Manor of the Plains
JULY 2021
Great-granddaughter of resident tries out for U.S. Olympic Team Lauren Barakey, the greatgranddaughter of independent living resident Wanda Culver, recently competed in the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb. Lauren was one of 1,305 athletes vying for a spot on the team that will be heading to Japan at the end of July.
I led a Bible study using the book “Joyfully Aging” by Richard Bimler. He gave himself the title, Ambassador of Health, Hope, and Aging or AH-HA(sic). He wrote, “All believers in Christ are AHA people,” because the resurrection of Christ is the biggest “aha” of all.
“I am very proud of her,” said Wanda. Resident Wanda Culver is one proud great-grandmother. Here she holds a photo of her great-granddaughter Lauren, who tried out for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team.
to cheer her on in the past and says both Lauren and her brother, Lucas, have been swimming their entire lives. “I think she was brought up swimming,” said Wanda. “Her and her brother are both very good swimmers.”
Lauren Barakey at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials last month.
We are “AHA” people in the Lord! By Dinah Dutta, Chaplain
During the meet, Lauren swam a 1.13.89 in the 100m Breaststroke. While she didn’t make the final team, the outcome did little to diminish her great-grandmother’s support. While Wanda was unable to attend the meet in person, she has been able
Editor’s Note: This is a guest column from the chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we will be periodically sharing columns from our community chaplains in your Community Matters newsletter.
In the fall, Lauren will return to Virginia Tech, where she will be a sophomore on the swimming and diving team. u
We hear so much about how to care for our physical health, which is very important. Unfortunately, our society has convinced people that after a certain age, people lose their significance and purpose in life. However, when I think of spiritual or physical health these days, I think of my relationship not only with God but also the relationships we have with each other as a community of PMMA. Here at Presbyterian Manor, many of our residents have a long life. When I visit them, I learn that their faith in Christ is the key to their longevity. Recently, during a memorial service for one of our residents,
AHA – continued on page 2
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AHA – continued from page 1 Rev. Henry shared how strong roots are important for a plant to grow. He shared that being rooted in faith is as important as the roots of the plant for us to live and grow as well. His message stuck in my head. Yes, when we are rooted in Christ, trusting Him and His promises, our physical and spiritual health remains strong. My dear PMMA family, as we focus on our wellness without being anxious about growing old or aging, I want to invite you to join me to focus on these simple things Bilmer shared in his book and age JOYFULLY. “1. Thank the Lord daily for life itself. Thank the Lord for the open roads as well as the detours. “ 2. Remember our baptism. We are redeemed in Christ. “ 3. Spend time with people. Talk to them. Listen to them. Share your life experiences. “4. Bring encouraging words to younger and older people every day. Be an encourager to all.”
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Dear ones, most importantly let us continue to stay alive in Christ! ®
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving”
PMMA Presbyterian Manors Of Mid-America
®
(Colossians 2:6-7).
Dinah Dutta is chaplain at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. u Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 620-225-1928 ◆ Fax: 620-225-3982 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 ManorOfThePlains.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: jvanhook@pmma.org John Van Hook, executive director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Many of our community residents enjoy the challenge of putting together puzzles
Resident Ella Mae Residents Wanda Henry and Eileen Stegman
Resident Alverna Cantrell
Resident Bobbie McNair
Manor of the Plains | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Bingo!
With COVID restrictions finally loosening, residents including Shirley Ballard, Doll Yunker, Ella Mae Dale and Donna Penner recently loaded onto the bus and headed to the senior expo for bingo. While no one took home the $300 blackout prize, everyone got to enjoy some ice cream and the chance to spend time together outside of the community. u
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2021