Get ready to rock out with the most entertaining “golden oldies” you will ever meet, a fun-loving senior citizen’s choir called Young@Heart. To prepare for a show in their hometown that is only weeks away, the lovable seniors must learn a slate of new songs, ranging from James Brown to Coldplay. The chorus’ tireless musical director leads the group through a series of hilariously chaotic rehearsals, proving that hard rock can be hard work—especially when you’re hard of hearing! Climaxing in a triumphant performance that will leave you cheering, their inspiring story celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the life-affirming power of music!

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment created this study guide to help you enjoy time together with friends—both new and old. As a small group of you watches the movie and discusses the questions inside, you will wrestle with:• Creating genuine relationships with others• Living with future-minded purpose

You don’t need any special training to facilitate a discussion—just a willing heart. Young @ Heart can be the source of an evening of laughs and conversation. Your goal is not to offer profound insights, but to hear from many sides of the issues at hand.

Here are some hints for a time of music and fun.

Watch the movie yourself and read over the questions in advance.

Invite a few friends hoping for a group of eight including yourself. You don’t need formal invitations—a few phone calls or conversations at church or the mailbox should do the trick.

Serve a great snack. What recipes come to mind? (We’ve included “Rockin’ Rolls” for a colorful and tasty treat.) Linger for a few minutes around the nosh, then gather around the TV.

Show the movie. Don’t worry about introducing it. Your friends are already together. Enjoy their reactions.

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Go question-by-question through the discussion guide. If there’s a lull, move the group to the next question. Watch faces for reactions. There might be those who look like they want to say something but can’t jump in. Call them by name and invite them to comment.

Don’t worry if you don’t make it through all the questions. Enjoy the conversation and experience.

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Rockin’ RollsIngredients

1 cup cream cheese1 cut sour cream½ cup salsa (as hot as you want it); extra for dip1 cup chopped chicken or turkey (make vegetarian rolls by substituting broccoli and carrots)¼ cup crushed almonds (or the nut of your choice)Large spinach tortillas

DirectionsStir cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa together. Spread the mixture liberally on the tortillas making sure to spread to the edges. Sprinkle with nuts. Spread meat evenly over the tortillas. Use a spoon to press meat and nuts into the mixture. Roll the tortillas into logs. Slice the logs into ½-inch segments. Serve with extra salsa as a dip.

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Throughout Young @ Heart, the chorus members speak a constant refrain: “I love the chorus. I plan on singing all my days.” Chorus director Bob Cilman is moved by their loyalty. Stephen Walker, the documentary filmmaker, says in his introduction, “I find myself acquiring 24 new grandparents.” What makes a collection of persons into a unit, group, squad, or family?

What qualities do you admire about the Young@Heart chorus? Allow each group member to offer one or two comments.

Other than your family, when have you felt closest to a group of others? If you’re comfortable, share a story about your experiences.

Being a part of a group has a powerful impact on our lives. Fellowship offers community over isolation. It invites you to share your burdens, your tears, your joys, and your victories with others. And it invites you to be a part the burdens, tears, joys, and victories of others. Life can seem sterile when lived behind our garage doors and fences and in front of our televisions. The first church may have struggled with the same isolation. How they overcame it may help us overcome ours.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46–47 NIV

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These observations of the first church demonstrate their togetherness. Simple activities. The joy of the company of others.

What did they do when they met together?

In what ways did God bless them? They make it sound easy, don’t they? Have you been in a new group that was active and well attended only to have spirits wane? As the New Testament church spread around Asia Minor, they faced the same challenges. The Apostle Paul offers this encouragement.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV, (emphasis added)

What factors make it difficult for you to stay connected to others?

What groups or organizations would you like to be a part of in your community? What attracts you to them?

Divide your group up into pairs. Spread out around the room as directed by the facilitator. Take a few minutes to think through and jot notes about your answers to these next questions:

a. Think of the prison outreach the chorus conducted. How could you best serve the community at large? What organizations have the same mission

b. Who do you know who is already involved in these groups?

c. How much time each week could you offer to serve others?

d. What are two practical steps you can take today to take action on your thoughts above?

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The Young @ Heart chorus gives purpose and direction to its members. They look forward to rehearsals and make them the priority. Fred Knittle, Bob Salvini, and Joe Benoit were a part of the group despite health challenges and hospital stays. Lenny Fontaine says, “I hope to stay in this for a good long time to come. God be willing. If the creek don’t rise.” They are all looking forward to the next performance or overseas tour.

Think about the next 30 days. What are you most looking forward to?

Think about the next five years. What are you planning?

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV, (emphasis added)

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.

Psalm 138:8 NIV, (emphasis added)

God promises to fulfill His purpose in your life. It is as if God is singing through us. He provides the air in our lungs. Our job is to use our bodies to produce melody and harmony. What song do you think God is singing through you?

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“When your memories are more exciting than your dreams, you’ve begun to die.” — Howard Hendricks, Distinguished Professor,

DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY(Note: Dr. Hendricks is 84 and continues to teach, mentor students, and keep regular office hours.)

Many times when Dr. Hendricks makes this point with a live audience, some gasp. What is your initial, visceral reaction to his words? Why did you respond that way?

Share one or two stories about your fondest memories.

How do they compete with your dreams?

Do you have a dream you’ve given up on?

a. How does that dream fit with question #3?

b. What would it take to re-energize you to pursue that dream?

c. How can others help you?

Spend a few minutes this week dreaming on paper. Write a letter to yourself from the future that recounts the dream fulfilled. If you’re comfortable, get together with one other person from your movie discussion group to share your letter.

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The study guide writer dedicates his work to Ramona F. Whitlock

(1933–2007). Her house was always full of friends and laughter. While she

rarely sang, she loved music.

©2008 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All rights reserved.