COMMUNITY LEARNING SEMINARS

First Christian Church will be offering a series of Community Learning Seminars addressing a number of important issues that many in our community will find interesting. This series will begin in March and will consist of four topics that run in weekly sessions for 2-4 weeks. Each session will last about an hour and is intended for small groups of 8 to 12 people. The topics will include the following:

Impact of Poverty on Children

Generational poverty can have dramatic impact on children’s attitude about life and their future. These sessions promote the understanding of the culture of poverty and the possible responses helpful to these children. These sessions are for those who want to begin learning to help children escape from the shackles of poverty. The first session on this topic is scheduled on Monday, March 20: 4:00- 5:00 pm at First Christian Church.

Meaning and Productivity in Later Life

How do we find success, happiness and deep purpose in the second half of life? What makes life meaningful? What happens to the brain as we age? Are you in or approaching the second half of life? Wondering as life changes, what will be next? When kids are gone? How can we continue to be useful? What keeps us vibrant and alive? The first session on this topic is scheduled on Tuesday, March 21: 4:00-5:00 pm at First Christian Church.

Memory and Brain Health

How do we strengthen our brain? Why it’s so important and how to keep the brain in good shape. How is memory the key to brain enhancement? Our identity is rooted in our memories and our memories give us a richer sense of ourselves. Shared memories- the memories we share with others- are amazingly important to us and those around us. How do we make the most of these memories? First session to be announced.

Loneliness and Health

Connection with others is actually a very healing process, especially in what seems to be a very lonely world. Loneliness has become a public health concern. It affects us, our children, our work and our attitude toward life. Anxiety and depression have some of their deep roots in loneliness. How can we begin to interact with others in a fun and meaningful way? The first session is to be announced.

Community Learning Seminar Announcement

These Community Learning Seminars will all be held at First Christian Church located at 210 North 5th Street in Ponca City. Attendees should enter the building from the west door. For more information and to sign-up to attend, please call the church office at 580-762-1667.

First Christian Church will be offering a series of Community Learning Seminars addressing a number of relevant and important issues we all re or will be facing. This series will begin in March and will consist of four topics that run in weekly sessions for 2-4 weeks. Each session will be about an hour and groups are intended to be small- 8-12 people. The topics are planned to be:

Meaning and Productivity in Later Life

How do we find success, happiness and deep purpose in the second half of life. What makes life meaningful? What happens to the brain as we age? Are you in or approaching the second half of life? Wondering when works ends, what's next? When kids are gone? What's next? How can we continue to be useful? What keeps us vibrant and alive?

Nomination Submission from Marie Trenary: was talking to his classmates. It was the best thing that I have ever done. I would leave school every day and I wanted to cry because it made me so happy.”

If there ever was a person who has overcome adversity and continues to be a positive and uplifting person, it is Jennifer Hurley. Jennifer’s husband passed away at a young age, leaving Jennifer to raise their two daughters, Maddie and Callie. Several years later Jennifer suffered a stroke, leaving her dependent on a wheelchair but Jennifer ignores that fact and is the most independent person I have met. She “always” has a smile on her face. Jennifer is a longtime Ponca resident. Her dad Bill Hicks served as PCHS principal for many years. Jennifer works at the Peckham school and gives 100% every day, sharing her love of learning with her students. Once you meet Jennifer, you will never forget her determination, her smile and her classy style.

Jennifer loves greeting the students each morning. She believes a positive interaction at the beginning of each student’s day can profoundly impact the way the rest of their day goes. Jennifer prides herself on bringing that positivity. “I think if you build them up that act of kindness will make their day so much better.”

While this article is meant to paint a picture of someone who’s taken hardship and made the best of it - it also warrants sharing that Jennifer doesn’t live in a make-believe world, where everything is sunshine and rainbows. She’s honest about her setbacks. Her stroke killed about 1/3 of her brain cells (but she’d like to know what your excuse is ). She gets frustrated sometimes and needs to take a moment for a meltdown. She shares, “I had a total breakdown the other day. But I just have to let that out. Sometimes I think everyone needs to do that. You don’t want to keep it in because that does no good. I’ve learned that this is my life now. I can take it or leave it. I can learn to deal with it or I can just be really angry about it, but anger gets you nowhere. I’ve accepted it and I’m okay with it. I never want anyone to feel sorry for me. Actually, it’s made me a better person. I try to stay positive. And you’ve got to laugh; laughter is so important.” Jennifer isn’t afraid to feel pain and frustration, but she doesn’t stay in those emotions. She feels them and then moves on.

We all get to choose what to do with the proverbial lemons of life. Jennifer has chosen not to be a victim. She remembers watching other patients sit in self-pity while she was in the hospital and that’s not for her. She says she can still do the same things she’s always done, she just does them a little differently now.

“You take what you have and you try to make that better. I don’t take days for granted anymore, that’s for sure. It’s important to enjoy life because it’s so short and you never know what’s going to happen. I mean, I didn’t think my husband was going to get sick and then pass away. I didn’t think I was going to have a stroke. You just never know. But I try to make the best all everything that’s