Pumpkin in the Side Yard

By Ashley Bills  •  September 11, 2025

We didn’t plan to grow a pumpkin this year. In fact, we did the opposite.

Recent Blog Posts

The Incredible Gifts of Purpose and Meaning

By Rev. Dr. Bobbie McKay  •  August 22, 2024

I was born in 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children. My dad worked in the complicated world of labor relations which contained elements of danger and..

A New Creation

By Lisa B. Thomas  •  August 15, 2024

A few years back, I fell completely and hopelessly in love with my bicycle. I even named it Baby Blue. Baby Blue and I would ride every day; my favorite route was riding..

Opportunities that Come with Age

By Rev. John Gantt  •  August 08, 2024

Retirement and aging are doorways to abundant opportunities.

Meaning and Purpose

By Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, VP of Engagement and director of the Center for Abundant Aging  •  August 01, 2024

You know buzz words are important when you see them raised over and over in a variety of places. When it comes to things that are important to a person’s health,..

Summer Reflections: Journal to Preserve the Memory

By Parker Center Staff  •  July 25, 2024

Journaling your summer memories allows you to preserve the past and capture the essence of those precious memories and experiences forever. By writing down your..

Summers are for Friendships

By Kim Moeller  •  July 18, 2024

Think back. In what season are your favorite memories with your best friends? I’ve asked a number of people and summer seems to be the most common answer.

The Summer Job

By Rev. Dr. Bobbie McKay  •  July 11, 2024

I grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago named Evanston, Illinois. It was the home of Northwestern University; a neighbor of Loyola University and existed part way..

The New. The Familiar. Home.

By Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, VP of Engagement and director of the Center for Abundant Aging  •  July 04, 2024

My dad was a local church pastor. The house we lived in during my elementary and middle school years was the only building the church owned for many years. His office..

Summers In the Neighborhood

By Rev. John Gantt  •  June 27, 2024

The basketball hoop was bolted above our garage doors. It wasn’t exactly straight but it was the only one on our street. I also had the only basketball.