Gathered Wisdom, Sept 8

A weekly collection of inspiration and resources for the journey, gathered from websites, books, and pass-alongs that have been shared with us. From Spirituality in the Wisdom Years.

Register Now for our online workshop/retreat:
Pilgrims Traveling Together in the Last Third of Life

Giving

Each of us, as we journey through life, has the opportunity to find and to give his or her unique gift. Whether this gift is quiet or small in the eyes of the world does not matter at all–not at all; it is through the finding and the giving that we may come to know the joy that lies at the center of both the dark times and the light.

— Helen M. Luke in Kaleidoscope: ‘The Way of Woman’ and Other Essays by Helen M. Luke

To Practice This Thought:
Identify one talent you possess that has enriched the lives of others.

From Spirituality and Practice

This week

Our email this week brings several online opportunities. Some focus on ways elders can lend their wisdom and expertise to social action and justice issues; others invite us to deep spiritual work. We pass them along and encourage you to explore them as you wish.

From SAGE
The mission of SAGE is to inspire people over fifty to give forward with their time, money, and voice to enable younger and future generations to thrive. SAGE motivates action and volunteerism through grassroots conversations and leadership development, so that older adults engage in and support causes and nonprofit programs that are vital to the needs of children, youth, and future generations. 

A Meaningful Life for Your Money

September 13, 3 to 5:30 pm CDT
Cost is on a sliding scale, $25 to $100 

At a time when many small businesses are struggling and racial justice and equity are front of mind, many people – with a variety of financial resources – want to know how they can help support the things they care about. Money is one way – and it is impactful.
For more information
To register

Starting a Community Project in Uncertain Times

September 15 and 29
Cost: Sliding scale of  $20 to $40

Many of us have great ideas for the change we want to see in the world, but we also have questions about how to get started and maintain progress. In this two-part webinar, we’ll address the steps to initiate your own community-based project and help you get started. Perhaps you could lead a monthly beach cleanup, volunteer to run a school library, raise funds for playground equipment, train teens to prepare for summer jobs — or pursue other projects that benefit coming generations.
For more information
To register

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From Elders Action Network
The Mission of the Elders Action Network is to build a movement of elders to address the social and environmental crises of our time. From their website: Within our American society, elders’ talents and experiences are generally untapped; their collective wisdom gained over decades of living largely lies fallow. This is an unfortunate waste of invaluable human resources that could be applied to addressing the serious societal and environmental problems of our nation. As Elders, we call upon men and women of all ages to embody the universal values of respect, compassion, caring, equality, integrity, justice, non-violence, and reverence for life. 

Elders Listening Circles

Tuesdays: September 8, 15, 22
12 to 1:30 pm CST 

Deep listening is a gift we give to each other. These gatherings will hold a safe space for us to share what is on our hearts and in our minds about what is happening in our country, in our lives, and to Mother Earth. All voices and feelings welcome. 

The Circles will not have an “agenda” but will be facilitated so all are heard and emergent topics are addressed. Join us for all three or only one.
Learn more and sign up here 

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From Sage-ing International
Sage-ing International is dedicated to helping elders reclaim their role as leaders, sharing wisdom and spirit essential to creating a better world for current and future generations. Sage-ing International is committed to transforming the current paradigm of aging to sage-ing through learning, service and community.

Legacy Writing Workshop

Sept 15 – information here

Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan 12 – information here
Cost: $95 per session

Legacy Writing is a pathway for elders to find their spiritual selves, to have a deep connection with loved ones and future generations by sharing their stories, beliefs and values in legacy letters.

For more about Sage-ing International

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From Renovare

Ren­o­varé USA is a Chris­t­ian non­prof­it that mod­els, resources, and advo­cates full­ness of life with God expe­ri­enced, by grace, through the spir­i­tu­al prac­tices of Jesus and of the his­tor­i­cal Church. 

Chris­t­ian in com­mit­ment, ecu­meni­cal in breadth, and inter­na­tion­al in scope, Ren­o­varé helps peo­ple in becom­ing more like Jesus. 

Don’t Just Do Something, Pray! (How to Integrate Prayer with Other Forms of Action)

Sep 10, 2020, 12 pm CDT (free webinar)

 “Prayer without action,” says Pete Greig, “is just religion in hiding.” Greig is a best-selling author, pastor, and bewildered instigator of 24-7 Prayer — an international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission, and justice that has reached more than half the nations on earth. Joined by 24-7 Prayer USA Director Lisa Koons, and hosted by Carolyn Arends, this webinar will explore topics like:
•How to pray for and respond to crises, both personal and large scale
•How to process unanswered prayer while still praying with expectation
•Why God invites us to take risks in prayer and action
To register
Learn more about Renovare