PPL eNews, August 2023 | Meeting the Challenges of Aging

Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage PPL ENEWS Meeting the Challenges of Aging   August 2023 FINISHING WELL   By Rev. Deborah Hollifield   Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you.  Isaiah 46:4        Since the beginning of time, aging has always been an individual experience, defined by the particulars of birth, the choices made earlier in life and the consequences and circumstances brought about by those choices.  Whether one is married or not; widowed, divorced or never married; with children or without; physically able, caring for a loved one or weakened and infirm oneself (or while weakened and infirm oneself); cognitively well-functioning or confused to some extent (or worse); isolated or in community; financially secure or financially precarious; grounded in faith or adrift (sometimes one or the other from day-to-day) - some combination of this list, plus others, become not "just life," but significant daily challenges.  Many of these must be navigated alone, no matter how close one's family or community. Some will be too private to share.  Recognizing that some of them are outside the possibility of human control, we have more time than ever before to muse ourselves into painful regret or depression.        It becomes increasingly important to make a daily choice not to allow ourselves to turn inward, instead, making a deliberate effort to seek the companionship of Jesus through prayer; doing something intentional to regain our perspective; and, as much as we are able, to reach out with a helping hand or encouraging word to others.       We hope you will take advantage of the resources highlighted in this Enews and on PPL's website, and that you will share them with your friends.      Friends, do not let the world tell you that you are finished! Claim the promises of God to His people: "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for [you]" (Psalm 138:8). "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:5). "He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 1:8).   Finishing Well Ministries        Finishing Well Ministries, based in Dallas, Texas, is a trove of resources and videos, whose purpose is to "mobilize seniors throughout their retirement years... We are called to keep growing spiritually, to keep being conformed to the image of Christ, to keep building the church, to keep sharing the Gospel, to keep on being ambassadors for Christ, to keep using our giftedness, and to keep on making disciples." One of their best, and most easily accessed, resources is their podcast, available on the Apple podcast app   Like Trees Walking        "Many of us are fast approaching the "golden years" of retirement, wondering with fear ― and hope ― what the future holds for us. And you won't find a better companion for the journey of aging than Jane Sigloh. She's witty, perceptive, and wise. A retired Episcopal priest, she is possessed of both reverent awe and irreverent honesty about the facts and fantasies of growing old. She interweaves the insights of Scripture, poetry, fiction, and philosophy into her memories and reflections on the challenges and opportunities that maturity brings. Dip into any of these chapters and find a refreshing perspective, a humorous anecdote, or an intimate confession that will ring true to your own experience."   Available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback, and on various used book seller sites.   PPL HAS MANY RESOURCES  ON END OF LIFE ISSUES        Compelled by the Gospel, PPL equips Presbyterians to champion human life at every stage - from fertilization to natural death.  The "End of Life Resources" tab on the PPL website contains a wealth of videos, books, links and information on matters including the growing pressure on the elderly to consider euthanasia and assisted suicide as viable options to the limitations and difficulties of aging and disease.  There are also videos and articles on preparing advance directives and making other end-of-life decisions - helpful information for older Christians and their families. Go to Resources page here

Job Opening: PPL is Seeking an Executive Director

Presbyterians Protecting Life is seeking a part-time Executive Director. We are looking to find the person God is calling to assist the Board of Directors in living out our mission statement and core values.  This is a remote position with some travel required. The salary is $35,000 for part-time position averaging 20 hours per week. For a full list of expectations and qualifications download the full job description. To apply send email with contact information and attached resume to Marie at ppl@ppl.org.

PPL Dialogue With Pastors Pastors from around the nation we would love for you to meet with representatives of the Presbyterians Protecting Life Board of Directors on August 10 at Noon Eastern.  “PPL Dialogue With Pastors” is designed to help the organization better understand current needs of pastors as they relate to life issues and ministries. Send an email to ppl@ppl.org telling us you would like to attend and we will send you the Zoom link invite.

Would you prayerfully consider joining the Executive Encouragement Team? During the 18 years I've been on staff with PPL, I have been encouraged by many people, but none more than the faithful monthly donors. I've been moved to tears by some who sacrificially gave $5 a month and have also seen God's provision through tough times in those giving larger amounts in a rhythm of faithful support month after month. As the PPL Board of Directors anticipates hiring a new Executive Director in the near future, I wonder if YOU would join me in becoming that steady kind of encourager for the person God is calling to guide PPL in living into their mission. Click the button below to learn more and to subscribe as a monthly supporter.  Thank you! Marie Bowen Learn / Join the Executive Encouragement Team

Other ways to give To donate via text from your phone: Text "give" to 1 (717) 537-0909. Follow the prompts on the page that opens to make a gift to equip Presbyterians to save human lives! To donate by check, mail your check to: PPL, PO Box 5239, Lancaster, PA 15606-5239. Online bill pay: Set up a monthly recurring check through your your bank. Give an IRA disbursement and avoid paying income tax on it. Call us for information about giving stocks. Click the donate button below to help PPL make a difference today!

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