Phoenix, AZ
March 18-20, 2004

Thursday was an afternoon of reunion and fellowship. Friday morning we received an excellent teaching from Tom McCormick regarding demographics & statistics and from Paul Faulkowski on the aging process. After lunch, we entered into a time of “dreaming”, to allow each person a chance to express their hopes and dreams for the future of CFCCM.

Nursing Home Ministry Training:

• It was discussed that we could create a library of training resources by bringing together all the materials from CFCCM ministries. This would be made available to churches, ministries and individuals who are seeking other nursing home ministry resources.
• Materials could be developed / adapted for use in Bible colleges and Seminaries
• We could offer colleges extra curricular programs for nursing home ministry
• Materials could be developed / adapted for youth group involvement.
• Regional training centers with a spirit of excellence could be developed throughout North America
• We could create one book with a mixture of “The best of” nursing home ministry training that could be available in bookstores.

CFCCM Web Site:

• Web site could include a chat room to answer questions, a page to host our resource library, tools to empower pastors who desire nursing home ministry in their church, tools for families and nursing home staff who need support in care giving, tools for schools needing curriculum or ideas for student involvement.
• Larry Wasserman and Terrance Wilson have a foundation already laid for this type of web site. They would be very willing to develop and possibly manage this project.

Influencing the Church and the World:

• We need to educate ourselves regarding our culture’s attitude with seniors. Also globally, as other nation’s attitudes affect many. For example: In China, the one-child-per-family law has negatively effected how they care for the aging. There are not enough children to care for the frail seniors. Latin’s reporting that people are dropping off elderly at care facilities, leaving false information and not returning. What we learn and conclude through prayer and Bible study needs to be available to the church and public.
• We could develop a “one church – one care facility” adoption program. This could help the churches see how they can easily participate in meeting the spiritual needs of all nursing home residents.

Administration:

• We can develop chapters of CFCCM in each city or region of North America. These chapters could hold regional prayer retreats and/or training programs.
• We could provide an endorsement / covering for those who desire a covering for their ministry.
• We should assign task forces, to brainstorm through specific goals and plans, then present decisions to the fellowship at our national gatherings. Such a procedure would increase our developmental process and possibly free up more time for prayer, fellowship and training.
• We do not want to control anyone’s ministry, but encourage them to creatively adopt our ideas and suggestions to their own way of doing things.

Support:

• A scholarship fund could be made available for Christians to go into nursing home ministry training, or to become an administrator, nurse, etc.
• We need to be prepared to embrace and mentor emerging and other existing nursing home ministries.

Scriptures and “Words” Shared:

• Psalm 53:2 “The Father is looking for people who understand and are willing to seek Me…”
• Romans 12:1-2: We need to give ourselves as a complete sacrifice. Get rid of the baggage. Do not be conformed to the world.
• Many people, little time. Let us not spend valuable time reinventing the wheel. Tools and effective resources are already available; let’s begin with what we have; time is important!
• Prayer is a very important part of our fellowship.
• Build the store, welcome the church. They will come if our fruit is fresh. We must be very careful to maintain a welcoming attitude and not hold grudges against those who do not share our passion. Forgive those who offend us.
• If we build a solid structure, God will send the workers for the harvest. Be Prepared!

3/20/04

Psalm 92 was shared.

Discussion on next fellowship gathering concluded with the following points:

• Holding these meetings at a retreat center is much less distracting.
• Because we are growing so fast, a $100 registration (suggested donation) charge will be asked from each participating ministry in the future meetings. This will help cover the food and lodging expenses. The special fund through GCM will continue to cover unmet meeting expenses. Transportation will remain the responsibility of each participant.
• The next meeting will be held on the west side of Cleveland (Vermilion), Ohio.
• The most favored date was September 16-18, 2004.
• Everybody expressed appreciation for the training session that Tom M. & Paul F. shared, so we decided to provide two training sessions in the next meeting.
• Out of eight combined suggestions, these three training topics were most desired:

1. Financial – Appropriate handling of funds, Funding issues, etc.
2. Recruiting – Approaching pastors/church leaders, finding recruits & keeping them.
3. Bridging the generation gap – Involving children in nursing home ministry.

• Stan Means was assigned to lead the financial session.
• Sharon Henning was assigned to combine and lead the Recruiting and the Bridging the generation gap session. Paul F. says he’ll help with the inter-generational part.
• Each session will provide a time for questions.
• Paul F. will record these sessions on audio tape.
• The meeting will also include a strong focus on prayer and open discussion.

It was suggested that the “home city” who hosts the meeting would also facilitate.

A few mottos for the fellowship were discussed, “One church – One Care Facility” & “Embrace” Care Facilities. No decision was made but all were asked to consider

We discussed taking advantage of National Nursing Home Week to educate the public (Public Awareness) of the needs and opportunities in nursing home ministry. Radio stations could provide free public announcements, etc.

• Jerry F., Dar J, & Sharon Haakenson said they would work on scripts that can be used and have been used very successfully.
• Chuck & Paul F. said they would also provide support if necessary.

We briefly discussed issues related to liabilities and the seriousness of it (especially regarding volunteer members.)

• A few ministries present asked for prayer regarding this serious issue.
• CIMA has insurance for volunteers and board members.

After our time of open discussion, we split into three prayer groups to pray for each other and CFCCM.

In conclusion:

Dar J. – Read devotional for today from I Kings “Restored & refocused” when He calls you to rest – be obedient!

Lyn humbly submitted a word from the Lord she received during her prayer time this morning. Bill G. read it to the group. “I came to make all things new. Each one of you can go from here seeing things a new from the finished work of the cross. I am victorious – I have overcome. Do not faint! You are my soldiers – Listen to my commands – you will hear my voice on the battlefield. Don’t ever forget that whatever the weapons are – together we win. Stay in Me – I am in you!”

After the meeting, several of us went to Pastor Sharon and Don Henning’s home for a cookout and fellowship.

Again, it was acknowledged throughout the gathering that Sharon Henning and her team from Phoenix First did a fantastic job at hosting our fellowship!

Comments from those who attended: