It Happened in the ‘50s.

Our Memories are Priceless

Scripture:  Philippians 1:1-11

Decoration Ideas

Use old vinyl records, black and white or red and white checked tablecloths to create a diner look. For centerpiece use wrapped old fashioned bubble gum or soda glasses filled with carnations to represent ice cream sodas. These are available at: https://www.amazon.com/WILLBOND-Artificial-Carnation-Carnations-Decoration/dp/B097BNDTJ4).  Anything popular in the 1950s would also be suitable.

Table Favors

Make candy treat bags with 1950s-type candy—rock candy, candy lipstick, candy necklaces, wax lips, root beer barrels, atomic fireballs, cherry and orange slices, and Pez^Ò.

Attendee Participation

Encourage the women to wear a 1950’s style outfit—anything to get in the mood.

Program Ideas

Educational trivia quiz – 1950’s People, Events and Religious Happenings

Copy and paste the following onto handouts for women to fill in the blanks. When giving the answers, provide supplemental information from online sources. Ask the women to share any memories they may have from these people/events.

People

1. This person became Queen of England in 1952 when her father, King George ____ died. She was ________ years old.  When she died in 2022, she was the longest reigning monarch in UK history…70 years.  This woman’s name is_______________.
2. On December 1st, 1955, ________ _________ refused to move seats when the bus driver changed the location of the “colored” section sign to the row behind her to make more room for “white” passengers.  Other “colored” folks moved. She did not and was arrested. This began the ____________________ ____________ _____________ that lasted over a year before a court decision ruled bus segregation unconstitutional.
3. ____________ _____________ shot to fame as one of the most iconic performers of the time and made the “Rock and Roll” genre of music popular. He began in Memphis, TN. He appeared on numerous TV shows, released many hits, and starred in several movies in the 50’s.

Events

4. Following World War II, Japan had to relinquish control of this country___________________. The Soviet Union administered the northern zone, and the US administered the southern zone (it was divided at the 38^th On June 25, 1950, troops from the northern portion invaded the south and began the _____________   ____________.  No official treaty has been signed so, technically, this war has never ended.
5. The space satellite known as ________________ was launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957. This event led to the funding of ______________ and began what was known as the “Space Race.”
6. In 1959, ____________ ____________ declared victory after Batista fled and became the dictator of ______________. His reign led to many other situations between his country and others in the 1960’s.  He remained in power until 2008 and his Communist Party remains in power today.

Religious Happenings

7. As a result of the victories of communist armies in 1949, suppression of religion resulted in missionaries being expelled from the country of __________________.
8. In 1950, Pope Pius XIIdeclared the _________________ ____ ____________ official dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church teaches that the ____________ _________ “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
9. On October 7, 1950,______________ ____________ and the small community formed by her former pupils Diocese of _____  ­________ to identify as a Catholic organization. Their mission was to care for “the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society, people that have become a burden to the society and are shunned by everyone.”

Answers:

1. VI; 25; Elizabeth II
2. Rosa Parks; Montgomery Bus Boycott
3. Elvis Presley
4. Korea; Korean War
5. Sputnik 1; NASA
6. Fidel Castro; Cuba
7. China
8. Assumption of Mary; Virgin Mary
9. Mother Teresa; Calcutta, India

Physical Activities

Do the Hula. Clear a spot at the center of the room and hand out hula hoops. Start the ’50s music and see who can keep her hula hoop going the longest.

Jump and Jive. Provide jump ropes and see who can jump longer than a minute.

Lucky Limbo. Grab a broomstick and see how low the women can go.

As I Remember You

As we get older, we tend to become more aware of how the people and events of our past have affected our present and our future. Some of these memories can have a positive influence, some can be negative. Some affects are short lived, some make changes that are long-lasting. We have spent time reviewing memories from the 1950’s and have been reminded of this “cause and affect” activity.

As believers, we should be able to look back on our spiritual lives and see those moments or people who have influenced us in our journey. In Philippians 1:1-11, Paul tells the people of the church at Philippi, ^“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” He goes on to say that even during difficult times, the memory of them and their grace brings him joy. He shares that he continues to pray for them and their ministry.

May you take time to remember those events and people in your spiritual journey that are “priceless.” Maybe you could do as Paul did and write a note to those individuals and tell them how thankful you are to God for them. As you write, say a prayer for them that they may continue to grow and have a lasting effect on others as well. Take time to also contemplate what impact you may be having on those around you. When they recall you in the future, will the memory be considered “priceless?”