Adult Forum meets in the Parish Hall at 9:30 am on Sundays.
Nursery is available next to the Parish Hall for children 4 yrs old and younger.
Children’s Sunday School for K-8th grade upstairs in the Education Building.
Stephen’s introduction to the
Aging Gracefully and Finishing Well Adult Forum Series:
Not long ago, I pulled a book off my shelf that I had purchased years ago but never
opened—Nearing Home by Billy Graham. The timing felt providential. Earlier this spring, our ladies’ luncheon honored the women in our congregation who are over 70, and to our delight, more than fifty attended. Seeing that room full of faithful, joyful women made me think more deeply about the gift of growing older in Christ.
In the preface to his book, Billy Graham writes that this is the book he wishes he’d had
when he turned sixty. That caught my attention. If one of the most respected Christian
leaders of our time felt unprepared for the spiritual and emotional terrain of aging, then surely the rest of us can benefit from the wisdom he gathered. His reflections—along with insights from many other Christian writers—form the foundation of our upcoming Adult Forum series on Aging Gracefully and Finishing Well, beginning Sunday, September 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Why “Finishing Well” Matters at Every Age
Some have wondered whether a study on aging will resonate with younger adults. I
understand the concern, but I want to say gently and clearly: preparing for the later
chapters of life begins now. No matter your age, God is shaping you for a future that
includes emotional resilience, spiritual maturity, and a deeper trust in Christ. Growth in
grace is not something we postpone until retirement—it is the daily work of discipleship.
And, truthfully, the themes we’ll explore are relevant to anyone navigating
change—whether that means the grief of losing a loved one, the growing responsibilities and emotional weight of caring for aging parents, or seasons when purpose feels unclear or fragile. These are experiences that touch every generation sooner or later. So whether you’re 25 or 85, this study will meet you where you are and encourage you toward where God is leading.
What We’ll Explore Together
Our course will walk through five key areas:
1. Navigating Increasing Loss – Facing grief, change, and transition with hope
anchored in Christ.
2. The Gift of Years – Seeing aging not as decline, but as a season rich with
spiritual possibility
3. Being in Christ – Rooting our identity in the One who never changes.
4. The Right Use of Introspection – Reflecting honestly and faithfully on the life
we’ve lived and the life ahead.
5. Finding Purpose in Later Years – Discovering how God continues to call, use,
and bless us.
Along the way, we’ll weave in the spiritual practices that sustain us at every stage of
life—growth, connection, thankfulness, drawing near to God, and anticipation of
the life to come. And yes, we’ll also include practical planning tools to help us prepare wisely and faithfully for the future.
An Invitation for All
I hope that this series will be both comforting and challenging, both practical and deeply spiritual. Aging is something we all do—every single day. Learning to age gracefully, fruitfully, joyfully, and thankfully is part of learning to follow Christ well.
So, no matter your age or season of life, I invite you to join us. I believe you’ll be
surprised by how meaningful and relevant this study will be.
The Nursery is next to the Parish Hall.
