“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. . .”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Age 60 or older? Interested in learning, getting to know others at St. John, finding ways to volunteer, and growing together in faith and community? Join us for a monthly event at St. John! Bring a friend!

Since May 2025 St. John Senior Connections has connected our church, members and resources with St. John participants and Clark County residents over age 60 to build Christian faith and relationships, encourage and support individuals in their daily challenges, and have fun! The monthly event facilitates connections and support for everyday life.

RSVP requested! We do require an RSVP for each event so we have enough lunches for all. You are invited to come to all or a portion of each program. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the program start time to register and find a seat of your choice! It’s also a good time to meet and mingle with new and returning friends!

April RSVP

The Cavanaugh Fused glass team, our featured presenters at our April 2026 event

Integrate creativity into each day! April 9, 10:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Consider the ways you are more creative than you think. Be challenged in your writing. Write a favorite memory to share with friends and family. Contribute to a “quilt” to be given to St. John. Connect, learn, be inspired – and have fun!
10:45 a.m. Arrival, registration
11:00 a.m. Opening devotion - Pastor Brian
11:20 a.m. Lunch – Pulled pork, rice, beans, soft shells!
12:10 p.m. Workshops one
Ageless Creativity with Tiera Polzen - Active Living Director, Koelsch Communities. Stay creatively active to boost mood, strengthen memory, and foster connection. Explore how creativity doesn’t fade with age — it evolves. Discuss the many ways creativity shows up, from art and music to storytelling, problem-solving, and everyday innovation.
Create a glass “quilt” for St. John! Local artists from Cavanaugh Fused Glass will teach us about their creative process and provide an opportunity for us to participate in creating a project for St. John. If you’ve always wanted to “be” an artist, this is your chance! Yes, you can do this. Limited to 20 participants.
Drive to the Finish Line: Finding Focus and Motivation – Cassie Moore. Every writer hits walls – but you can break through them! Discover tricks and strategies to help you stay disciplined, navigate ups and downs, and finish that manuscript, article, or poem.
1:00 p.m. Workshops two
Repeat of Create a glass “quilt” for St. John for an additional 20 participants.
Memory to Magic: Bringing Your Moments to Life – Cassie Moore. Transform a meaningful memory into a compelling story. Through guided reflection and simple writing exercises, explore how to write from the heart and craft a piece that connects with others. Bring a journal and get ready for some relatable, hands-on writing!
Learn more about our guest creatives!
Podcast interview with Ann and Megan Cavanaugh of Cavanaugh Fused Glass
September 11: Introduction to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Introduction to Estate Planning: Wills and Trusts -- graciously sponsored by Lutheran Church Extension Fund
October 9: St. John Health Fair -- hosted in partnership with sponsor Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities
December 4: Who are our neighbors? Clark County Food Bank, Council for the Homeless, and the Fourth Wise Man!
January 8: “Embracing New Adventures:How to Thrive in the Second Half of Life “with Benjamin Surmi, Social Gerontologist with Koelsch Communities
January 24, Special Event -- Estate Planning Workshop
February 5: The Work of His Hands: Addressing the perceived conflict between science and Scripture, Astronaut Colonel Jeff Williams
March 5: Emergency Preparedness Day: Expecting the Unexpected
April 9: Unleashing your creative potential! You will have a chance to learn and create -- fused glass art and writing!
May 7
June 4
- A devotion
- Lunch
- Presentations from experts and leaders in our community
- Introduction to local and church resources
- Information about ways you can serve throughout the month
If you would like to watch our previous recordings, visit our YouTube Channel using the link below:
Senior Connections Presentations
St. John sponsored a full day Estate Planning workshop in partnership with Lutheran Church Extension Fund on Saturday, January 24. We hope you will find these resources from that day helpful.
Videos:
- Ask the Expert panel discussion facilitated by LCEF VP Diana Raasch
- Estate Planning: Financial & Tax Considerations – Financial Planner Heidi Johnson Bixby and Tax Accountant Ralph Doggett
Powerpoint
- What to Expect When You're Expecting to P ass, Matthew Sharpe, Community Services Counselor, Evergreen Memorial Gardens
Handouts
- My Funeral Plan
- It's Your Funeral - Making Plans
Connections
- In case you missed the event and have questions or would like a will guide, contact Diana Raasch at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). LCEF has various other estate planning resources. LCEF also has a newsletter; click here to start receiving a personal planning newsletter.
- Lutheran Church Extension Fund of Northwest District
- Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
- Three Creeks branch of Ft. Vancouver Regional Library
- Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington
- Clark County's Council for the Homeless.
  - To inform the Council of someone living outside you can complete their Community Outreach FormTo donate essential winter gear, review this flyer.
- Clark County Food Bank.
  - Their Food Finder can be accessed 24/7.
- Family Promise of Clark County.
- Sean Ericson, U.S. Geological Society
- Charles Ingalls, American Red Cross, Southwest Washington
- Jodi Blackwood, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA)
- Cavanaugh Fused Glass
- Author Cassandra Moore