2025 CONFERENCE
KEYNOTE SESSION
T H U R S D A Y , 9 A M
The Spiritual Journey of Dementia: 3 Key Aspects of the Disease, and How to Support Those in Need
Better understand the journey of dementia, and how to support those in need within our families, churches, and communities. Discover what we all need to know about this challenging and misunderstood disease, and how to support those impacted by it. Learn practical and emotional aspects of caring for someone who is living with dementia. Kay Adams will weave in stories from her work as a dementia coach and educator to remind us of the importance that spirituality can play in the dementia journey, so that we may work towards creating meaning, mastery, and resilience along the way.
Speaker: Kay Adams
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The breakout sessions will include the following relevant and informative topics. Choose one per session.
S E S S I O N 1 : W E D N E S D A Y , 1 0 : 4 5 A M
Learn about the S.E.N.I.O.R.S. model, a categorization of older adult ministry into seven key areas: Spirituality, Enrichment, Nutrition, Inter-Generation, Outreach, Recreation, and Services. See examples from the Well-Aging Mission, which has implemented older adult ministries based on this model.
Speaker: Rev. Jae Hong Kim, Suwanee, GA
Taking Advantage of Baby Boomers’ Second Coming of Age
As Baby Boomers become the largest share of those in retirement ministries, they are changing our ideas of older adult ministry. Learn how to pivot from methodologies designed for traditional ministry with Silent and Great Generations to better focus upon the opportunities to engage with, spiritually educate, and evangelize Boomers. Examine different Boomer types, plus the formation of Boomer Generation Spiritually in their first coming of age and the opportunities presented in their second coming of age in retirement and the last chapters of life.
Speaker: Dr. William Randolph, Latrobe, PA
S E S S I O N 2 : W E D N E S D A Y , 1 : 1 5 P M
A multi-generational event or retreat can be the perfect way to build community within your congregation. We are all aware of the power of recreation and how it can bring together diverse groups in a disarming way. Our time together will focus on “tried and true” activities for your next multi-generational gathering.
Speaker: Joel Winchip, Charlotte, NC
Exploring Your Spiritual Roots
Our spiritual histories include experiences with people, nature, and religion that have contributed to the development of our philosophies of life and that part of us that cannot be defined in purely physical terms. The history of our spiritual lives and values need not be confined to experiences in church or in organized religion, although for some those experiences play an integral role. What is the history of your quest for values, truth, and meaning in life? What people, experiences, readings, and inspirations have guided you in your spiritual journey? Your spiritual family tree is designed to stimulate your memories and thoughts about your spiritual journey and life. Receive tools to share the themes, topics, and materials with their respective community.
Speaker: Mary Patricia Voell
S E S S I O N 3 : W E D N E S D A Y , 3 : 1 5 P M
In the United States, technological advances have more and more pushed dying to become a medical event, instead of the relational and existential challenge that we all face. Spiritual leadership is required to journey with people through this important emotional and spiritual transition, from grappling with the unknown and mysterious, to recognizing unfinished business that comes with the end of life. Only with this spiritual and social framework can people make the right medical decisions to gift their loved ones and their community with the legacy that they wish.
Speaker: Rev. Lorraine Leist, Denver, CO
Dealing with the Physical Stuff
Moving a parent from their longtime, memories-filled home to a smaller space needn’t be daunting. The goal for any move should be to bring along necessary items and to also infuse the new home space with items that have meaning and help the parent feel at home. Learn the value of treasured possessions, how to choose between keeping, donating, and passing along, and other tips for making this process easier.
Speaker: Karen Barela, Boulder, CO
S E S S I O N 4 : T H U R S D A Y , 1 0 : 4 5 A M
Individuals raising children/grandchildren while simultaneously caring for an elderly parent are called the Sandwich Generation. Learn their defining characteristics, key challenges, coping strategies, and support systems. Take away practical steps for managing caregiving responsibilities and interactive activities to facilitate deeper understanding and personal reflection.
Speaker: Jen Rabenaldt, CRE, San Luis Obispo, CA
Off Ramps: Medical Choices for Achieving the End of Life That You Want
The health care system often seems to take control of persons near the end of life. But by understanding some of the choices that patients with terminal diseases can make, spiritual supporters can understand these choices better and encourage people to take control of the arc of the end of their lives. This is true whether they can make choices themselves or through their loved ones. Learn about choices such as refusing life-sustaining treatments, comfort feeding only, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, and medical assistance in dying, and look at the ethical tensions felt by spiritual leaders and their congregants in our society.
Speaker: Dr. Jean Abbot, Boulder, CO
S E S S I O N 5 : T H U R S D A Y , 1 : 1 5 P M
Creating a Loving Place for Dementia Day Care and Their Caregivers
Hope Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care in Chico, California, is an adult day program for individuals with memory conditions. Participants receive mental and social stimulation while their caregivers gain respite and peace of mind. Learn about the spiritual component of the facility’s program, specifically spiritual development for participants and their caregivers. Increase your understanding of the theology of the soul/brain as it relates to those affected by these conditions.
Speaker: Rev. Julia Horne, Chico, CA
Becoming Better Grieving Congregations
Losses permeate our lives. Death losses, divorce, difficult diagnoses, cognitive decline, and changes in family dynamics and connections are among the many subtle and not-so-subtle ways grief comes to church. The cumulative effect of losses can leave eldering people with a sense of deepening isolation. Ministering to the elderly includes a congregational call to action to understand and honor grief. By normalizing and recognizing the sacredness of grief everyone can be part of creating safe spaces for those who mourn. Since grief isn’t limited to the elderly, building a grief sensitive culture will enable congregations to faithfully support healthy mourning for everyone.
Speaker: Deborah Brandt, Marana, AZ
S E S S I O N 6 : T H U R S D A Y , 3 : 1 5 P M
Spiritual/religious trauma and moral Injury are prevalent in our culture. Left untended, these can lead to shame, guilt, a sense of betrayal, and lack of trust. As traumatic events often precipitate moral injury, individuals are often forced to redefine how they see the world, creating a spiritual or existential crisis. A spiritually-integrated approach is vital in treating these deep “soul wounds.”
Speaker: Rev. Cheryl Swing, Boulder, CO
Opportunities to nurture the grandparent/grandchild relationship are precious and valuable. How can faith communities provide those opportunities? Ideas can include grandparent/grandchild camps, retreats, events, and gatherings. Let’s dream together and share ideas and resources.
Speaker: Sandy Safford, Lakewood, CO
S E S S I O N 7 : F R I D A Y , 9 A M
If you were to face a life-limiting condition that rendered you incapable of communicating, how would those who love you or provide health care for you know what you want? How can you and your loved ones navigate thoughtful conversations about your health goals, spirituality and what it means to live fully while remaining realistic about the end of life? This session introduces advanced care planning stewardship for the life God gave you, and for the people who love and care about you. Most states have laws that allow you to inform others of your health care wishes by completing a written document called an advance care directive with legal authority and tells your doctor, family and others your values and wishes about health care.
Speaker: Rev.Cindy Ray, Roseville, MN
When someone in our congregation is sick, we often want to help but don’t know how. Sometimes, our casseroles and well-meaning words are not enough. We may unintentionally bypass someone’s pain, minimize their grief, or flood the moment with toxic positivity. Reflect on individual caregiving moments and how we cultivate a congregational culture of care. Grounded in Matthew 25:36—”I was sick, and you looked after me”—we’ll explore the difference between showing up out of habit and showing up with presence and purpose. The workshop draws on insights from Susan Halpern’s The Etiquette of Illness and the real-world experiences of hospice chaplaincy and pastoral care. This session blends presentation with conversation, role play, and personal reflection. It’s designed for those who want to build sustainable caregiving ministries that embody compassion and connection. Together, we’ll explore how congregations can practice the care that heals, honors, and sustains.
Speaker: Zeena Regis, Decatur, GA
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