"Growing older gracefully is letting go of what was, accepting the present -what is, and looking forward to the next steps in life’s journey—the future. 'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Jeremiah 29:11

Aging goes beyond the physical facts to the spiritual truths as people advance from one stage of life to the next. Instead of concentrating on prolonging youth, an awareness of a spiritual dimension gives us the resources to evaluate the nature and meaning of life Life is about becoming more than we are, it is about being all that we can be. Whatever we are doing, however old we are, wherever we fall on the social-economic scale. What does it mean to age? What does it mean to be older, to be old, and to become elderly?

Ageism: “I am sixty-five and I guess that puts me in with the geriatrics, but if there were fifteen months in every year, I’d only be forty-eight!

James Thurber




SAM: Senior & Archives Ministries

Janice Box, Pastor of Visitation and Senior Adult Ministries
Janice@ffmc.org

FFMC SAM

FFMC Legacy Hall (Below the Sanctuary) houses the SAM (Senior & Archives Ministries) room. It is dedicated to serving those oldest amongst us. It is a special place to come and do things you might do at any senior center. All seniors, no matter their faith, economic status, heritage or race are encouraged to come to join us as we learn together in a kind Christian atmosphere. Bible studies and activities to improve or learn new skills and serve others will be offered. Come join us as we journey together the wonderful years of senior citizenship. All ages are welcomed to volunteer and join in the fun!

FFMC offers activities every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the occasional Thursday but we need volunteers to keep the SAM open.

FFMC SAM needs you to volunteer!
Come and share time in the SAM for meetings, events and in the gym for the “Walk and Talk.” Everyone no matter your age is welcome to come volunteer to help in the Sam. FFMC SAM needs You!

Opportunities To Be Involved

“Home Touch” and “Senior Care Network”
Seniors reaching out to other seniors with mailings, visits and friendship:

On Sunday - Fellowship Classes (FC)
9:15am Samaritans FC, Fine Center Rm 260B
A cross-generational class meets at 9:15am and includes a wide-range of excellent teachers from our congregation, pastoral staff, and SPU faculty. All are welcome. Contact – Dale & Marcia Thuline

9:30am Homebuilders FC, Fine Center Rm. 260D
A large, mostly senior-adult class, but becoming increasingly multi-generational with a commitment to systematic Bible study. Contact – Marky Barrett

New! Read the latest "Homebuilder Highlights" newsletter. (updated March 2013)

Other Community Groups
Some of the classes available on various days and at convenient times include:
Made with Love Crafters - 10:00am 1st Monday of every month
Grief and Bereavement - Support meetings
Focus Bible Study - Meets 10:00am Tuesdays

The SAM’s Weekly Schedule

Monday and Wednesday 10am to Noon:

First Monday of every month:
Made with LoveMade With Love Crafters
Everyone is welcomed to come join us as we plan gifts for our homebound Church members, the sick amongst us and those we minister to in our community. Crafters meet the first Monday of every month for encouragement in God’s Word and for new craft ideas.

Tuesdays:
Focus study - 10am to Noon, September 18-December 4
A 12-week discussion group study of the Apostles Creed using Michael Horton’s book We Believe: Rediscovering the Essentials of the Apostles’ Creed.

Wednesdays:
The same schedule as Monday- 10am Chit-Chat & Activities in the SAM & Walk and Talk in the gym at 11:30.

Occasional Thursday Events: