The Path Ahead

The Path Ahead: Spirituality and Purpose in Later Life

In the second chapter of Luke, we encounter Simeon and Anna, two people farther along in life who continue to answer God’s call to service. And yet, too often the church views older people through an ageist lens. Churches with elderly congregants are described as “declining” while churches with young families and children are “thriving”. However, through the faithful examples of Simeon and Anna’s lives, we see that God’s call to discipleship is lifelong.

St. Catherine’s reflects the diversity of the body of Christ. We are young and old. Novice and experienced. And we all continue to seek purpose and meaning. A new Christian formation offering will enable us to lift up the example of Simeon and Anna and help those of us who are farther along the path to listen for and respond to God’s call. 

“The Path Ahead: Spirituality and Purpose in Later Life” is a curriculum on the spirituality of aging. Focusing on small groups, this six-part series explores the challenges and rewards of aging in a spiritual context.

Over six sessions, participants will grapple with ageism, identify changing spiritual needs, equip themselves with new prayer practices, and engage in discernment about God’s continuing call. An unabashedly countercultural curriculum, discussions will help us reject stereotypical narratives that define aging solely as decline.

If you are seeking to deepen connection, grow in community, and open yourself more fully to the divine, prayerfully consider joining this group. “The Path Ahead” will meet for six weeks at St. Catherine’s on Thursdays at 6:30 pm, beginning September 18.  For more information or to register, contact Terri Gabrielson, tkgabe1453@yahoo.com, 770-366-0066, or John Brooks, johnbrooks@bellsouth.net, 404-483-1000, the co-facilitators.   Registration closes on September 5^th.