly those who are going into nursing homes, and for youth activities, specifically directors and leaders in Anglican camping when they reach out to youth. Have you a ministry to be a Senior Prayer Activist (SPA)?
  • resource parishes with ideas and programs e.g. 'Nostalgia Now' to help Seniors reflect and value their lives. They can see what a difference a faith in Jesus has made in their lives and how the faith can strengthen them and give them hope to face the challenges of today.
  • provide opportunities for mission activities for Seniors. The mission activity could be held as an outreach of the faith community or within a home on a social hospitality setting; or as a team with another faith community.
  • encourage others who are taking initiatives and be able to pass on these initiatives to other parishes. Note how the mission initiative was organised, who was involved, what was the response and how you followed up.
  • initiate opportunities for those who want to reflect on their lives in the context of Christian community. Find ways of expressing their lives of faith in creative ways that provide a spiritual legacy to others and aid others in appreciation of faith and life.
  • equip people to be able to draw on faith as they face death; to be comforted and also find the hope that is found in Jesus as they deal with fear and anxiety.
  • become aware of the richness of the Christian community. See the transformed lives and how God has used a diversity of people in a unique way.

I am looking forward to visiting parishes to hear about the ministry you are doing and what transformation is happening as we live our lives with others.

If you would like to be involved as a SPA please contact Bruce Geeves 03 6223 2940.