God's spirit moves at National Older Adult Conference.

Something miraculous happened when nearly 1,100 adults over a "certain age" came together to sing, learn, worship, listen, and laugh with one another. This year's National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), held Sept. 4-8 and sponsored by the Association of Brethren Caregivers, proved once again to be a time where those present experienced God's spirit on the move.

God's living spirit was present during keynote events at NOAC as stories gave testimony to lives dedicated to living out Jesus' teachings. Kathy Reid preached about her grandmother's strong desire to be a part of her faith community, a desire so strong that she rose very early each day to memorize hundreds of hymns so that when the disease attacking her vision left her blind she would still be able to sing with the faithful. David Augsburger gave new insights about the differences between reconciliation and forgiveness. Later that same day, his older brother, Myron, called older adults to remember when they were called to be leaders in the church, inspiring them now to mentor new leaders for the next generation. Many hearts were moved when musicians Shawn Kirchner and Ryan Harrison performed songs from across the decades and when comedians Ted and Lee brought humor and poignant insights from scripture and well-loved Bible stories.

God's gentle, loving spirit flowed freely during the spaces in between a busy week of presentations, interest groups, crafts, tournaments, and entertainment. All could feel the energy and peace that came from the gathered community singing four-part harmony to "Move in Our Midst," "Will You Let Me Be Your Servant," and "Praise God from Whom." Equally moving was the profound silence at the close of night-time worships as five candles were carried off the darkened stage, down each aisle and out into the world.

A spirit of laughter and fun was brought by video announcements that included the character of Alexander Mack (a.k.a. "A-Mack"), who was disappointed at being passed over as the oldest attendee at NOAC*an honor that went to 98-year-old Claire Throne from Brook Park Church of the Brethren, Cleveland, Ohio. Certainly, God's spirit of service was present in the $3,000 raised for the REGNUH Fitness Walk/Run around the lake one hazy morning. A work project held during the week resulted in 565 school kits, 336 health kits, and nearly $1,700 in donations.

The miraculous truth -- that when two or more are gathered in Jesus' name, the spirit moves -- was true once again among the older adults from across the denomination who took part in the eighth National Older Adult Conference.