Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Learning to give Thanksgiving By Allen Teal, chaplain
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV I sometimes wonder why we say thank you in certain circumstances. When you dial a wrong number and tell the other person that you are sorry, the response is usually “thank you.” It is unlikely the person is truly thankful that someone called them erroneously. Being thankful involves more than uttering thank you. It needs to be accompanied with a true sense of gratitude. With Thanksgiving later this month, here are three things that should be remembered. THANKS, continued on page 2
November 2016
Thanksgiving brings the community to the Manor One of Rolla Presbyterian Manor’s most treasured traditions is Thanksgiving dinner. Every year, residents host dozens of friends and family for the holiday here in our dining room. That includes Mary Ellen Bailey, who is looking forward to her third Thanksgiving here. Her husband lives in another skilled nursing home, so it takes some effort to get together for special occasions. And her children don’t live close enough to spend the holiday with her. So last year, Mary Ellen invited another couple to our Thanksgiving dinner, and they picked up her husband on the way to join them. “My husband was very impressed with the meal,” she said. “It was very nice, and it worked out really, really well.” Their friends are on a waiting list to move here, Mary Ellen said, so the dinner gave them a chance to experience a day in the life of Presbyterian Manor. Our Thanksgiving dinner tradition has been going for 20 to 25 years. We decided to add up some of the other figures for food and attendance. THANKSGIVING, continued on page 2
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Here’s what we found:
Give thanks for our country.
People served per year: 150-plus, over three nights
The United States is a great nation. Life in this country is very good for the vast majority of its citizens. We have great opportunities to grow and improve in nearly every way. For the most part, the choice is up to the individual. Our nation’s military is unrivaled in its strength and ability to defend our citizens. Only a small number of nations exist on this planet that offer a standard of living to equal the one available in our country.
Meat Turkey: 106.31 pounds Ham: 118.17 pounds Dinner rolls: 700 Stuffing: 100 pounds Mashed potatoes: 112 pounds
While there will always be those who point out the shortcomings of this land, it still stands as the greatest nation in our generation and perhaps ever. Give thanks for family. There are no perfect families. Most of us are surrounded by family members who care about us. These are people who will stand with us in tough times and cheer for our victories. If needed, they will put food on our table and THANKS, continued on page 3
Appetizers: 7,716 Butter: 600 pads Pies: 54
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
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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 November 2016
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THANKS, continued from page 2
clothes on our backs. No one cares for you like your family. Take time to express some heartfelt gratitude that they are in your life. Give thanks for the Lord’s presence. No matter what place you find yourself, the Lord is there for you. He cares about the sinner and the saint. His ear is always open to hear our prayer in a time of need. His arm is always long enough to reach out to you in any situation. It is the grace of the Lord that gives you air to breathe and all that is needed to sustain life. Pause to look heavenward and offer Him a prayer of thanksgiving early each day. Do this before the cares of the day push your thoughts in many other directions.
Bridge buddies Bernice White shared a game of bridge with friends in the Presbyterian Manor library with the finches singing away in the background.
Looking for a gift for the senior who has
everything?
Make a gift in their honor while making a difference in the mission of Presbyterian Manors. We’ll hang an ornament on the tree with their name on it. Make your gift by visiting www.PresbyterianManors.org/GoodSam or see the reception desk Like us on Facebook
Hooked on fishing Visiting Camp Brimshire twice a year is always a favorite of the residents. It was no exception for Mary Stigall, who enjoyed the nice day of fishing. Rolla Presbyterian Manor
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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested
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facebook New beginnings in 2017
We will focus on new beginnings in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. As we approach the new year, what resolutions are you making? Have you ever made a resolution that changed your life? What are your hopes for 2017? If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Joelle Freeland, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters November 2016
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