Ministry in later life and Dementia
The following titles are recommended reading for those involved in ministry to those in later life and those living living with dementia and their carers.
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A Good Old Age (2017) by Derek Prime RRP £9.99 Logos Resources Price £9.00
Author Derek Prime writes this book from his experience of a Christian living in his eighties, to encourage us to hold onto key Christian priorities. He identifies twenty six, one for each letter of the alphabet, including godliness, intercession, obedience and understanding. Each priority is rooted in scripture, draws on the author's experience and ends with a brief prayer.
A Great Place To Grow Old (2021) by Tina English RRP £12.99 Logos Resources Price £12.00
The book encourages churches to re-imagine their ministry to older people, who are increasing in number in our churches. The image from the Prophet Zechariah of old men and women sitting in the streets of Jerusalem with children playing around them provides a starting point. Tina outlines the importance of the principles of look, listen and love. Practical stories from care homes, activities in church buildings and Anna Chaplaincy offer models for those involved in ministry to try as they seek to 'get started' on this mission in an intentional and structured way.
Dementia from the Inside (2018) by Dr Jennifer Bute RRP £9.99 Logos Resources Price £8.00
Written from a Christian perspective, Jennifer Bute reflects on her personal journey from a senior doctor in a large clinical practice to diagnosis of young-onset dementia. Her reflections as the person inside the dementia diagnosis offer hope and practical support to those on a similar journey.
God in Fragments (2020) edited by Matthew Salisbury RRP £14.99 Logos Resources Price £12.00
This book contains contributions from a number of authors who set out the theological importance of enabling those living with dementia to worship, the spiritual awareness they have, how to create dementia friendly churches and the important contribution music can make to enrich their worship. An afterword by Sam Wells captures key messages from each chapter which is followed by an extensive book and resources list.
God's Not Forgotten Me (2022) by Tricia Williams RRP £20.00 Logos Resources Price £18.00
Drawing on real life stories of those living with dementia and their carers and rooted in scripture, Tricia Williams explains how individuals can still experience faith in dementia. In ten chapters she offers hope to those currently on the dementia journey and those who could be journeying towards it.
Memorable Loss (2023) by Karen Martin RRP £11.99 Logos Resources Price £9.00
Karen Martin shares the story of her friendship with 'Kathleen' from pre-diagnosis to her eventual passing, highlighting the difficulties and joys of dementia through the lens of friendship. Their journey together of love and persistence is captured in 25 moving chapters.
Messy Vintage (2021) by Katie Norman and Jill Phipps RRP £8.99 Logos Resources Price £8.00
Messy Vintage was developed in Philadelphie Methodist Church, Jersey and provides a model for being church with older people both in church buildings and beyond. The book begins by providing practical tips on how to run sessions. Plans are then provided for '52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation,' with each themed session outline providing a focus Bible passage, ideas for activities and the celebration, a prayer and song suggestions. A website provides free downloadable templates for many of the activities and celebrations.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova (2007) RRP £7.99 Logos Resources Price £6.00
The book tells the moving story of Alice, who is diagnosed with early - onset Alzheimer's disease in her early fifties. As an academic, wife and mother of three Alice goes through dramatic life changing experiences - but she is still Alice.