Owen Sound is an older community. Those of us who live here, know that. We have eleven retirement and nursing homes. We have multiple services for seniors. We have three funeral homes. We consolidate and close schools because of declining enrollment.

Much of my work as a pastor involves what I call deep conversations. Mr. Jones has list his wife. We talk about what that means; the deep, abiding grief; the unfulfilled reams; the loneliness.

It also involved conversations around life changes.

In just over an hour, Ministry & Employment  will host another montly Pre-retirement Seminar.  Join us last minute (you can!) to get an idea of what it's all about!

Details for joining the conversations are here:http://www.united-church.ca/minstaff/pension/seminars

Of course, when you contact us in advance we can give you the hard copy details and we'll send you your most recent Pension Statement* with the presentation information.

I'm feeling a little conflicted on the possibility of pushing back the OAS age.  It actually used to be older than what it is now.  If you don't save enough, you have to work a little longer.  I think it's good for those in good health, not so much if they have issues working at 66.

Pre-retirement siminars are educational sessions on how the United Church benefits plans change once you've retired.

To hold a pre-retirment seminar in your area, please contact your presbytery pension convener or your Conference personnel minister to get the ball rolling.

The following seminars are confirmed with the Human Resources Unit as of Sept. 15, 2010:

November 3: Hamilton Conference Office, Hamilton, ON. Contact Rev. Jenny Stephens, Conference Personnel Minister, 905-659-3343

Okay, after retirement, what did you do or what will you do with accumulated detritus - cards and letters, pictures, old appointment forms and the list goes on. I have had a bag filled to overflowing for the last 5 years hanging on a hook. Everytime i go by it and notice it, I have a guilty conscience that IUhave gone through it.

Well, this morning, for 3 hours , I sorted. Many of the people who sent cards, have died. It is 10 years of life in that bag. Now what is your advice - keep it or trash it.

Three years ago, I retired. I had led a busy life - teaching, radio twice a day, TV, public talks fifty or sixty a year. I looked forward to doing things I had never had timem for - a family tree, some reading...  Instead, I find I'm always tired an spiritless. Two months ago, I spent time in hospital being checked for an irregular heart beat. I have little energy.