United Methodist Church
Morgan Hill, California

Aging And Inclusiveness

By Donna Abel

I was excited when I read in the newsletter about the new core values that have been agreed upon for our church. There are several themes that were particular meaningful to me but there are two that concern me. The one that concerns me the most is including the aging. Something we all do. I didn't find it there. So that is one of the things I want to think about and discuss. It is important to me that we will meet and include the needs of the elderly in our church. In Newsweek, a special edition on science and aging, reports that "Old age begins officially at 65." Think of that!

Aging in this society, family, Morgan Hill and yes, even in the church is tough! I have never thought too much about age." I've tended to be more futuristic with great plans for the future but for the first time I have to acknowledge that I have fewer options now than ever before. I'm not comfortable with this yet. I do know I need this church, I need to be included in what is happening and to have a sense of being heard and to have my opinions valued.

I'm happy that one of the new goals of my church is that of inclusiveness. I need to be included. It's a blessing when someone I don't know says, "good morning or I'm so and so and I'd like to know you.  I love seeing and greeting my old and steadfast friends.  It's nice to get to know the children and to be invited to a new group.

That's what being included means to me. It gives me life and purpose. I also feel honored when some of the old traditions are respected and carried forward. We are built on an old but firm foundation. Along with the sense of being honored and included comes acceptance of my limitations. More than ever I'm finding I just need to receive.

Much of the time, I lack the stamina to reach out to new people, to do new things. It takes energy to make and sustain new friends. That’s where I need your help the most. I need for you to do the reaching.. I too, am wearing new glasses and a lot of the time I don’t like what I see; the wrinkles, the gray hair, my poor feet. I don’t like seeing my prejudices. I don't like seeing my impatience and the need to be right. Even with new glasses I find it hard to get and to stay focused. My thoughts are both tangential and circular.

Sometimes I ask Carl "where was I going with that thought?" He doesn't know I’ve confused him too.  I don't think I like this aging process. In fact I know I don't I'm taking it very personally. I need you to include me in the life of the church and particularly in your prayers. With your help and with God, I'll make it.

Ecclesiastes 3:1   For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Originally published in the October 2001 Good News Letter of the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church.

Last update: 1/17/03WG