LITTLE FALLS, MN (December 21, 2007) – Scripture frequently enjoins younger generations to learn from older adults in the community as wisdom is passed down. During a recent Heritage Tea at Grace Covenant Church, 100 women and school-age girls learned from nine women in the congregation – each of them is at least 80 years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a time in the life of a church when generations come together to share something remarkable, to learn past lessons that only God can teach and listen in awe, realizing that with God there is no generation gap,\u201d says Ruth Pappenfus.<\/p>\n
Each of the honored guests was paired with a member of the planning committee, who visited them in their home to ask questions of the past. Committee members then assembled a tri-fold display of pictures and memorabilia to help the women tell their story.<\/p>\n
During the first half hour of the tea, the senior women visited with the other attendees, who also took time to check out the different displays. The elder members then shared their answers to three questions: How did you come to faith? What are the most important lessons you learned as a Christ follower? What life lesson do you want to pass on to us?<\/p>\n
The women brought simple advice to life as they told their own stories. They spoke of the importance of prayer and walking by faith, even when feelings say otherwise. They also encouraged the younger women not to seek perfection, but pursue faithfulness.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe lived Psalm 78:4 that says, \u2018We will tell the next generation the praise-worthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done,\u2019 \u201d says Pappenfus.<\/p>\n