The UK movement, which grew from French roots, was inspired, from the first translation of the French "Vie Montante" handbook in 1979, to enable those in later life to meet, enjoy one another's friendship, to value their wisdom and knowledge and to assist in providing spiritual direction.
The main 3 aims of the movement, Mission, Spirituality and Friendship are outlined below and on their relevant pages:
The Ascent is for all retired people regardless of age, ability culture, and circumstances..Our whole lives, experiences, talents, interests are a means of enriching the group meetings and beyond to comfort the sick, to help the lonely and those without faith. The movement encourages members to consider ways that we can put our experiences and skills to good use and as well as being a place of friendship, groups often act become a great means of support and continue to grow as newly retired join and provide support and friendship to older members.
An Ascent group meeting celebrates both our mutual faith and the sharing of common experiences of life. It encourages friendship between retired men and women, stimulates thoughts and discussion and enables them to reflect on the purpose of their life. We find that this strengthened spitituality helps provide our members with great peace and happiness.
The Christian friendship within the group is something very precious that builds as members share the Word of God and love of God pray and listen to each others experiences, their joys and sorrows, real bonds of friendship are formed. It is not just a Christian prayer group but far more. By sharing the love of God members share their love for one another. Through discussion and listening, anxieties can be dispelled and joy kindled in the heart.
Friendship