Dot Savage (left) and fellow Primetimer viewing the sunset on a trip up Petit Ballon mountain. Image by: Mission Volunteers Primetimers walk in German trenches from World War I. Image by: Mission Volunteers

The Primetimers program of GBGM held it second event in 2003 in Sondernach, France. Through the Primetimers program, United Methodists over the age of 50 come together for a time of education, mission service, and faith-filled reflection. The France event took place September 15-26 at the Landersen Retreat Center. Twenty-four older adults gathered together for an event entitled “The France Your Never Knew – Faith, History, Cuisine, and Culture.” Dot Savage attended the event and shared her reflections from her time on this Primetimers event:

Since I returned from the Primetimers event in France, I wake up thinking that I hear the so familiar phrase, “Bonjour, mes amis.” A part of me still sees the beauty of those Alsatian mountains, the charm of the little villages, and I think I smell the aroma of that wondrous bread

While those memories are with me, there are other memories I have brought home with me from the Primetimers experience. I know that in a new way I have been struck by the power of vibrant faith community. It was experienced so strongly in our small group as we gathered each day for devotions, as well as in seeing more clearly the many connections we have with faith communities in other parts of the world, and in other points in history. As one of our group put it:

“Getting acquainted with the Alsace region of France – its troubled, war-torn history, its fragile grasp on faith, the sincere and open-hearted people – all of this has been helpful to me as a person of faith in understanding today’s world, in understanding Europe’s aversion to war, in understanding mission work in France.”

During our time on the Primetimers event, we learned about Alsace’s most famous son, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, visiting his home and museum. We had the wrenching experience of a visit to a World War II concentration camp. We walked the trenches of “le Ligne” from “the Great War” and of the Maginot line. We hear lectures on the history of religion in France, and in particular, of Methodism in Alsace.

At other times, we experienced how cheeses are made, picked grapes in lush vineyards, and we watched a young man make wooden shoes.

The group also turned their hands to the renovation of the local village school fence. After 3 mornings of scraping, varnishing, and bolting, with the completion of the renovated school fence, all the children came out to sing us Alsatian folk songs and to thank us in their very best English. There was even an article published in the local paper thanking these “elderly” Americans for their hard work and great kindness.

Over all the Primetimers was a great program. As one of our group put it:

“We have seen so much, learned so much, laughed so much, prayed so meaningfully, worked so joyfully, and sang so wholeheartedly. I go home wiser, deeper in faith . . .”

The Primetimers program is open to all persons 50 years and older interested in intentional educational forums, mission service opportunities, and faith-filled reflection.

2004 Primetimers events are currently being scheduled. For additional information on the Primetimers program, visit the website at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/features/primepro.htm or call tollfree 1-877-882-4724.

	See Also... Topic: Christian love |  Communities |  GBGM programs |  Volunteers |  Geographic Region: France |  Source: Mission Volunteers
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Date posted: Nov 14, 2003