To give renewed energy and vigor to its ministry, To and By the Ageing (TABA) was relaunched as Next Phase Ministries (NPM) on February 26.
According to Rev John Lance, Acting Chair of the NPM Committee, the work of TABA was never completely understood among congregations.
“People didn’t know what TABA was,” he said. “We hope that Next Phase will give fresh enthusiasm to the ministry work that we do.”
The name change also allows NPM to offer services and resources to people who don’t think of themselves as seniors.
“Everyone has the next phase of their lives,” Mr Lance said. “We want to help and encourage people to continue to use their skills for ministry. We can all contribute, we might get a little slower but there is something for us all to do. This is the next phase of our ministry.”
(Picture from L-R: John Lance, Joy Austin, Robyn Claydon and David Claydon)
NPM is a volunteer group that began in the early 90s by Deaconess Mary Andrews. It offers services and resources to assist people in using their skills to serve in a variety of ways.
NPM also offers seminars and talks, like Depression Amongst Older People,designed to assist in ministering to an ageing population.
“Ministering to elderly people is vital,” Mr Lance said. “As people get older they begin consider their mortality. A lot of people come to Christ very near the end of their lives and they need help and support.”
Held at St Andrew’s Cathedral Chapter House, the launch of NPM was attended by 180 people and featured addresses from Rev David and Mrs Robyn Claydon.
Mr Lance told the gathering that the launch would be the catalyst for generating a renewed focus on Christian work with seniors in the Sydney Diocese. He reiterated that age was no barrier to ministry – even people with limited physical mobility could still pray and participate in building God’s Kingdom.
NPM is part of the Anglican Deaconess Institution Sydney Limited (ADISL), it also works alongside Mary Andrews College in the development of courses to train people for more effective senior’s ministry.
