Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
December 2017
‘In those days’ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (Luke 2:1, NIV).
By Allen Teal, chaplain
Luke, the writer of the third account of the life of Christ, used a phrase that is still familiar today to introduce the birth of Jesus—“In those days.” While Luke only intended to tell us that around the same time that angels announced two miraculous births, the emperor called for a census. However, a greater message is delivered by these three simple words. “Those days” were bringing about a new day. Those were the days when the calendar was being divided to make room for the birth of a savior. Those days marked the winding down of the Old Testament law so a new day of grace could emerge. It was a transition from the thundering violence of Mount Sinai to the time when faith in Jesus Christ would become the pathway to salvation. “Those days” marked the opening of the curtain covering God’s Mercy Seat. The curtain in the temple hiding the Mercy Seat will not be ripped DAYS, continued on page 2
Joelle and Ceagan Freeland visit last year with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Children’s Party.
Appreciating the ‘real’ Santa All children know that Santa has many helpers. For many Rolla-area children, there is only one “real” Santa and Mrs. Claus—Bob and Dorette Fitez. For nearly 10 years, Bob and Dorette have been the stars of the annual Children’s Christmas Party at Rolla Presbyterian Manor. All of the children of staff members are invited to the event, where they each receive a gift from Santa. Marketing Director Joelle Freeland first hired the Fitezes to play the jolly old elf and his wife. She knew them from church and thought they bore more than a passing resemblance to the traditional pictures of Santa. “The Fitezes are so real-looking that several of the children, even older ones, will only come see him and declare he is the real Santa,” Joelle said. “One year I had a mother ask me to have Santa talk to their son about being nicer to his little sister. This only made Bob Fitez as Santa more SANTA, continued on page 2
SANTA, continued from page 1
believable.” Another time, Joelle herself asked “Santa Claus” to talk to her granddaughter, now her adopted daughter, Ceagan, about talking less in school. “So when all the children were sitting on the floor and Santa was visiting with them as a group, Santa said, ‘There was a little girl who was having trouble with talking too much in school,’ and another child yelled out, ‘That’s Ceagan!’”
Mrs. Claus and Santa wish resident Peggy Blue a Merry Christmas.
The Children’s Party makes all of us feel like kids again. It is without a doubt one of the big highlights of the holidays at Presbyterian Manor for the residents, staff and the children.
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Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Joelle Freeland at lfreeland@pmma.org. Telephone: 573-364-7336 Fax: 573-364-7336 Address: 1200 Homelife Plaza, Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. RollaPresbyterianManor.org
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Community Matters December 2017
apart for three decades. The events surrounding the birth of Christ are a prologue to a new hope and a new life. In Christ, the invisible God is revealed to all people. Shipwrecked lives can be made new by participating in the mercy of God. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV).
may be where I am.” (John 14:23, NIV). The Christ of Christmas offers a salvation that goes beyond the blessings available in a human lifespan. The Apostle Paul said it like this: “For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18, KJV).
“Those days” opened up a new future. Heaven is not very well defined in the Old Testament. Allusions about going to heaven are somewhat muted and scattered. In the New Testament, heaven becomes knowable and attainable. Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms… 3 and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also Like us on Facebook
Join us for a Festive December! Christmas Cloggers 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5th in Healthcare Resident/Staff Christmas Meal Dec. 15th Rolla Community Children’s Choir Dec. 12th 2 p.m. Community Room Route 66 Brass Quartet December 13th 6 p.m. in Community Room
Veterans Day celebration
A Veterans Day celebration was held. Residents, staff and veterans all attended to honor those who have served our country. Thank you for your service.
A commemorative image was presented to residents during the Veterans Day event. Like us on Facebook
A place set in honor of the veterans who did not return home. Rolla Presbyterian Manor
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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested
Tell about your activities We will feature our activity professionals in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you know an activity professional with a story to tell, or if you want to share how participating in activities at your campus keeps your mind sharp and your body well, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story. Contact Joelle Freeland, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters December 2017
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