South Senior Message

As I sit and write this issue of the “Message”, my thoughts and prayers go out to the likes of B.A. Toombs and Terry Frost and their respective families. They each passed from this life to another life  around the same day a fortnight or so ago. Terry has probably already mapped out some trails in the hereafter, and B.A. has hosted another grand party along the “shore.”

It is both a sad and joyous event when another South Senior exits this life. As always it is my privilege to serve the Senior Program and encounter the wonderful courageous folks who pause awhile with us. The beloved Lebanese mystic, Kahlil Gibran wrote in his classic book, “The Prophet” about “joy and sorrow.” He had a spiritual skill to pose and ponder many life’s values and soulful experiences in the lens of life’s duality.

As the passage on joy and sorrow reads, “a woman said, speak to us of joy and sorrow, and he answered,…look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy…and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

It has been my delight and continues to be as we share our South Senior Program.

It has been noted that many Seniors have been dropping change and occasional bills into the “Seniors for Youth Mission” bucket each lunch program. Last year the Senior Program amassed a most generous donation for our youth. This spring the Youth Group is heading to the mountains in Virginia and W.Virginia area and as always shall bring a spirited energy as they encounter a lifetransformational happening. It is a treasure for our Seniors to be a part of the project.

Another project afoot is to repeat the Annual Soup Fest, which sets aside any offerings toward the Memorial Walkway and Garden. It is an intimate piece of ground aside the church. When warmer weather arrives, do treat yourself to some moments to sit and pray and be thankful for your South home and community. The Soup Fest is scheduled for Friday, April 16th, following Easter. Plans are underway to assembled 8-10 talented and nurturing “soup chefs” to set up a delicious soup buffet. Last year the event was a huge success and netted $500 that was used in the walkway to remember some “ole South members.” The Senior Circle will decide how to allocate any good will donations, with a focus upon the walkway/garden. Stay tuned as Seniors are invited to donate simple baked goods as cookies, brownies.

Several lunch programs have been scheduled and are listed on the enclosed sheet. Please save and post.

The rich and varied resources of South Church members continues to be the everlasting source of  our featured guests. We enjoyed a wonderful visit with Doug Giles and also Peter Imse and Mike Gfroerer as we visited the historical 1999 fire at South.

Always Seniors may bring friends, family and others than senior folk. This would be particularly apt when we are visited by Gray Fitzgerald in our April lunch.

Also let Jim know with some advance if transportation is needed (225-5102). As weather improves don’t be surprised if you see my smiling face at your door, stopping by for a spot of tea.