There is a possible way for senior brothers and sisters to reach out to other seniors in their communities by the use of Peer Learning Discussion Groups which are sometimes available in Senior Centers in towns and cities across your country.
The courses usually run for eight weeks and meet for one two-hour session per week. The meetings usually consist of approximately 8 to 12 people sitting around a large table. Each course has a theme that gives rise to a number of possible topics. At the preliminary meeting, the moderator proposes a list of subjects and the group may suggest others. Each person then selects a topic and undertakes to prepare a 20 minute talk to be given at some point in the next eight weeks. At each weekly meeting, there are two 20 minute presentations, each followed by a 30 minute discussion. This allows for a coffee or tea break between sessions. This type of atmosphere is very conducive to friendly discussion and an opportunity to meet others who have similar interests.
Course subjects can vary but in my local Senior Community Centre we have considered and are considering such subjects as:
- The Middle East — Roots of Conflict and Possible Solutions.
- The New Longevity.
- Faith, Religion and Science.
- Endangered Species and Invasive Species.
There are a host of possible subjects that could be considered and obviously suggestions which would engender discussion on Bible subjects would be preferred. Typically in Canada Senior Centers cater to those aged from 55 years and up and if your local senior organization doesn’t presently run such a program it could be suggested that they do. Many of these Centers are actively encouraging seniors to exercise their minds as well as their bodies in order to prolong and enrich the retirement process. One could volunteer to set up a committee to organize and oversea such a program in your community. It is an opportunity for both brethren and sisters to engage in these talks and discussions. Typically an email list is made up from the attendees and even if people attending the sessions are reluctant to speak up on points made during discussion they can often correspond with you at some later date via email.
If brethren and sisters see an opportunity in their community and would like further details on setting up such a group I would be happy to share with you my personal experiences and some possible advice.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD” (Isa 1:18).
Michael Carr (Kitchener/Waterloo, ON): buxtoncarr@hotmail.com
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One