Dear Brothers and Sisters,
From time to time, I have the pleasure of posting a reflection from a member of St. Margaret’s. This one is from Bonnie Baron, a member of our online community. THANK YOU, BONNIE, FOR SOME GREAT IDEAS! If anyone else would like to write something, please get in touch with me and let’s talk about your ideas. We all have different experiences and different viewpoints. This is a great way to share them.
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our new diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
Aging and Serving God
by Bonnie Baron
When I turned a “woman of a certain age”, I wanted to explore the experience of aging
with a focus on serving God. After all, “Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-
three when they spoke to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:7.) “There was also a prophetess, Anna,
a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had been widowed
after only seven years of marriage and then was a widow until she was eighty-four,”
when she recognized baby Jesus at the Temple and spoke of him as Redeemer to
others. (Luke 2:36-37) .”Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on
the earth” (Genesis 7:6.) He followed God’s command to build the Ark and preserved life.
While these tasks were of great importance and often dramatic, I certainly could begin
with personal growth, community connection, and spiritual reflection. I adapted to
physical changes by choosing activities that bring present joy and meaning and wisdom
gained by life experiences.
Serving God remains a central focus throughout life, including older adulthood. “I want
you to have a new concept of holiness. You’ve got to be holy where you are: washing
dishes, at the office, at school. Wherever you are, you can be holy there” as quoted from
Mother Angelica from EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I recognized, along with my Education for Ministry
Group, the shared experience of isolation among older adults. With the help of an email
from a member of an online group, I became involved with Senior CHAT (Connections
Help Adults Thrive). “This volunteer initiative pairs callers with seniors for weekly phone
conversations lasting about 30 minutes over six months. The program aims to reduce
loneliness and foster human connection through consistent, caring communication,
highlighting the importance of community support for older adults.” ShareCare Faith in
Action.
In 2021, I enrolled at Northampton Community College for the College Success Course,
returning to college after 47 years. Thinking I could only afford a “few courses”, it was
explained to me that at age 65 and older anyone can receive a tuition fee waiver for
credit courses. I was able to continue my education and let everyone know of this
wonderful opportunity. I, along with others would be able to pursue my God given talents
in my era, as Moses who learned All the wisdom of the Egyptians. (Acts 7:22.) and Paul,
a Pharisee who studied at the feet of Gamaliel in Jerusalem, a leading Jewish leader.
(Acts 22:3) did in theirs.
Through my library courses at NCC, I donated many musical instruments for those who
participate with their time and talents in Studio 11 within the Bethlehem Public Library
expressing their creativity.
I connected with the Daughters of the King group, Mary Favored Daughter, at the Church
of the Nativity, where I continue to serve with gratitude on the Card Ministry and help with
the process of developing programs that are presented to our group and those that are
expansive.
While watching 69 News, I saw a feature on an App from “What the Tech” that
highlighted “Be My Eyes”. “Our Volunteers, now in more than 150 countries around the
world, provide real-time descriptions and assistance for people who are blind or have low
vision.”
A life centered on God no matter what age brings joy and meaning. Senior believers
demonstrate God's lasting love and strength, blessing others and creating purpose for
themselves.
“O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy
fellowship and do all such good works. As thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory,
world without end.” Amen. Holy Eucharist, Rite I, page 339. The Book of Common
Prayer.
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COMING UP!
- February 6: Soup Potluck, 5:30
- February 8: Groceries Plus in-gathering/blessing
- February 18: Ash Wednesday, 12:00 (zoom), 2:00-5:00 “Ashes to Go” at church (call first
to set time), 7:00 Ash Wednesday service, music, imposition of ashes,
Eucharist at church - February 22: Annual Meeting
- February 23: Lenten Bible Study begins, 7:00 p.m. via zoom
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00