Does your place of worship value the elderly and people with disabilities?

Question

Does your place of worship value the elderly and people with disabilities?

I’m asking this question to people of all faiths. Does your house of worship/Faith community value people who may be physically or mentally limited in some way?

My elderly mother is a devout Christian. She taught Sunday School for most of her adult life, and was always very active in the church. Because of poor health she moved across the country to live with my sister a few years back. She is now very much isolated; my sister works during the day and my mother is unable to drive.

I think part of the problem is that her new church only knows her as she is now, an elderly lady in poor health. She tells me how much it would mean to her if they would just give her a few names to pray for each week. I think it hurts that she is always on the top of the church prayer list. She feels useless to the church.

It would only take 5 minutes for somebody to call her each week and give her a prayer list.

She would feel so much more valued. I tell her to pray for me. I’ll take all the prayer I can get. But that’s not really the point. She wants to feel like a useful member of her church family.

Due to age or disability many people may not be able to be as helpful as they would like to be, but this doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful.

Does your place of worship understand this and try to ensure that all efforts are valued?

What are some ways that places of worship could become more considerate of all members’ desire to become a useful part of the family?

Answer 1

Absolutely. some of our strongest prayer warriors are the elderly because they have that time on their hands.

Answer 2

You know I had this same problem with my grandmother when she was dying. She had gone to the same church for 50 years. She bent over backwards for them. When she was dying, we could hardly get people to bring her communion (sp). No one called, no one came by it really hurt the family. I have an ex who was a Mormon and I have to tell you when his Grandfather was dying they were there 24 hours a day. I was very impressed. I am a Buddhist and we would be more than happy to help her. I think what I would do is call the priest of the church and ask to speak to him about it. Maybe no one knows how sad she is. I wish her the best of luck.

Answer 3

I can say yes to your question, but my place of worship goes with me where ever I go. Its the Temple of my body that I have invited God to abode in.

I understand how you feel and your mother as well, but your mother, with you need to learn to trust God in all things. This includes this present situation.

You write and say that your elderly mother is a devout Christian. Do you mean when you say devout that she is a true Christian? The reason I ask is that most people who call themselves Christians are not. Being a Christian is doing the Will of God. That's following His Commandments.

Please forgive me if this sounds a bit strange to you, its not for I have your best interest at heart.

Many people who say they are Christian practice Churchanity instead of Christianity. True Christians live a reality in Christ and need no buildings to call themselves Christian.

Your mother can do so much for the world by trusting in the Word of God and praying continually. She has paid her dues in this world and now its time to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.

You need to tell her that she is never alone when God is With her. She has so much going for her right now, if only she would take hold of it and use it.

I'm going to pray for her as I type this response to you. God is aware of you and me and the other readers who love Him who together as one with Jesus Christ reach out to your mother right now.

The best part of my day is when I tell God how much I love Him. He in turn blesses me with an abundance. If your mother needs someone to talk with, you know how to reach me.><>

Answer 4

Before gray hair you should rise is the command given to us from Jehovah.
And our faithful older ones have been a continued blessing to each congregation world wide and are worthy of double honor, which I am proud to say, everyone I know who one of Jehovah’s Witnesses takes this command seriously and we treasure our older faithful ones and help them when ever we can.
We too go into nursing homes and visit with our friends and relatives that have to live there until the time when God’s promised New System of things will come and heal them so they to can enjoy their youth once again.

Answer 5

Asatru very much values the elders. They are viewed as sources of wisdom and without them we wouldn't be here. We stand on the shoulders of all who came before us and we honor and respect them. As for the disabled...part of the Asatru faith is that we honor the warrior spirit, and a warrior spirit is one that keeps on fighting despite all odds, who accepts their limitations but keeps pushing. I think that describes someone who is disabled very well.

Answer 6

Of course, my place of worship is in Nature itself, and values all individuals. Why don't you call her Pastor or Priest or whatever, and give them a heads up. I'm sure they would be glad to help, and would only take a few minutes of your time, just to make her a little more happy.

Answer 7

Wow, that church sucks the big one. I mean, it sucks like crazy. Super at sucking, but horrible at what they're supposed to be doing, which is NOT sucking!

Man, they just SUCK!!

Answer 8

Try getting more of your family involved.

Answer 9

Yes, of course.

Answer 10

awww your mother sounds like a wonderfull lady and should be respected,,yes my church values all there people,,,,,,

LH