Online Archives

BY SHAUN LANE
UMCONNECTION STAFF

Virginia “Ginny” Haught has been a United Methodist for 92 years.

A long-time member of North Bethesda UMC, she has witnessed many historical landmarks in the church, but her focus is on being part of a vibrant church today and into tomorrow.

Haught gathered with other long-time United Methodists Sept. 29 at the Older Adult Day Apart, a one-day retreat at the West River Camping and Retreat Center near Annapolis.

The day included worship, fellowship, boat rides and conversation with the bishop.

Bishop John Schol implored the 125 older adults in attendance to continue to challenge one another to go deeper in their faith.

“We have to go from good to great,” Bishop Schol said. “We have to challenge each other to go deeper. If we’re not challenging one another to go deeper, we won’t effectively reach new believers.

“A lot of things have changed in the world and it’s not our fault,” the bishop said. “But the question is, what are we going to do about it? I am in the midst of a lot of greatness in this room. We need that greatness to come out and influence others.”

The Older Adult Day Apart originally started in 1985, when it was known as Spirit Alive, and was a one week retreat at West River.

Richard Rice, a member of St. Paul’s UMC in Kensington and a United Methodist for 50 years, said this Older Adult Day Apart was special to him because Bishop Schol helped him to better understand the mission and vision of the conference.

“This day gives me new ideas, sort of like a rejuvenation,” Rice said. “I feel like I need to continue to take more responsibility in my life in terms of my spirituality and ministry to other people. It was a great day.”

Haught agreed with Rice, adding that the older adults of the conference need to make sure their voices are still heard.

“The bishop said that the older adults still have a role and I believe that,” she said. “We have to continue to participate and be a voice in our churches. We have a lot of history to share, a lot to offer. This day allows us to be kept informed and grow. There are great spiritual leaders in this room ready to blossom.”