Linger Longer, and Learn

In Ogden and other places Kay & I have experienced, there is a fun activity called “linger-longer”.  Usually for young single adults, it also works for seniors like me; (it helps to have a companion like my young wife Kay).  People actually get acquainted and learn each other’s names and stories while eating (what I call) fast food.  Sometimes simple as Farr Better Ice Cream after temple visits (especially popular with the youth).

I speak from firsthand experience, since we two were in charge of Ogden Third Ward (local congregation) activities around 12 years ago.  It worked then for all ages after Sunday meetings, and it works now, following our Monday “family home evening” discussions with mostly older neighbors studying the ministry of Jesus Christ and His Apostles as recorded in the New Testament.  Last year for our Roseville Ward in Michigan, Sister Cannon started a monthly, Sunday linger-longer called “home evening” for older single adults.  First, we had a gospel lesson, then food contributed by group members.  Another success and precious memory of the Spirit we felt with friends there.

Linger-longers typically follow a serious church meeting, like one we attended in the local SLC Jewish synagogue, Congregation Kol Ami.  A guest expert spoke about the Dead Sea Scrolls (fascinating).  The food and friendshipping afterward were also unforgettable, as I recall from three decades ago.  (No “senior moment” on that one.)

What did you learn the last time you lingered after church, a prayer, family reunion, party, recital, picnic, stroll into a cemetery, hike to a mountain top, walk to a beach, or breakfast with a dear friend?
I’m just saying ... you can learn a lot when yur not in a rush.

two, so in love, lingering longer at Antelope Island

Great Salt Lake, Utah

Sister Cannon contributing her special almond cake
for a linger-longer in Roseville, Michigan