Begun in 1987 with the appointment of the first Diocese of Florida Committee on Aging by Bishop Frank Cerveny, our Ministry with the Aging is directed toward offering opportunities for older adults to strengthen their relationships with others and with God. Two primary events, offered in alternate years, provide these opportunities: retreats for older adults and celebrations of marriages of couples in the diocese who have been wed 50 or more years.

Programs and Retreats
We have a considerable history of providing programs and retreats for older adults.

Celebrations of Marriages of 50 or More Years
We began these celebrations in 2003 to honor those couples in the Diocese every other year who achieved 50 or more years of married life . Co-sponsored by St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, Jacksonville and The Cathedral Foundation, these celebrations consist of a service of Holy Eucharist and Renewal of Marriage Vows, followed by a gala reception in the parish hall [complete with finger foods, live music and cake]. The first celebration occurred at St. John's Cathedral.

Our 2009 celebrations were held at St. John's Cathedral and at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Tallahassee.  Thirty-four couples participated at the Cathedral and seven in Tallahassee.  The Rt. Rev. Charles Keyser celebrated and The Very Rev. P. J. Weatherall, Interim Cathedral Dean, gave the sermon at the Cathedral.  The Rev. Dr. Ted Monica preached and celebrated at Holy Comforter.

Ann Thompson and Melody Marshall serve on a National Church Task Force on Senior Ministries. This Task Force will present a resolution at the 2009 General Convention to continue the development of a Older Adult Ministry (OAM) for the Episcopal Church.

We also provide consultation to churches and groups within the Diocese relative to ministry with older adults.


Contact Person:
Melody J. Marshall, PhD,
Chair, Diocese of Florida Committee on Aging
[marshmj@earthlink.net]

Committee Members:
Jerry Buchert, Dowling Park
John Robert Denny, Gainesville
The Rev. Deacon Pat Nahikian, Melrose
Judy Sayre, Jacksonville
Pat Thomas, Tallahassee
Ann Thompson, Dowling Park

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging  [www.aahsa.org]

Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut Ministry on Aging  [www.ctdiocese.org/ministries/aging.shtml]

The Aging Process  [http://web.pdx.edu/~psu01435/aging.html] 

United Methodist Church Older Adult Ministries  http://www.gbod.org/coa 

National Interfaith Coalition on Aging (NICA)  http://www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionID=41

Update: 9 June 2009