“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We’ve been taught from an early age that we can learn a lot from our elders. We’ve also come to understand that when using technology, our elders can learn a lot from our youth. So what’s a good way to bring the two age groups together?
Kari Rieuf, youth leader at Hope Lutheran Church in Shorewood, had an idea. She coordinated a technology event at the church as a way to connect both generations. On a cold Sunday in February, Senior High Youth served lunch and also helped seniors with technology. Some seniors arrived with their devices and their questions. Other seniors came for lunch even if they had no technology questions. They all came to show their support of the youth and Hope’s youth ministry. A second purpose of the event was so the youth could say thank you for that long-time support in a tangible way.
The Senior High Youth prepared the fixings for salad and sandwiches, and everyone sat down to eat and talk. It was obvious from the murmur of lunch conversations that both generations enjoyed the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Technology questions were indeed answered. But the most important aspect of the event was the developing relationships between the two generations. Mutual appreciation and respect was evident throughout the event. Everyone left with full stomachs and joyful hearts.