|
About ESMA
Mission Statement, Programs
and Information
The Episcopal Church's Mission Statement on Aging
(adopted at the 1986 General Convention)
-
The mission of the Episcopal Church in relation to aging is to affirm and
empower all persons for shared ministry throughout the entire life
span, and to be responsible to the special gifts and needs of older persons.
ESMA's Mission Statement
(adopted by the Board November 1994)
-
The mission of thee Episcopal Society for Ministry on Aging, Inc. (ESMA)
is to strengthen God's people for their ministries throughout their
entire life span. (Note: The entire life span is from birth
until death.)
Who We Are
-
ESMA is the nationally affiliated agency of the Episcopal Church responsible for
the development and support of ministries on aging. Since its inauguration by
the 1964 General Convention, ESMA has worked to serve the spiritual, psychological
and physical needs of older persons and to maximize the use of their
unique gifts and talents in continuing contributions to church and society.
ESMA is a volunteer organization comprised of clergy and lay persons
working in the field of aging. An integral part of ESMA's structure is its
national network of provincial coordinators and bishop-appointed diocesan
designees who help implement ESMA's goals and objectives.
The Programs of ESMA
-
Program activities are varied and include both developmental and
applied thrusts. Program development occurs largely through
the network and staff. Grants make it possible for ESMA programs to be
undertaken.
- Annual Meeting and Conference
hosted by member dioceses across the country. It is held in late
April and planned around topics the network suggests for further study.
- Age in Action, educational materials
and program ideas produced by ESMA for use in all parishes, is a program that has been endorsed
by General Convention. May is designated "Age in Action" month
for the Episcopal Church.
- ESMANET, an Internet website devoted not only to providing older
members and others with information about the wealth of resources
on the Web but to bring them together to communicate in a brand new way.
Contents include a Resource Page with
links to publications, information, and other content created by ESMA, as well
as links to other webpages on the Internet; an
Electronic Bulletin Board
will serve as an interactive forum where users can ask or answer
questions, post opinions, or share ideas; an Online Bookstore
through which users can place, via fax, phone or mail, orders for
publications offered by ESMA; and an
E-mail Directory - a regularly updated list of e-mail addresses for ESMA members.
- Publications are produced on aging concerns. Listings can be obtained
through the ESMA office.
ESMA continues to be interested in gerontology in Episcopal seminaries and schools of theology
and consultant services are available upon request.
ESMA's Structure
-
ESMA is a partnership with congregations, dioceses, provinces,
organizations and the National Church. The Board of Directors
includes laity, deacons, priests and bishops representing all adult
ages and widely different regions of the country. Board meetings are
held twice a year.
- Find Out More About Becoming a Member of ESMA
|
