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Phillips Theological Seminary 
Date: April 8, 1999
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99b-22

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The special needs and 
opportunities of aging are the focus of a new 
course offered by Phillips Theological Seminary 
in Tulsa this summer. The class is made possible 
by a gift from Dr. Harley Galusha of Tulsa, 
joined by family and friends, in memory of his 
wife, Marlene.

	"The Marlene F. Galusha Memorial Course in 
Pastoral Care and Aging" will equip PTS students 
and others with skills to minister effectively to 
the increasing numbers of senior citizens. The 
class is open to master of divinity students at 
PTS, and others who qualify.  

	Gladeen Burris Allred, a specialist in senior 
adult care, will teach the three-credit hour 
course at Phillips Seminary,  beginning May 21. 
She says elder care is becoming increasingly 
important because the fastest growing segment of 
Americans is people 85 and older. In addition, 
the wave of retiring baby boomers in the next few 
years will offer churches and other community 
groups new challenges.

	Attitudes about aging also are changing, 
according to Allred. "You see it in the way old 
age is portrayed in television commercials and in 
the news media," she said. "You don't see senior 
adults sitting around in rocking chairs. You see 
them out enjoying life, hiking, and being a part 
of the community."  

	Allred studied aging for 15 years, writing 
widely on improving the mental and physical 
health of senior citizens. Besides teaching at 
Oklahoma State University, she is also program 
director for Reflections Senior Day Treatment in 
Stillwater.

	Marlene F. Galusha, who died June 30, 1998 --  
and for whom the course is named -- was a member 
of First Christian Church, Tulsa, where she was 
director of older adult services. She and her 
husband, Dr. Harley Galusha, developed and hosted 
the Senior Holiday Ball each Christmas for 13 
years until her death.

	She also was a founder of  Oasis Adult Day Care 
Center in Tulsa, which provides programs and 
services for senior adults with special needs.

	A graduate of The University of Tulsa in 
gerontology, Marlene Galusha also studied at 
Hillcrest Medical Center's Clinical Pastoral Care 
Institute and the Luther Seminary Graduate 
Geriatric Pastoral Care Institute. She was an 
active volunteer with many community endeavors 
including Meals on Wheels, St. Dunstan's Adult 
Day Care Center, Tulsa Senior Services, and the 
Mayor's Human Rights Commission.  

	The PTS course will be taught May 21-22, June 5, 
18-19 and 25, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m..  Topics 
to be covered include: Aging: A Spiritual 
Journey; Myths and Realities of Aging, Easing 
Late-Life Transitions, Pastoral Care with 
Depressed Elderly,  and  Formation of Special 
Ministries (such as, Stephen ministries, friendly 
visitors, support groups, and adult day care 
centers).

	Those interested in enrolling or learning more 
about the course should write to Phillips 
Theological Seminary, 4242 S. Sheridan Rd., 
Tulsa, OK  74145, or phone 918-610-8303.

                                                  
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