St. John Senior Connections

Many thanks to Serena Kendrick for creating our logo.

 
“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!

January RSVP

  • Thursday, January 8

    10:45 a.m. Registration, arrival

    11:00 a.m.  Opening devotion -- Scott Thurman

    11:20 a.m.   Lunch -- Chili for a chilly January!!

    Noon-1:30  Presentation: "Embracing New Adventures: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Life" with Benjamin Surmi, Director of Education and Culture and Social Gerontologist with Koelsch Communities

    Embracing the Next Adventure: How to Thrive in the Second Half of Life

    What if everything you've been told about aging is wrong? Join social gerontologist Benjamin Surmi for an inspiring look at what research reveals about aging well—and how perspective, purpose, and people shape our destiny in the second half of life.

    Through surprising research, real stories, and engaging examples, we'll bust aging myths and discover what's possible when we refuse to settle for society's limited expectations. Together, we'll identify your personal north star—the priorities that matter most—so you can keep pursuing what brings meaning and joy through every decade, no matter what challenges arise.

    Benjamin has spent decades working with older adults and now guides innovation for 2,000 seniors and employees across 39 communities nationwide. His passion? Imagining what others think impossible—and making it real.

    Come ready to be inspired. Leave empowered to write your next chapter.

    Benjamin will be joined by Jeremy James, Koelsch's Director of Community Relations at University Village in Vancouver, WA. He works with diverse partners to bring the resources of University Village to the wider community, and has extensive experience both in the non-profit world as well as in counseling seniors through some of the biggest decisions of their life. January 8 he will be available to answer any questions you might have about life in community and related decision-making.

    RSVP today!

  • 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

    March 5

    April 9

    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

  • Hidden Treasures of the Library,presented by Elizabeth Moss, Branch Manager of Three Creeks branch, Ft. Vancouver Regional Library -- May 15, 2025

    Introduction to AI,presented by Elizabeth Moss, Branch Manager of Three Creeks branch, Ft. Vancouver Regional Library -- June 12, 2025

    Understanding Wills & Trusts, presented by Mike Madison of LCEF -- September 11, 2025

    Who Is My Neighbor, Part 1, Local Need Panel
    - December 4, 2025

    Who Is My Neighbor, Part 2, “The Other Wise Men”
    -December 4, 2025

A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

〰️

A cord of three strands is not easily broken. 〰️

 Thank you for your support of and participation with Senior Connections: