Congregational leaders, chaplains, and more gathered in Boulder, Colorado, for the 2025 POAMN older adult ministry conference. The speakers challenged attendees to think about topics in new ways. Participants left with lots that to use in a variety of ministry contexts.
Our annual gathering began Tuesday, September 16, with a reception hosted by Frasier Life Plan Community’s Office of Spiritual Life. Attendees, speakers, and exhibitors mingled over hors d’oeuvres and beverages on a beautiful evening in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The next morning, POAMN attendees filled the Eldorado Canyon room. POAMN moderator Denise Shannon began the event, followed by a welcome by Christie Hinrichs, president and CEO of Frasier.
The Rev. Justin Spurlock set the vision for those in attendance with an inspiring sermon based on Isaiah 43 and his own experience. Justin is senior pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church CO and Covenant Presbyterian DTC in Boulder.
He asked, “When people are pushed to the side and told their memories and experiences don’t matter anymore, what happens to their sense of identity?”
“They begin to feel they’re not loved and not known, that their faith from the past is no longer valued and perhaps no longer matters. We call this space ‘wilderness,’ friends,” he continued.
What if they hear this instead: “What if God is about to do something new in your wilderness? What if your eyes, that have seen so much, might actually be tuned to see the true new thing that God is up to in our midst? What might that mean?”
Our sessions varied on topic and style. At times, they were solemn, dealing with very serious issues, such as dementia and the end of our earthly lives. At other times, speakers tapped into humor and fun to communicate a message. Attendees said, “the speakers challenged my brain and I left with lots that I can use in my older adult ministry! THANKS!!!” and “the thoughtful planning + presentation of each speaker was excellent. Very affirming + encouraging in all their subjects.”
With Psalm 78:1-7 and Ruth 1:8-17 as her preaching texts, the Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist brought the conference to a thoughtful and hopeful conclusion Friday during closing worship.
“I am struck by the richness of all we have experienced here together,” said Lorraine, the associate pastor for congregational care and older adults at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Denver. “Scripture echoes these themes,” she said, “the generations learning from one another, always drawing us deeper into God’s love.”
The Rev. Bill Davis and Brendan Schuster enriched our opening and closing worships with beautiful music. Bill constructed a bridge using panels decorated with prayers from the conference’s opening worship.
During the closing worship, we also collected an offering for Presbyterian Manor, which provides affordable senior housing for people aged 62 and above in Boulder. Manor director Mark Hawke joined us to share information about the organization’s efforts to provide dignity and a safe living environment so seniors can thrive in their later years.
Throughout the 2025 conference, attendees also learned from organizations offering support for their ministry and/or community, including APCE; Compassion Works, LLC; GingerSugar Move; Living Waters for the World; Office of Christian Formation PCUSA; Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association; Presbyterian Association of Homes & Services (PAHSA); Presbyterian Association of Musicians; Presbyterian Foundation; and, of course, POAMN. We are grateful for their support.
We were so blessed to have Mike Ferguson, editor of Presbyterian News Service, attend our 2025 older adult ministry conference, Bridging Generations.