The 2007 Retire and Refocus Conference (Embracing the Second Half) was held in Kalamazoo, MI in September. It was an exciting conference that featured Dr. Gary Benedict, C&MA President; Dr. Roy Clark, RBC Ministries; Mr. Richard Gygi, Halftime Ministries and Great Lakes District Superintendent Rev. Jeff Brown. Pastor Howie Ohman and the musical staff of the Richland Bible Church provided excellent times of worship. On the opening night, the conference was blessed by the music of a 70 voice choir and 20 piece orchestra. It was a wonderful time of praise to the Lord.

Throughout the conference, retirement-age adults were challenged to consider the priorities of the second half of life. Participants were challenged by workshop leaders from across North America. Dr. Timothy Starr, National Retirement Ministries Conservative Baptist of Canada; Nursing Home Chaplain Mr. Clyde Lembeier of Bismark, S.D.; Mrs. Joyce Parlin, Texas State Director of RSVP; and Dr. Susan Stranahan, Shell Point Village Church, FL Chaplain and others presented relevant workshops on all aspects of retirement.

The Alliance Development Fund and The Orchard Foundation graciously hosted the conference at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, MI. Participants enjoyed this afternoon excursion as they viewed the spectacular car collection that is housed in historic barns that have been relocated to the museum property.

Those in attendance voiced their appreciation for the easily accessible hotel arrangements, the spiritual ministry of the speakers and the worship leaders, and the passion demonstrated by the leadership team for walking along-side those who are living in their retirement years. The 2008 Alliance Heritage Tour was announced at this conference and will be held in August of 2008. This tour will include 11 days of touring as well as the unique opportunity to learn more about the founder of the C&MA as the tour travels to his birthplace on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

A retirement age ministries think-tank is being assembled to consider future ministries for the retirement age adults in the C&MA. If you would be interested in contributing ideas or comments to this think-tank, please send inquiries to burchill@lifeimpactcma.org by November 20, 2007.