I have just returned from an exciting weekend with Knox, Sundridge, Ont., on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary. The sanctuary was overflowing with people, and also with faith, hope and love. From my vantage point in the chancel, the scope of ministry at Knox, and throughout our denomination, was dramatically portrayed by the baby, weeks old, on the far right of the front pew and a senior member of the congregation in her wheelchair on the far left. It is a symbol of the church* the very young and the very old glorifying and enjoying God.
The emphasis on children and youth in our church life is essential and I enjoyed spending time with an exuberant group of young Presbyterians at Knox, Sundridge, Ont., as they celebrated the anniversary of their church family. But Knox is also attentive to the aging community. To mark 125 years of ministry, the congregation has undertaken a special project to provide help for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer Disease and to raise funds for the Alzheimer Society. It is a creative and courageous initiative to support people who have an illness that makes them forget, and who are often forgotten in society and church.
People who live with dementia, and those who care for them, experience devastating loss in their personal, family and community lives. And, it is no clear-cut process of loss that allows those affected to grieve and move on, but a recurring cycle that allows glimmers of recognition one day, and absence of remembering the next. The loss of memory and loss of relationships creates isolation and alienation that goes beyond those directly experiencing the disease. Family members and other caregivers are often so busy with the all-consuming demands of providing care that their networks of support become eroded.
There is a growing body of research linking faith and health. Through it, is the insight that people with larger, more satisfying and supportive social networks experience better physical, mental and spiritual health. There is evidence that faith-based social networks provide a higher quality and more durable support than that obtained from other sources.
This is not news for those of us who have experienced the gift of good pastoral care from our church. Scripture teaches us that the church can and must manifest the healing love of Christ to its members and beyond its walls.
Reaching out to people with Alzheimer's, and their families, is challenging ministry. Due to our lack of experience or understanding, or our own sense of vulnerability and fear, our first response may be to simply hope the problem will go away. The likely result of this inaction is that the people may go away, or the hope may go away, because our patterns of worship and pastoral care, as well as our education programs and fellowship times do not intentionally address the spiritual needs of people living with dementia.
And yet, it is our kind of community that is best suited to respond. As Christians, we understand the biblical basis of our care in seeking wholeness and justice. We know the power of Christian community that is inclusive and offers welcome and belonging. We know the life-affirming gift of mercy and compassion. We know that all are created in the image of God, and each one uniquely and beautifully made.
As our society ages, there will be an increasing number of people who are touched by Alzheimer's and the church needs to equip itself to be able to respond in ways that honour their spiritual life. The unique dimensions of spirituality expressed by those with dementia are a gift that can teach us about our relationship with God, who always remembers each one of us.
May our ministries with each other, older and younger, encourage us to glorify and enjoy God in whatever ways we can.
Peace,
M. Jean Morris.
