Orientation August 18, 2026

Meetings Dates: Begins August 25, 2026 with 9 all group sessions approximately every other week for 16 weeks.

Description:
NEXT Steps introduces participants to theological, philosophical, and psychological concepts of vocation and aging. It is a gathering for adults contemplating or entering retirement, and for those who are recently retired. All program activities are designed to stimulate your individual self-discovery as you develop a personal plan for your new and meaningful chapter of life. NEXT Steps participants follow a 16-week process of self-discovery through readings, presentations, small group discussions, and discernment. All classes will meet via ZOOM. By the end of the program, participants will have developed a vision and a plan for their next phase of life; their elderhood. On non-class weeks there will be a one-hour small group discussion, time and date to be determined by each small group on the first day of class.

Cohort leaders:

• Beth Long-Higgins, VP of Engagement and director of The Center for Abundant Aging at United Church Homes 
• Jill Schantz, Coordinator, NEXT Steps

Cohort Dates:

• August 18 - Welcome, Introductions and Orientation 
• August 25 - How We Engage with Age
• September 8 - Death and the Meaning of Life
• September 22 - Call, Vocation and Identity
• October 6 - Creativity, Curiosity and Seeing Possibilities
• October 20 - Generativity: The Dance of Giving and Receiving
• November 3 - A Spirituality to Sustain and Connect
• November 17- Making Hope Happen
• December 1 - Celebration of your Next Steps