Past Events

Grey Lions Kickoff
Saturday, January 17, 2004

As reported in the February Gospel, the 2004 Parish Life scene got off to a grand start January 17 when about 60 St. Mark’s seniors braved snow and sleet for an evening of fun, food and conversation in the parish hall. Heard from one wag, “I see old people….” This get-together of retirees and those in their 60s, 70s and 80s came about from Shrine Mont discussions of this age group’s role and needs. After partaking of bountiful potluck offerings, parishioners at each table were asked to discuss how they felt about their current role at St. Mark’s and what they might want to do in the future. To work off dessert, there were two exercises: the seniors each line up in four groups, first by length of time at St. Mark’s and second by age (horrors).

Honored after dinner were the Answering Angels, a group of folks who answer phones, greet visitors and convey information every weekday from 9:00 to 3:00 at Baxter House. Linda Barnes and Marilyn Meek launched this recent innovation—also based on a suggestion made at last year’s Shrine Mont. The communication at St. Mark’s, providing a welcoming human voice when people call or visit.

The group also endorsed a new effort by Junior Warden Jack Burton to convene a group of people — the Grey Lions — who can spot and work on small problems in the church’s always challenged physical plant. Other creative initiatives, such as “grandparent” relationships between older parishioners and young families, were proposed as possible future projects if there is a critical mass to pursue them. Doris Burton organized the potluck, and Penny Hansen was master of ceremonies. Everyone agreed that these events should continue and, for now at least, chose the French term for this St. Mark’s age group: Le Troisième Age (the Third Age).

Good Food as Always


In the Company of Friends


Honoring the Answering Angels


As Always, Plenty of Newsprint