GA06111

Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses or Survivors luncheon

New ARMSS president urges audience to maintain a 'meaningful life' into old age

by Toya Richards Hill

BIRMINGHAM, June 20 — The newly elected president of the Association of Retired Ministers, their Spouses or Survivors (ARMSS) urged his colleagues and friends not to grow old without living a meaningful life.

"The gift of a long life means we all have something to give back to the community," the Rev. Jim Reese told those gathered Tuesday at the ARMSS luncheon. "Don't get stuck in your own mind."

He shared his thoughts to a small group gathered for food and fellowship, and to recognize the organization and its role. Outgoing ARMSS president the Rev. Warren Rutledge also shared with the group through various songs he sang and played on guitar.

Chaplains Clara Lynn Bledsoe and Mary McQueen Porter, co-founders of Ruth & Naomi Senior Outreach in Birmingham, also ministered to the group via live harp music. Their therapy dog, Sandra, joined them.

Reese, 82, told the group that by 2050, there will be 298,000 centenarians. He also pointed out that based on 2004 research, 64 percent of great achievements were made by persons more than 60 years old.

"We are living longer. We are healthier and we are better educated," he said. Yet seniors must be careful not to live long "with a life that is thin as a string."

Take the positive example of people like John Wesley, who preached and wrote hymns until he was 90; and Grandma Moses, who was still painting at 90, Reese said.

He also pointed to the biblical example of Caleb, who was 40 years old when he was sent to spy out the Promised Land, and at 85 was still strong, battle-worthy and ready to take the hill.