POAMN 2019 Regional Conference “Engaging Aging in Today’s World”

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 4:40 PM
$35.00 Each (Lunch Included)

Sponsored by the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN) in collaboration with the Florida Region of Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA).

Located on the Saint Leo Abbey campus located at 33601 State Road 52 in Saint Leo, FL 33574 (four miles east of I-75 exit 285 on Route 52). The Abbey lies about 40 miles NE of the Tampa airport and 75 miles west of the Orlando airport.

Events include ecumenical worship, music by keyboard artist George Algozzina, keynote address by Rev. Ray Jones (Presbyterian Mission Agency), presentations by informed speakers, resource booths, interaction with the Abbey’s Benedictine Monks and Oblates, tour of the historical as well as beautiful Abbey, meeting new friends, and fun times.

Workshops include:

1. Intergenerational worship presented by Sister Michelle Collins (ELCA);
2. Dementia friendly congregations presented by Mrs. Debbie Selsavage (CEO of Coping with Dementia);
3. Starting new ministries for older adults in the congregation presented by Elder Pat Baker (PCUSA – Atlanta Presbytery);
4. Older adult spirituality presented by Rev. Bill Cooley (PCUSA – Tampa Bay Presbytery);
5. Abbey history (over 125 years) and tour presented by Fr. David (Saint Leo Abbey); and
6. Grandparenting for Faith presented by Rev. Michael Smith

Housing available at the Saint Leo Abbey and the Hampton Inn (13215 US Hwy 301
Dade City, FL 33525 – 352-567-5277). The Hampton Inn offers a special event price of $109 (plus taxes and fees) per night. Please mention POAMN if making a reservation.

Further information and registration forms available soon on POAMN’s website at http://www.poamn.org.

Need more information? Please call Reverends Mike or Lynn Fonfara at (352) 527-8321.

Here is a POAMN introduction. Over forty years ago, the PC (USA) General Assembly approved the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN) for ministry within the denomination. POAMN’s mandate was to encourage local church older adult programming, training of staff as well as laity responsible for such programming, and providing resources for strengthening these ministries. POAMN was a success with a healthy, vital, and growing organization.

This success continues in today’s POAMN with an additional incentive to provide professional training for staff at all levels of church organizations and those who serve in older adult chaplaincy programs. The organization works with Decatur, GA’s Columbia Theological Seminary in a popular certificate program in Older Adult Ministry. All in all, POAMN’s future looks great!

Here is the ALOA story. Not too long ago, POAMN people learned of a Lutheran national organization, the Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA). ALOA was started in 1991 by a group of LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) and ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) leaders. ALOA supports adult ministry in Lutheran congregations and encourages events which foster intellectual, social and spiritual growth.

Conversation between POAMN and ALOA leaders led to an agreement to collaborate on programs of mutual benefit to Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations, staffs, and laity. Each collaborative effort has proven successful.

You can view their flyer here.