The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) designates the first week in May as Older Adult Week. Its purpose is to help congregations recognize aging as a natural part of living from birth to death and to affirm the worth of persons in all stages of development and at all functional levels. This year there will be a special focus evangelism. A planning guide is provided to help congregations recognize and honor older church members.

To assist you in planning for Older Adult Week 2006, May 7–May 14, an Older Adult Ministries Planning Guide was published in December 2005. The articles and information contained in this workbook-style guide are designed to assist congregations in building programs to celebrate Older Adult Week and year-round ministries, identifying the unique needs and the special gifts and skills of older adults and seeking ways to address their needs and utilize their skills.

Writers include such noted authors and workers in the field of ministry with older persons as Miriam Dunson, Steve Eason, Harry Moody, Richard L. Morgan, Isabel Rogers, Steve Sapp, and Henry Simmons. Each chapter has excellent questions for discussion in church school classes, seminary courses, or other groups.

As the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) responds to the growing number of older people in our church and society, this book has significant meaning for pastors, educators and lay people in the church who seek to be intentional about understanding and ministering to and with God’s oldest friends.

Greg Cohen is associate for older adult ministries in Congregational Ministries Publishing. (888) 728-7228, ext. 5487.