October 2020

 October 2020

Reaching, serving and empowering older people

 

Welcome to this October Faith in Later Life newsletter where we will be sharing updates and news, signposting to new resources, and highlighting opportunities for you get involved with. This month you will have noticed we have changed the format of our newsletter, we hope you like it- and we welcome all feedback. Thank you for your interest and support in this vital area of ministry!

 

 


 

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

 

 

 


Book of the month: Coping with Grief and Loss

 

Across the world, 2020 has seen a tsunami of grief. The Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with our lives and has caused more than half a million deaths globally. Coping with Grief and Loss by Louise Morse, offers us an opportunity to reflect on grief, understand it better and find ways to live through it.

 

Written within a Christian context, Coping with Grief and Loss looks at the impact of grief and loss and explores key stepping stones to help the reader navigate the tricky waters of bereavement. It also unpacks the unique grief experience of caring for someone living with dementia.

 

The booklet can be purchased, or or downloaded via this link: https://faithinlaterlife.org/fill-resource/coping-with-grief-and-loss/


October news 

 

Since my last newsletter, we have had another busy month with the first of our monthly Church Champion seminars, as well as the launch of our new resource produced by Professor Keith Brown, providing guidance for Christian organisations in the value and support of older people.

 

You can download a free copy from our website here: https://faithinlaterlife.org/fill-resource/guidance-for-christian-faith-organisations-in-the-support-and-value-of-older-people/ and hard copies are available upon request.

 

We also continue to be actively involved with the Daily Hope telephone initiative (free to call from the UK and available 24/7 on 0800 804 8044). Over 3 million minutes have now been used by callers. It was exciting to see Daily Hope featured on BBC Songs of Praise last week.

 

We have also started thinking about Christmas and will be designing some Christmas cards and postcards (you can see one design in the image at the top of this email!)

 

This could be one way to reach out to older friends and neighbours, or an older person who is on their own in your local care home (do contact your local care home first). If you would like to be sent some of these cards, do get in touch.

 

These remain difficult times for so many, and as we seemingly enter another period of increased restrictions, with Christmas fast approaching, we know many older people will find separation from friends and family very hard.

 

But we are not without hope. We hope in the Lord. He will renew our strength and comfort us. So, let’s continue to hope, and to pray for those around us who are finding life particularly difficult at this time.

 

Finally, if you are praying for us and our work, below are 3 prayer points:

 

  • Pray for our plans for 2021 and for financial provision
  • Thank God for the gospel impact of the Daily Hope telephone line
  • Pray for all those who are lonely and fearful in this season.

 

Yours in Christ,

CEO, Faith in Later Life

 

Upcoming Events

Premier Digital conference, 14th November
Engaging and including older Christians online and offline.
Seminar lead by Carl Knightly

Church Champions November webinar, 17th November
Engaging and reaching older people at Christmas