SAGE Social and Growth Experiences, so named at our organizing gathering in 1976. We were five young couples who were searching for a broad focus for our group. We were too young to be members of EC’s (couples whom Rev. Ervine Inglis had married.) We were a bit old for the Couples Club. We decided to gather as a group of couples who were parents of teenagers but quickly realized we would soon be too old even for that title. And we also realized there were a number of single parents in our age group. So, we sat around a chalkboard to brainstorm where we wanted this new group to go. As ideas were written, one person jumped up and said: That’s it: Social and Growth Experiences! SAGE! Thus was born our new moniker! It served up well from 1976 until 2020 when Covid caused so many groups to shut down.

SAGE met monthly for 44 Years! Among our activities, the most endearing was Yankee Swap, a delightful gift exchange (homemade/handmade) every Christmas, held in wonderfully decorated homes, with great hilarity.

We took camping trips, we visited museums, we had many focused parties, we took up social justice causes, we delved into the history of our Christian heritage, we attended musical and dramatic programs, we celebrated Chinese New Year, and members presented a wonderful variety of programs. And, yes, our great chefs helped in the “growth” part of our name!

Garie Perry
October, 2025