DEEPENING FAITH THROUGH

COMPASSION, SERVICE, AND JUSTICE

WITH THE ELDERLY

“You shall rise before the aged, and defer to the old...” Leviticus 19:32

Depending on culture and family background, children and youth have very different experiences of and levels of relationship with people who are their grandparents age and older. In some parts of US culture, older adults are an integrated part of young people’s lives, often living in their homes or being the adults actually raising them. In other situations, young people are cut off from relationship with people their grandparents age or older. Those youth may have misconceptions about older adults and even some fear of them, particularly older adults who have diminished physical or mental ability. The following preparation – action – reflection may help those youth who have little or no contact with elderly people in their own lives to see the “aged” as full and rich members of God’s world with gifts to give and wisdom to share. If there are youth or adults participating in this preparation – action – reflection who do have strong relationships with older adults, their experience can be valuable to those who do not.

Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice

Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press