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!

St. John's and Senior Connections thanks Lutheran Church Extension Fund and Northwest District Vice President, Mike Madison, for their generous support throughout our first year!

June RSVP

  • June 4, 10:45-1:45 Let’s go outdoors this summer! Our final gathering before the fall, we have a number of opportunities to think about exploring and experimenting close to home this summer!

    10:45 Arrival, refreshments, meet our guests

    11:00  Opening devotion, Pastor Brian

    11:20  LUNCH! Costco sandwiches, and more!

    Noon Choose a presentation:

    • The How To’s of Organizing a Container Garden with Master Gardener Marcia Sherry:  Planting in containers requires less time, space, and energy than in-ground planting and is just as much fun.  Learn the basics of organizing every detail from choosing the container, to what soil to use, to basic design and plant selection.  Marcia Sherry has been a Master Gardener since 1999, holding various Master Gardener leadership positions at the county and state levels in Ohio, Utah and Oregon,  receiving  the Oregon State Master Gardener of the year award in 2015. 

    • Connecting with Nature Right Here at Home: The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a special place, a safe habitat for hundreds of bird, plant, and animal species that also provides public access, so we can all appreciate the natural wonders around us. The Friends partner with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and others, to ensure the habitat is well-maintained and the community feels a connection to this incredible space. Join us to learn about the Refuge’s past and present, the wildlife that calls the Refuge home, and how you can be part of the future of the Friends organization. Presented by Jean Stemp, Vice President of Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge; Samantha Zeiner, Administrative Assistant, and Sam Robinson, Board member of Friends.

    1:10  Closing presentation!

    • Special guest Lydia Fitzpatrick, Destination Development Manager with Visit Vancouver WA.  She will share about exploring Clark County this summer  –  events, organizations, and opportunities close to home!

    • Highlights of Senior Connections’ first year, prepared by Scott Thurman

    RSVP now! Invite a friend!

  • 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!  Together we created fused glass tiles with Ann, Megan and Kim from Cavanaugh Fused Glass (look for the finished project soon!), and refined our writing skills with Cassie Moore, author of the Gallivanter Saga.

    May 7: Resources for Aging Clark County:  Clark County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Holly Kipp and Outreach Program Coordinator Kasey Frazier will discuss S.A.L.T., Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, and Julie Donovan, Program Manager for HOPE Dementia Support, a collaboration between HOPE Dementia Support and the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington. 

    June 4: Summertime -- let's get outside! Container Gardening with Master Gardener Marcia Sherry, Getting to know Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge with Board Vice President Jean Stemp, and end-of-the-year surprises!

    • 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:

    Powerpoint

    Handouts

    Connections

A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

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A cord of three strands is not easily broken. 〰️