Seabury Resources for Aging® is pleased to present “The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life.”SM, a curriculum on the spirituality of aging designed for small groups. The six-part series explores the challenges and benefits of aging in a spiritual context.
The Path Ahead is unabashedly countercultural. The series rejects the stereotypical view of aging that defines it in terms of a single story of decline, and instead reveals this season of life through the multifaceted lens of spiritual growth, purpose, and meaning.
Over six sessions, participants will address ageism, identify changing spiritual needs, develop new prayer practices, and engage in discernment about God’s continuing call. Contemplative practices form the backbone of the curriculum, and new practices are introduced in each session. “The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life” features video presentations, directed discussions, and art.SM Foster connections, build community, and promote well-being.
“Path Ahead was born as a result of conversations and insights into ministry with older adults,” said Pastor Tim Johnson, pastor of Advent Church in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and an early adopter of the curriculum. says. “When someone retires and their traditional life suddenly changes, ‘The Path Ahead’ provides an opportunity to enable and encourage participants to no longer think in terms of nothingness, but in terms of opportunity. Masu.”
“Each week we offer practices to help people become more focused, more centered, and more open to God,” said curriculum co-author Pastor Susan K. Walker. “This helps people understand how God continues to call us throughout our lives.”
The Path Ahead was developed by Seabury Resources for Aging® In partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC. Recognizing the impact of the looming “silver tsunami” of aging in her diocese, Bishop Marian Edgar Budde turned to longtime community partner Seabury in 2017 to develop a curriculum on spirituality of aging that could be utilized by congregations. was developed. After two pilots and a little tweaking, the result was The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life.SM.
To serve more faith communities, Seabury adopted a “train the facilitator” model. As a result, her 103 facilitators from 13 states and multiple faith communities (Episcopal, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) have been trained, and the series has steadily grown in popularity. We are in the process of doing so. Seabury currently offers facilitator training online three times a year through the Diocese of Washington’s School for Christian Faith and Leadership. Register for upcoming training her workshops starting May 9, October 3, and February 6, 2025.
Inquiries regarding “The Path Ahead” are most welcome. Contact Elizabeth Boyd, Seabury Resources for Aging Congregational Resource Director®Email eboyd@seaburyresources.org.
