The Third Act is a ministry that provides fellowship and information of interest to older adults through an occasional catered luncheon and speaker series.
Conversation topics are announced shortly before the scheduled date. We welcome people of any age to attend these gatherings, and we invite you to bring a friend. We are also seeking a few people to help put on the luncheons. Please contact Lynne Hellesvig to help.
October 19 – Community Kindness Initiative
FCC’s popular “Third Act” luncheon/speaker series returns for another year on Monday, October 19, at 11:30 a.m. in the Wheeler Room. The speaker will be our own Noreen Dunnells, who will provide an overview of the newly resurgent Eugene-Springfield Community Kindness Initiative.
Many people will recall the initial Eugene-Springfield Communities of Kindness project and the many “Choose Kindness” lawn signs, bumper stickers and pins that were visible in our community prior to the pandemic. The pandemic shut down several of the plans and activities to grow the movement at that time. In recent months, leaders of the project decided that it was important and timely to renew that initiative. Now, kindness reminders are re-appearing in the community, the recent Eugene Celebration Bright Parade featured Kindness as its theme, and conversations are beginning in several segments of the community about how to spread this message further.
Noreen Dunnells, a member of FCC, is the recently retired executive director of United Way of Lane County. She is now the sole employee of the Choose Kindness project, where she inspires and guides a growing number of community volunteers to help spread the kindness message through their roles and contacts in the community. Noreen will talk about the value of such a project within the community, how it is unfolding here, and how those of us who are interested can help support this way of expressing our values in small ways in which we live our lives on a daily basis.
Conversation and idea sharing will also be part of the program. We hope you will join us for this informative and uplifting gathering.
Additional Third Act dates and topics/speakers:
February 22: Val Close and Jarl Berg
The FCC-Hosea House Collaboration: Mission & Update
June 7: Dean Kokjer
It’s All Over the News! What We Are Learning About Living a Longer and Healthier Life.
We hope you will put these dates on your calendar and join us for food, fellowship and timely topical conversations.
What happens at 3rd Act??
by Dean Kokjer
Food, fellowship, fun and usually some thoughtful / spiritual learning. In October, our speaker, Dr. Quentin Holmes, challenged 38 of us: “If FCC could do only one new thing for older adults, what would you like to see us try?” The following ideas came from the table talks in response:
- Connect with those who cannot come to church
- Home visits
- Take the “party” to folks needing company
- Caring cards (as described by the speaker Dr. Holmes)
- Seminars or workshops like this one about aging
- Have intentional visitors—give the caregiver or spouse a break—break up isolation
- Transportation—“I like to go places when invited, but I can’t get there.”
- Help with technology—instruction on internet use, how to find sermons and services, how to use uber or other transportation alternatives (Ride Share?); have a time at church to get tech help. Could youth help with this?
- More rides to church activities; need a system for knowing about needs and coordinating transportation
- Identify who is out there who who needs assistance
FCC has children’s ministry, youth ministry and family ministry…Elder Council is our ministry team for and with the other end of the age spectrum. We need more folks to make this happen. If any of this captures your ministry imagination, check with Stan Paine for how to plug in and contribute.
We usually meet in the Wheeler Room for a light lunch with friends, and a presentation.
Please sign up for lunch on either the lobby easel or tap the button below once dates are established. Let us know if you have dietary restrictions and if you can help with set up and clean up.
The Basic Philosophy and goals of the Third Act are:
I. Food and Fellowship
II. Resourcing for basic life needs related to aging/retirement
III. Special speakers providing educational and entertainment
- Gift assessment and recognition
- Meaningful outreach opportunities
- Intergenerational opportunities
VII. Spiritual enrichment and support
VIII. And some lighthearted fun!
