Liturgy With Older People

Although many churches now have all-age worship, these are often aimed at making the service accessible to younger people present rather than ensuring that everybody can participate and benefit.

All too often it is assumed that if concessions have to be made, these must be made by older people. The view seems to be that all other worship is designed for older people so they have no need of special attention. As a result older people may well feel that there is little in such worship to nurture and sustain them and some cease to attend. Trying to please everyone often results in pleasing no one.

This day will resource participants to assist in planning various types of special services for older people. We shall look together at a range of different liturgies and explore how to build intergenerational relationships to deepen witness and mission. The day will include a brief overview of the particular spiritual needs of older people followed by an exploration of resources from the Bible, poetry and prose, hymns and the spiritual tradition of the church. We shall look at examples of pastoral liturgies and reflect together on their theological and spiritual shape.

Resources from this day are available on our Liturgy and Worship with Older People resources page.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)