wfn.org | Worship, songbook designed for older adults

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

June 14, 2002 News media contact: Kathy Gilbert7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.   10-71B{260}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church has published a new,
large-print ecumenical songbook and worship guide for use in nursing homes,
retirement communities, hospitals, homes and other older-adult settings.

Rock of Ages, published by Discipleship Resources, features hymns and songs,
and orders of worship and prayers are printed in large type for ease of
reading. Familiar hymns from The United Methodist Hymnal, as well as The
Baptist Hymnal, The Presbyterian Hymnal, and the Lutheran Book of Worship
are included.

"This is one resource that will help rekindle and restore the faith of older
adults as they sing again, in large print, the songs of faith that inspired
them when they were young," said the Rev. Richard H. Gentzler, director of
the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries and a contributor to the
book. Other contributors are the Rev. Daniel Benedict and Dean McIntyre,
directors in the Center for Worshiping Resources at the United Methodist
Board of Discipleship.

The book includes a service for a person moving from independent living to
nursing care, a room blessing for a new resident, a basic order of worship
with or without Holy Communion, and a memorial service. An index directs
users to the pages where the hymns and songs can be found in the hymnals of
the different faith groups.

The resource is designed for local church leaders, chaplains, lay volunteers
and staff who lead worship in nursing homes, retirement communities or other
long-term health care settings, as well as the residents who participate in
the worship.

The book can be ordered from Discipleship Resources or Cokesbury. Cost is
$15.95. For more information, contact Gentzler at the Center on Aging and
Older Adult Ministries, P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003; (615)
340-7071; or rgentzler@gbod.org.
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United Methodist News Service
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