Parker Center Wisdom Conversations

Parker Center Wisdom Conversations

What is a “Wisdom Conversation” — and how does it bless the lives of older adults?

Wisdom Conversations draw on the work of Mary Catherine Bateson (Composing a Further Life, 2011) who suggests wisdom is the accumulation of information and/or experiences that are ripened through continuing reflection over time during which we draw connections, find similarities and identify underlying patterns.

Conversation participants include lay and clergy members of the Facebook group Abundant Aging Ministry Network (AAMN).

Wisdom Conversation program objectives

• Build connections with others who are engaged and interested in older adult ministries.
• Share from a variety of contexts for older adult ministries to stimulate creative thinking and connections.
• Offer resources and key concepts for different ministry contexts.

Our Wisdom Conversations program is built around three components:

• Annual Virtual Wisdom Conversation
• AAMN Quarterly Virtual Wisdom Conversations
• AAMN-Parker Center monthly office hours

2024 Annual Wisdom Conversation: Mental Wellness and Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities

Held on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Faculty:
Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund, Author, Pastor & Advocate; President and Founder, Blessed Mind, LLC
Beth Long-Higgins, VP of Engagement and director of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging at United Church Homes
Becky King, Director of Spiritual Care for Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton and Dean of Chaplains, United Church Homes

While it is estimated that 20% of people aged 55 years and older experience some type of mental health concern, there is very little conversation about mental wellness within faith communities. What are the risk factors and warning signs we should be aware of, what resources are available, and what can we do to reduce the stigma associated with asking for help in order that more may age abundantly?

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund led this important conversation. Sarah offered real-world, practical advice based on many years of service as a local pastor in large and small congregations in Brooklyn, Minneapolis, New Smyrna Beach and Indianapolis. She holds a Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work degree at Rutgers University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary with a focus on revitalizing the local church.

Sarah is the recipient of the Bob and Joyce Dell Award for Mental Health Education from the UCC Mental Health Network for her “outstanding authorship and leadership in breaking the silence about mental illness in family and in church and offering healing and hope.”

The 2024 Annual Wisdom Conversation was attended by pastors, educators, volunteers and others who work with older adults.

AAMN Quarterly Virtual Wisdom Conversations

The next Conversation, Help Your Faith Community Talk About End-of-Life Care Wishes, is Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00-4:00ET.

Join this interactive Zoom session to discover how to help your faith community talk about what matters most to them with the people who matter most. Using the free, downloadable Starter Kits from The Conversation Project, you’ll learn how to help people prepare for essential conversations with family, friends, patients, parishioners, and health care providers. Conversation leader Rev. Rosemary Lloyd, Advisor to faith communities for The Conversation Project, will share tips and stories to inspire you to engage in the practical preparation and profound spiritual practice of facing the reality of our mortality. You’re not alone – we’ll figure this out together.
These one-hour Zoom gatherings typically feature a guest speaker on a specific topic with time for networking, sharing ideas and Q&A.

Parker Center office hours

The next Conversation, Help Your Faith Community Talk About End-of-Life Care Wishes, is Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00-4:00ET.

Office Hours

Office Hours gives Abundant Aging Ministries Network (AAMN) members the opportunity to ask questions of Parker Center staff and other members about how they can help the older members of their faith communities to age more abundantly. Stay tuned for 2025 dates and hours.

Wisdom is a process—a verb, not a noun!

Here are some key questions that lie at the heart of the Wisdom Conversation Program:

• How do we activate our communities to engage in the process of ripening and deepening our relationships with the divine?
• What are the experiences of others who are called to work with older adults in ministry?
• What is the role of community in this sacred wisdom growing work?

We invite you to join the conversation!