Weather: Another foggy start followed by brilliant sunshine, then some afternoon clouds. High near 90.
Schedule highlights: Second Bible study by Bob Neff; general session with guest speaker Katie Funk Wiebe; another afternoon of handcrafts, interest groups, and recreation, afternoon entertainment with folk singer Peg Lehman; evening celebration featuring guest speaker Richard Morgan; nightlife activities including a campfire song sing-along.
Quotes of the day: "I don't think I know a soul, and yet I feel I'm among friends." -- Mennonite guest speaker Katie Funk Wiebe
" 'Sag' is not a happy word for most people!" -- evening worship leader Peg Lehman, who then sang a song stating that wrinkles and lines are something to cheer about because they tell our life story.
The main events: Wiebe, a Mennonite and former English professor, shared her perspectives as a 77-year-old on growing older. "If you're going to be old, this is the time!" she said. She encouraged those present to think about the message they are sending to the generations behind them, and to be witnesses in the way they live. "We need to model not graceful aging," she said, "but aging that is grace-full--full of God's grace and hope." In the evening celebration, worship leaders Jim and Peg Lehman of Elgin, Ill., wove together a medley of lively songs, poignant stories about strength coming from brokenness and loss, prayer, and scripture. As guest speaker Richard Morgan said, "Wow! What a worship service!" Morgan then talked about the need for older adults not to be "retired" but "re-fired" as old clay is reworked into beautiful new shapes in Jeremiah. Older people don't need to whine, recline, or decline, according to Morgan. "There is a fourth option," he said. "To shine!"
Elsewhere: Neff focused Wednesday morning on "running without baggage," relinquishing possessions and other things that can distract or constrict. He also emphasized a "redemptive memory," like the writer of Hebrews 11 used. "Our task is not to forget our wrongs entirely, but to see them redeemed by the power and love of God," Neff said.... The ice cream marathon continued Wednesday, as the Brethren colleges each offered an evening ice cream social for all alumni of the respective schools.... The afternoon entertainment offerings were moved from a small auditorium to the main Stuart Auditorium starting Wednesday to accommodate large crows. "No more sardine sessions," as NOAC volunteer Kent Naylor reported during announcements. |
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Above, from top: Folk singer Peg Lehman plays to a full house in Stuart Auditorium Wednesday afternoon; guest speaker Katie Funk Wiebe calls NOAC participants to "shore up the church" by their presence; NOAC participants give a "thumbs up" to some lively music while learning sign language; Richard Morgan reminds the audience that God has a purpose for each of them. |
