Church News
Compiled by Bruce Henderson
boynton beach retreat
Twenty years ago the Rev. Fred Schnarr founded Eldergarten in Boynton
Beach, Florida, for senior members of the Church whom he fondly referred
to as “students in the age of wisdom.” The idea was to provide a program of
stimulating speakers and discussion, with plenty of opportunities for social life
among New Church friends.
In 2011 Eldergarten outgrew the church buildings in Boynton Beach and
moved to the Duncan Conference Center, which also provides rooms and
meals. It also outgrew the name Eldergarten. Now the “Retreat” – held January
18-24 this year – opens the experience to a wider age group. It regularly attracts
more than 100 attendees.
The speakers this year were the Rev. Dr. Thane P. Glenn and Dr. D.
Gregory Rose from Bryn Athyn College, and the Rev. Jeremy F. Simons from
the Bryn Athyn Church. Summaries of their presentations begin on page 140.
Below are reports on: a General Church overview and questions-andanswers with the Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss Jr.; a banquet talk by the Rev. George
D. McCurdy; and a presentation on the New Christian Bible Study Project
by Steve David from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Phoebe Simons Tucker, from
Shelton, Connecticut, also offered a delightful session on “How to tweak your
memory for sermons and classes.”
General Church Overview
Bishop Buss said that the Church administration
and Board of Directors are trying to be more aware of
issues and opportunities, and to focus attention and
energy on them.
He said the mission of the Church is “to help people
live a heavenly life through the teachings of the Lord
God Jesus Christ in His Second Coming,” and that we
must always be asking how the Church is succeeding.
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