John Coulombe
Provided by CN Building Adult Ministries Resource Center
When Mid-course Changes Happen
It was 25 years ago—January 1981—that the Forever Young ministry began here in Fullerton under the leadership of Dave Jobe. Seven years later, the Coulombe clan arrived on the scene to carry on Dave’s legacy and work with senior adults.
Remember where you were 25 years ago? The changes that have occurred are staggering—in our lives, culture, world and yes, church. A vital part of healthy living is change, except for the things ordained by God as unchangeable. Healthy things grow; growing things change; changing things challenge us; challenges force us to trust; trust leads to obedience; obedience makes us healthy; healthy things grow! Monuments and museums are important for remembering the past but they can hinder living organisms. When our memories exceed our dreams, life is over for us. I hope we hear God’s voice saying: “I created you to grow. Beloved family, be steadfast—yes; be immovable—yes; but always abound in the work of the Lord, because it matters! Press on!” (1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 3:14)
Twenty-five years with senior adults here at FEFC has been sweet, meaningful and impacting. But it’s also included these mid-course changes all along the way:
1. Leadership changes: Our directors have changed: Lula Mae and Boyd
Keyes, Jan and Bill Shearman, Pearl and Lou Botka, Jane and Ken Heuer—and now our new directors—Maxine and Walt Williams, as well as other leadership team members along the way.
2. Program-time changes: From lunch meetings to evening meetings, so those still engaged in work and activity during the day could attend.
3. Newsletter changes: Started out with a communication piece called In Touch in black and white; which changed to The Grapevine, continually upgraded, now a multi-colored glossy bimonthly newsletter.
4. Program focus change: Mission statement remains the same, but a move from program oriented activities only, to greater focus on service, outreach and involvement including program planning and leadership being decentralized and carried out by various adult fellowships.
5. Name Change: Forever Young for all these years; now changed to ENCORE! Why? Frankly, we were seeking a fresh name that would attract the next generation of ‘seniors’ (50+ adults). There are an unprecedented number of healthy, capable, experienced adults looking for opportunities in which to invest their time, skills and talents to expand the Kingdom. Encore literally means, “still at it” or “doing it again.” It is an additional performance at the end of a successful concert. And in this case, means there’s more life to be lived after retirement.
6. Role Change for Pastor John and Bambi Encarnacion: Due to the ever expanding
ministry with our 50+ Adults, as well as Pastor John’s health issues with his biological heart, there is another major transition in the works. I will begin to turn over the myriad details required to manage our ministries to Bambi, who is gifted in ministry, administration and gerontology. I will slow down my pace and focus more on my role as pastor rather than innovator/ administrator. The plan is for me to teach, lead, mentor, train, resource, network, lead Evening Chapel Praise and continue to be involved—but walking, not running!
Your prayers are appreciated as I grow make those changes. Remember—change in life is inevitable; growth is not. It’s not wrong to be where you are—but it is wrong to stay where you are! We often come to church and sing “Just as I am,” then leave just as we were. Grow for it!
John Coulombe has served for 20 years as Pastor to Senior Adults at First Evangelical Free Church, Fullerton CA