LCC Webinar: Strengthening Ministry Through Intergenerational Connections

National—Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is hosting a special online webinar on Saturday, April 18 at 12 p.m. EDT, aimed at exploring creative and impactful ways to minister to seniors and foster intergenerational connections within the church community. This session will feature two church leaders sharing valuable insights from their own ministries and offering practical examples of how different congregations are engaging both seniors and younger generations.

The event will feature Deacon Louise Gondosch, Parish Assistant at Christ Lutheran Church in St. Catharines, and Deacon Lenora Simpson, Director of Parish Services at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kitchener. They will offer perspectives on their innovative approaches to ministry, followed by a time for questions, discussion, and networking among participants.

Deacon Louise Gondosch will speak about her efforts to bridge the gap between children, youth, and seniors at Christ Lutheran. One of her key initiatives involves bringing toddler and preschool programs into senior residences, where young children interact with the elderly, and youth engage in activities like board games. According to Deacon Gondosch, these intergenerational activities not only serve as a form of ministry but also enrich the lives of both groups. Some seniors in these residences are members of Christ Lutheran, while others are not, offering a unique opportunity for outreach and connection.

Deacon Lenora Simpson will present insights from Holy Cross Lutheran Church’s Prime Time program, which is designed for seniors and takes place monthly. The program has become a vital part of the congregation’s senior ministry, providing an opportunity for fellowship, Bible study, and sharing personal stories. Deacon Simpson notes that the group often engages in discussions about travel experiences, current events, and other life stories, helping to foster a sense of community among older adults.

The webinar will be moderated by Deacon Samantha Neeb, LCC’s Associate Director of Family Ministries. Deacon Neeb, who was installed in August 2025, is committed to supporting family ministries across the synod. This event is part of LCC’s broader effort to offer ongoing resources and initiatives that strengthen families and ministries within the church. As part of this effort, LCC recently launched a Family Resources section on its website, offering helpful tools for families to use in their faith journeys.

In addition to the webinar, participants can expect to receive links to further resources on intergenerational connections and intentional grandparenting. These tools aim to help churches develop stronger, more engaged communities that nurture relationships between people of all ages.

To register for the webinar, interested participants should email Deacon Samantha Neeb (mailto:sneeb@lutheranchurch.ca). Those who have suggestions for future webinar topics are also encouraged to reach out.

This webinar is an excellent opportunity for church leaders, family ministry teams, and anyone interested in building stronger connections within their congregation to learn from practical examples and share experiences.

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