A Lenten series of classes that focus on midlife will begin later this month at the Church of the Holy Sprit.
While middle age will be the focus, Rev. Carla Pryne, who will teach the class, said it is open to adults regardless of their age.

“Ultimately, the class is about being mortal,” she said.

Pryne created the class with materials from psychology, literature and Christian spirituality, drawing from sources as wide ranging as Dante, Carl Jung, Gail Sheehy, Erik Erikson, scripture, folk music and poetry.

Pryne, who has been the priest at the Church of the Holy Spirt since last summer, said she taught the class once before, and participants ranged from 30 to 85. It is for people, she said, “who understand they can’t — as they were told when they were 10 — do everything.”

Though connected, each of the five sessions is meant to stand alone; people can participate in all of them or just one or two. At the beginning of each hour-long gathering, Pryne will present vignettes from a variety of sources and lead a conversation around the materials and each of the themes. Pryne noted she is hoping for good conversations and connections between people.

“The gifts we can give to each other from being human over time is so rich,” she said.

At 56 and in midlife herself, Pryne said she started reading about this life stage about 10 years ago and found a treasure trove of material.

“It’s a story we all enter and live,” she said.

Lent — about death and resurrection — is a good time for people to explore the midlife and what the stage means in their own lives, according to Pryne.

“Lent is the invitation to sift what is important and what is not,” she said. It’s a time, she added, when people should “put the microphone to their souls and let their souls speak.” The course, she hopes, will help people with that process.

Prior to each class, participants are welcome to gather for a dinner of vegetarian soup and bread, though people can attend both portions of the evenings or either one. 

There is no charge for the dinner or class, but an offering basket will be passed.

March 17 — Midlife: Waking up to a world where the “old maps” no longer serve.
March 24 — Midlife: Embracing loss and letting go
March 31 — Midlife: Savoring our blessings: gratitude, wonder, love and praise.
April 7 —  Midlife: Learning anew to live in our bodies and other non-negotiables.
April 14 — Midlife: Taking on the mystery — it’s all gift.
Supper will start at 6 p.m., and the course will begin at 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend the dinner are requested to call the church at 567-4488.