Life is Calling! And, First Baptist Church South Richmond’s J.O.Y. class answered that call during Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2017 by declaring their class is, now and forever more, a Blue Zone.
Aging for Life is the first program of its kind in Greater Richmond motivating us to rethink what it means to grow older. The program is a flexible one that can be tailored to the interests and needs of requesting organizations. The Aging for Life team partnered with First Baptist Church South Richmond to deliver a unique, creative VBS course offering that provided both education and spiritual encouragement. Fifty-five people attended the four-day VBS class.
On day one, participants learned about ageism and the campaign to #DisruptAgeism. On day two, class members meditated on The Beauty and Freedom and Gifts of Elderhood. The excitement grew as class members shared their own perspectives and mottos on the benefits of elderhood. Benefits and mottos shared included, “We don’t ever lose the age that we’ve already been, we are all the ages!” and “We become more of who we are.” Perspectives on elderhood were joyfully affirmed by the evening’s curriculum.
On day three, we explored important characteristics of longevity exhibited in “Blue Zones” around the world where citizens live longer, healthier lives. This included a discussion on the importance of having the support of the “right tribe,” and results from research on the positive impact of having faith-based community. On day four, course members envisioned what saying “YES” to their own personal Blue Zone might look like. They partnered up and shared what each person might want to embrace and whether there are things in their lives that they might want to release.
All week, class members were encouraged to remember that -- today and every day -- “Life is Calling.” Our Aging for Life team ended the week in awe, feeling privileged by this special opportunity this summer with the J.O.Y. class at First Baptist Church South Richmond.
Aging for Life is the first program of its kind in Greater Richmond motivating us to rethink what it means to grow older. The program is a flexible one that can be tailored to the interests and needs of requesting organizations. The Aging for Life team partnered with First Baptist Church South Richmond to deliver a unique, creative VBS course offering that provided both education and spiritual encouragement. Fifty-five people attended the four-day VBS class.
On day one, participants learned about ageism and the campaign to #DisruptAgeism. On day two, class members meditated on The Beauty and Freedom and Gifts of Elderhood. The excitement grew as class members shared their own perspectives and mottos on the benefits of elderhood. Benefits and mottos shared included, “We don’t ever lose the age that we’ve already been, we are all the ages!” and “We become more of who we are.” Perspectives on elderhood were joyfully affirmed by the evening’s curriculum.
On day three, we explored important characteristics of longevity exhibited in “Blue Zones” around the world where citizens live longer, healthier lives. This included a discussion on the importance of having the support of the “right tribe,” and results from research on the positive impact of having faith-based community. On day four, course members envisioned what saying “YES” to their own personal Blue Zone might look like. They partnered up and shared what each person might want to embrace and whether there are things in their lives that they might want to release.
All week, class members were encouraged to remember that -- today and every day -- “Life is Calling.” Our Aging for Life team ended the week in awe, feeling privileged by this special opportunity this summer with the J.O.Y. class at First Baptist Church South Richmond.
