Aberdeen Heights
OCTOBER 2022
Making Beautiful music Thanks to a generous donation from Dee B., the sound of music is filling the halls of Aberdeen Heights. Dee donated her piano to our community, and then donated her talent by playing her piano for the rest of us. Thank you, Dee for sharing yourself with all of us! u
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Dave Parker, chaplain at Salina Presbyterian Manor®. Chaplain Dave joined in July 2022 and is the pastor of a church in Abilene, Kansas. His earlier career was in the financial industry. Dave coaches soccer and loves to sing and play music.
Chasing the Son By Dave Parker, Chaplain “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 1 Timothy 1:7
I am deathly afraid of heights. Not so much high places, but edges. Mountain roads that are sheer, edges of buildings, roofs, Dave Parker even ladders. Above the third rung on a ladder, I feel like I’ve accomplished something. But I can assure you my heart is pounding as I step up to that fourth rung. I tried crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado many years ago. I was just fine — until I looked down and could see between the metal planks under my feet. I immediately dropped to my knees, did an about-face and crawled back 20 feet to solid ground. Then I sat there for a while, just to make sure the world was stable. Dee revisiting her piano she donated to Aberdeen Heights.
Chaplains – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at AberdeenSeniorLiving.com/covid-19.
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Animals run amuck Despite being overrun with animals, residents and staff loved a recent visit from the local zoo. Zoo staff brought several displays and exhibits to share with residents - including a patch of animal fur and a stuffed lizard. The visit was a great opportunity for residents to learn about what’s available at the zoo, as well as have some fun holding unusual creatures. It was a lot of fun for everyone, and we’re grateful for the zoo staff for bringing their expertise and knowledge to Aberdeen Heights. u
Barbara checks out the fur that the zoo brought.
Ardeen checks out the fossilized lizard.
Phyllis takes a stab at the lizard.
Joan and Doris have no idea what they are touching.
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Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: jwhackbarth@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Tony Altobella, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Elvis lives…at Aberdeen Heights Residents and staff found they “Can’t stop falling in love” with Elvis all over again, with a fun visit in early August. There were some “suspicious minds” who recognized it wasn’t the real Elvis, but professional impersonator Ken Roberts. He regularly makes visits to retirement communities and made a stop by our community as well. The event was a great time for residents and staff alike, and we marked a week of Elvis celebrations by enjoying one of Elvis’ favorite foods - peanut butter and banana sandwiches. u
Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Chaplain – continued from page 1 Heights are just not my thing. I simply do not trust my own ability to stay safe around edges, and I don’t intend to try to conquer that fear any time soon. We all have certain fears that hold us back. Some may be more obvious than others. Maybe those fears keep us from being all that God wants us to be for Him. Too often, fear may turn into complacency, as we give it too much control over our life. We try to justify an attitude of, “What’s the point in trying? I’ll just work around it.” This is especially true when it comes to sharing the Gospel: Fear of rejection turns into avoidance. But Paul tells us that rather than allow fear to direct us, the Spirit fills us with the power and love of Jesus Christ. He will guide our steps. This gives us courage and strength to live our lives without the fear of worldly obstacles. There is no fear in Christ. His perfect love for us strips away all the insecurities, doubts and uncertainties. In His image, we are empowered to go make disciples. We are filled with the Spirit of Jesus, and as He promised, He is always with us
Don’t let fear keep you from being all that God wants you to be for Him.
wherever we go - even on edges. The love of God conquers all things. Lord, we place our faith in You. We lift ourselves to Your service for Your mission to build Your church. Thank You for loving us perfectly and giving us your Son as the pathway to redemption and eternal life with Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. u
505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022