Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
Dealing with challenges and choices AUGUST 2021
By Allen Teal, chaplain at Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Thank you, Bill and Belinda Mueller! Exciting news! We were able to check an item off our wish list thanks to the generous support of Bill and Belinda Mueller. With the Mueller’s donation, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor was able to acquire a John Deere Gator UTV, which will help our maintenance crew keep our grounds looking beautiful year ‘round. Every day, someone reminds us of how blessed our Presbyterian Manor community truly is. We have so many wonderful donors who impact our lives each day. All gifts, whether they are small or large, support our mission and help us make a positive difference in the lives of our seniors and staff. We are forever grateful. u
Kye Wright, environmental services/maintenance, and Sarah Griggs, executive director, with our community’s new John Deere Gator UTV.
Editor’s Note: The following devotion comes from Allen Teal, who is retiring as chaplain at our sister community Rolla Presbyterian Manor this summer.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:39, NIV). A battleship cruised along on a dark, foggy night. In the distance, the lights of a second ship pierced the gloom. As the moments passed, it became evident that the two ships were on a collision course. The battleship captain had a message flashed to the other ship to turn out of his path. Immediately, a reply returned instructing the battleship should be the one to turn. Believing that his vessel held a higher rank, the captain had the message repeated and added that he was a battleship. Once again, the message flashed back instructing the battleship to turn. This message also carried an extra tag telling the captain that the light in the distance was a lighthouse.
Devotion – continued on page 4
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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Arkansas City campus shares customer service survey responses
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor continues to seek customer feedback through monthly telephone surveys. Each month, residents and their representatives are randomly selected to participate in telephone satisfaction surveys conducted by Pinnacle Quality Insight.
lowest score. Between June 2020 and May 2021, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor residents and their families gave the community high scores in offering safety and security, dining services, demonstrating dignity and respect and cleanliness.
The graphic above highlights some of the survey results. All scores are given on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the
“They have taken very good care of my [family member],” one respondent said. “We get regular emails. I would tell others that it is a
very good place. We have had a good experience with it. They should check it out.” We greatly value the opinions of our residents and their representatives about the care and services we provide, and we encourage them to participate honestly when contacted by Pinnacle Quality Insight. All state and federal confidentiality laws are met in Pinnacle’s service. u
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Community Matters 620-442-8700 ◆ Fax: 620-442-8224 1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2021
is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: wstokes@pmma.org. Sarah Griggs, executive director Whitley Stokes, marketing director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Community activities resuming with a few new twists With COVID restrictions beginning to lift, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor is excited to be bringing back some of the most well-loved activities while introducing a few new, soon-to-be favorites. “We had an opportunity to expand our life enrichment programming as we were resuming some of our programming that was in place before COVID,” said Executive Director Sarah Griggs. “We thought the ladies craft night concept would be well received by our residents, so we decided to do a spinoff of the ‘paint and sip’ trend. Projects will vary each month from fiber arts to painting and we will reveal each month’s projects in the lobby with the sign up for the workshop. Residents will
Cheers to resuming programs! Marsha Hephner, Imogene Leach, Fern Bryant, Gwen Spillman, Rita Slaughter, Eric Erickson and Nolan Winegar enjoy happy hour together.
enjoy an afternoon of creating a project of their own, food, beverages, fun and laughter with friends.”
Resident Carolyn Shriver, who has participated in group art activities in the past, is one of many looking forward getting back together with others and exploring her creativity. “I really enjoy making things and mingling; I like getting to know people,” said Carolyn. One of Carolyn’s new favorite activities is the community’s group exercise class. “It was wonderful,” said Carolyn. “It really got you moving.”
Resident Carolyn Shriver with her firework craft.
Resident Freida Kahle working on a firework craft.
To see what activities are coming up that you might be interested in, check out this month’s activity calendar. u
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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1711 N. Fourth St. Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Devotion – continued from page 1
Big challenges can seem daunting. We all face obstacles that seem too large to overcome. Sometimes, it may feel like fighting against God himself. Like the lighthouse in the opening paragraph, it may be God’s attempt to get us to change our course. In the role of the battleship captain, humans lack the capacity to see through the fog. Tomorrow is a mystery to us, but not to God. At these times, we must lean on the arms of God. Trust that if he led you to the trial, he will also lead you through the trial. Sometimes situations may offer too many choices. Not all choices fall into the category of good and bad. You may
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have two positive options. Unfortunately, it can also feel like you face multiple bad options. Occasionally, God presents you with such choices to allow you to exercise your free will. Be aware that even two similar paths may lead to diverse outcomes. You must determine the direction that will leave you closest to your ultimate goals—personally, financially and relationally. God will give you guidance if you listen for his voice in your heart. An old hymn reminds us: I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. —M. R. Stead (1850-1917) u