You’ve heard the story of the king who urged his wisest counselors to compile all of the wisdom in his kingdom. It took a great deal of effort and many books and when the king saw it all, it was too much. He demanded it be further abridged. This went on for some time until at last the king was approached by the eldest wisdom gatherer. In his gnarled hand he held a single sheet of paper. The king took it, read it, looked up, and smiled, declaring at last this to be the ultimate wisdom of the kingdom. The wisdom gatherer smiled, too, as he walked away. On the sheet were five words:
“There ain’t no free lunch!”
Like the eldest gatherer, you and I have studied with some of the best, been handed all sorts of books and other tools, some complicated, some simple, some worked, some didn’t. But one thing has always remained the essence of wisdom when dealing with matters of the Kingdom:
“God loves everyone. Everyone matters.”
Babies in the nursery, little children, teenagers, young adult singles, married couples, and, yes, midlifers and mature adults. They all matter, every single one.
That’s why CASA has been busy rebuilding its website! It’s because you matter, too. As one who works in this ever-expanding field of midlife and older adult ministry, you need a place to share stories, glean wisdom, discover ideas and learn new things. A place that helps “inspire and equip the Church for ministry to and through adults in life’s second half.” We’re working hard to build a place like that – a place where leaders gather!
We’re creating awareness and providing tools to help you better serve men and women at midlife and beyond that look to you for spiritual guidance and practical help on their journey through life’s second half.
Your “new” goCASA.org site takes the place of printed newsletters that have been part of our arsenal for a number of years. On CASA’s newsite we’ll be sharing wisdom from a growing family of experts and leaders in this phenomenal life stage arena. In much more user-friendly fashion, you’ll find insights and fresh perspective, website and book reviews, some things complicated, some simple. You’ll see movie and book reviews, and articles on a variety of subjects to help you minister knowledgeably and effectively to those you serve.
We’re establishing a great resource team from a variety of disciplines, including pastors and theologians, educators and professional writers, gerontologists and financial consultants, and more. All to help you reach and engage the one in four in your church and community who are right now transitioning through midlife years and beyond. They are a responsibility and a treasure the Church can’t afford to overlook!
You’ll want to visit with us regularly. We’ll be providing something new for you every two weeks. GenerationPLUS will collect news and articles relating to the boomer generation. The MASTER’s Group will feature insights and information slanted toward older adults (70+).
Am I excited about it? You bet! goCASA.org is the place where leaders will gather to share ideas, to listen to one another, to learn and grow together. Watch us as we unfold this site throughout the summer. You’ll be excited too, at having this resource available on your terms, your time, and at your fingertips.
So take a deep breath and let’s begin to stir afresh the glowing embers of our peers … and leave a light on for the next generation.