Farmington Presbyterian Manor
MAY 2023
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 Rev. Richard Russell, chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor®.
God’s Nearness
Community’s ‘family atmosphere’ takes on new meaning When Farmington Presbyterian Manor welcomed Lee Green to its staff last year it not only added a valuable member to its maintenance team, but it also helped solidify the community’s status as a truly, family friendly environment. For proof, look no further than the Green family itself. That’s because, with Lee officially on the payroll, there were now five
Family – continued on page 4
As I write this article, I am sitting by my wife’s bed in the local hospice house. She is nearing the end of her battle with cancer. She and I have spoken a lot recently about how God is very near to us. Richard Russell This made me think of a familiar old hymn, “Nearer My God to Thee.” In the first stanza, it says “Nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee, even though it be a cross, that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God thee.” We have certainly had a difficult cross to bear throughout these months. But God’s nearness has been the thing to help us through. He says in His word, as you draw nearer to me, I draw nearer to you. In the second stanza, it says, “If like the wanderer, the sun goes down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone, yet in my dreams I’d be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” In our dark days that we have journeyed through, it has been the tenderness of God’s care and love that has been our support. The psalmist said, “He loves you with everlasting love, and
Chaplain – continued on page 2
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