National Older Adult Conference to meet on ‘Legacies of Wisdom.’

"Legacies of Wisdom: Weaving Old and New" is the theme of the 10th National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), to be held Sept. 7-11 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina. Sponsored by the Caring Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, this tenth NOAC will celebrate the legacy born out of the wisdom, foresight, and creativity of the planners of the first NOAC, held in 1992.

Adults age 50 and older are invited to attend. Speakers, preachers, workshops, and entertainers will explore the legacies of the faith that we yearn to pass on to future generations, reclaiming the treasures of the past while creating new possibilities of hope for families, the church, and the world. There also will be opportunities for Bible study, recreation, creative expression, fellowship, and service.

A "Hike for Haiti" around Lake Junaluska will raise funds to assist with leadership development in Haiti, and school and hygiene kits will be assembled to give impoverished children and struggling families needed resources for learning, health, and wellness.

Preachers include Christopher Bowman, pastor of Oakton (Va.) Church of the Brethren; Cynthia Hale, senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Ga.; and Dennis Webb, pastor of Naperville (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Other main speakers are Rachael Freed, founder of Life-Legacies, who will speak about "Harvesting the Wisdom of Your Life: Creating your own Spiritual-Ethical Will"; David Waas presenting a keynote address on the theme, "And the Earth Moved"; and Judson University professor Michael McKeever speaking on "Wisdom on the Road" exploring the journey motif in the Gospel of Luke. Throughout the week, Robert Neff will lead the morning Bible study. Entertainment includes concerts by acclaimed Quaker singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer and Brethren musicians Andy and Terry Murray.

Members of the 2009 NOAC planning committee are Deanna Brown, Barb and Lester Kesselring, Joyce Nolen, and Glenn and Linda Timmons. Kim Ebersole is the coordinator.

Registration brochures will be mailed to past NOAC attendees, congregations, districts, and retirement communities in early March. Information about NOAC is available at www.brethren.org/NOAC or by calling the Caring Ministries office at 800-323-8039. Online registration is available for credit card users.

-- Kim Ebersole is director of Family and Older Adult Ministries for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 2/25/2009 Newsline