Sage-ing Initiative
The Myers Park Baptist Church Sage-ing Initiative offers an array of opportunities for seniors to enrich personal and spiritual growth in the third stage of life.
The Initiative is planned and directed by the MPBC Sage-ing Committee chaired by Gary Hudson. Committee members include Martha Abernethy, Nancy Culp, Tina Fort, Jeanie Phillips, Ted Phillips, Linda Scott, Betsy Thigpen, and staff liaison, Valarie Kovolski.
The MPBC Sage-ing Initiatitive includes:
- Monthly Luncheons (first Tuesday of each month) with speakers on topics relevant to those in the third stage of life (See dates and upcoming speakers below)
- Small group Circles of Elders that meet on a regular basis
- Studies using books addressing issues around aging
- Annual Retreats
- Annual Sage-ing Sunday - Sage-ing members participate in worship
- Social and Travel Events
- Special Studies on topics related to aging
- A unique Congregational Care program for the church’s 500 seniors
- Participation in the church’s larger MOJO (Ministry of Justice and Outreach) Initiative
- Intergenerational Events
- Moving from Senior to Elder Wisdom Journey
2026 Lunch Schedule and Speakers
Date | February 3, 2026
Time | 12:00–1:30 pm
Location | Heaton Hall
Speaker | Linda Colasanti
Topic | Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Lunch Menu | Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Squash Casserole, Pecan Pie
Exploring AI Together: What It Is and Why It Matters
Artificial Intelligence—often called AI—is showing up everywhere these days, from phones and home devices to healthcare, banking, and customer service. It can be fascinating, confusing, or even a little intimidating. If you’ve ever wondered “What exactly is AI?” or “Is this something I really need to understand?”, this event is for you.
We are pleased to welcome Linda Colasanti, an engaging speaker with a gift for making complex ideas feel simple, practical, and approachable. Linda understands that learning something new—especially new technology—often brings up emotions like fear, self-doubt, or feeling overwhelmed. She has seen this firsthand.
Earlier in her career, Linda taught neurodiverse learners to read, developing methods that focused not just on skills, but on confidence and emotional readiness. Today, she brings that same compassionate approach to teaching adults about AI.
Rather than focusing on complicated jargon or technical details, Linda helps people:
- Understand what AI really is (and what it is not)
- See how AI already shows up in everyday life
- Move past the emotional barriers that make new technology feel intimidating
- Feel empowered to engage with AI at their own pace
Linda doesn’t believe in pushing technology for technology’s sake. Instead, she helps people feel comfortable, curious, and confident—so AI becomes a helpful tool rather than something to fear.
This noon-hour gathering will be conversational and welcoming, with plenty of time to listen, reflect, and ask questions. No prior knowledge is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to learn something new in a supportive environment.
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely new to AI, you’ll leave with greater clarity, reassurance, and practical understanding of how this rapidly changing technology fits into today’s world—and your life.
Reservations are required.
Please remember to call the church office or go online through Realm to make your reservation.
We look forward to learning together and welcoming you to this engaging and encouraging conversation.
The lunch costs $15 and will include a variety of options including vegetarian. Feel free to bring your own lunch, if you prefer.
NOTE - We need everyone to RSVP whether you are ordering lunch or bringing your own so that we can properly prepare for everyone.
Stay tuned for the 2026 Sage-ing Lunch Schedule!