Aging with Grace
Beginning on Thursday Sept. 8, from 10:00-11:30 each week, St. Matt’s will be hosting a series of facilitated and collaborative discussions about the spirituality, challenges, and opportunities of aging. Our catalyst for each discussion will be a selection of literature. Our focus will be on questions such as the one raised in Mary Oliver’s poem, "The Summer Day," that asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Other poets will help us explore the impact of grief and loss, fears about aging, seeking and giving support as we age, and our views of the future. The group will meet for six weeks and each week will be a freestanding discussion so attendance every week is encouraged but not essential and new members may join at any time.
This is not a “class” in that there is no academic element of teaching. It is not a study of poetry or literature. But we will use poems as an invitation to explore our reactions to these works in the context of life, death, and aging. Rather than theological concepts or literary critiques, we’ll focus on human responses to questions such as
How will or do I respond to the physical changes of aging and find meaning by contributing and connecting to the lives of others?
How do experiences of grief and loss impact our own aging process and view of the future?
What are our questions and beliefs about death, dying, and the afterlife?
How will or am I accepting the support of others as needs arise?
What spiritual issues or questions are surfacing as we age?
Underlying any and all discussions will be our commitment as a Christ-centered body that celebrates the Eucharist each week and shares a sense of responsibility toward family, friends, community, and church.
The sessions will be facilitated by Lyn Frazer and Reenie Neal, lifelong Episcopalians and members of our St. Matt’s family. No sign-up is required, but if you have questions, please contact Lyn at lynfraser7@gmail.com or 970-712-6600 or Mother Jan at therevjan2018@gmail.com or 808-779-7835.