SEPTEMBER 2021 II Volume 104, No. 8
The Baptist Home
BAPTIST
HOMES
Newsletter Baptist Homes Board of Trustee Meeting – Business, Bequest & Bon Voyage The Baptist Homes Board of Trustees met on Friday, August 13, at the Baptist Building in Jefferson City. Trustees attended both in person and via Zoom call connection. Business Dr. Rodney Harrison, president of Baptist Homes, brought an exciting report of ministry expansion. Trustees were updated on the purchase of three nursing care facilities in Independence, Smithville and Adrian, Missouri. Each property is in the process of becoming new Baptist Homes locations, extending the compassionate care of Christ to the aged. Truman Gardens in Independence is currently caring for 32 residents in assisted living and intermediate care. The properties in Smithville and Adrian were closed due to COVID. Plans for the Smithville property are to renovate and prepare the campus for an exciting new ministry dedicated for military veterans.
Pictured from left to right: Kate Flinn, Pam Workman, Reed McBroom and Sherri Snider. Trustees had the opportunity to learn from a panel discussion and interview facilitated by Dr. Harrison and Tamera Weis, Acting Vice President for Workforce Excellence. The panel featured current campus administrators Sherri Snider – Arcadia Valley, Derek Tamm – Ashland, Pam Workman – Ozark, Reed McBroom – Chillicothe and Kate Flinn – Independence. Each administrator had the opportunity to talk about the blessings and challenges they had experienced.
Bequest Dr. Neil Franks, president of Missouri Baptist Foundation, presented a check to the board of trustees from a bequest made by Dr. Webster Brown and his wife, Elizabeth. In 1966, Dr. Brown joined the staff of the Missouri Baptist Convention in Jefferson City, where he worked for 21½ years, retiring at the end of the year of 1987. He and his wife, Elizabeth, were appointed home missionaries for the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and served for three years, retiring again in December 1990. They poured their lives into the mission of the MBC. The Browns lived a simple life of service to the Lord, but their estate will continue to support kingdom work long beyond their earthly lives. To date, Baptist Homes have received over $1.4 million because of their generosity.
Bon Voyage
BHHM Corporate staff members, Amber Nichols, Amber Stearns and Ron Mackey presented Becky Barton with a quilt that she helped make alongside past residents and staff. “A lot of our blood, sweat, and tears went into this quilt. It is very special to me,” Becky stated. Also at Becky’s side is her husband, Jim.
Baptist Homes said “bon voyage” to Communications Director Becky Barton. Becky has served Baptist Homes for 15 years in various roles. She has served as communications director for the past 7 years. Becky’s passion has been her love for the elderly. She recently informed Dr. Ron Mackey, vice president of community engagement, that she was feeling the Lord leading her to resign her current role. But Becky does not feel her ministry with the aged is over. After some time off to travel with her husband in his vocation, Becky will begin nursing education that will allow her to continue the compassionate care of Christ as a nurse. Nick Davis Director of Advancement
After the presentation of the Brown’s estate gift the Missouri Baptist Foundation Board of Trustees joined the Baptist Homes Board of Trustees for a group picture. Both boards were meeting on August 13, at the Baptist Building in Jefferson City.
Help Prayer Needed You have probably noticed the abundance of “Help Wanted” signs in Missouri. During a recent lunch break, the restaurant’s paper menu included a job application. The dinner theater Julie and I enjoy has reduced capacity due to a shortage of servers. “Now Hiring” is the theme of billboards along Interstates 35 and 70 that historically advertised cars, colleges and clinics. While politicians and financiers debate the ultimate cause of this labor shortage, all agree the healthcare industry has borne the brunt of this workforce shortage. Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries has not been immune to these challenges. Last year, Baptist Homes’ senior leadership identified recruiting and retaining quality staff as our #1 strategic initiative. Since that time, our leadership team has implemented practical and innovative approaches to attract and retain quality staff. However, I suspect that others in our industry are doing the same. What sets Baptist Homes apart is our commitment to embrace a biblically informed worldview. In addition to innovation and competitive pay and benefits, the tools at our disposal include prayer, fasting and faith. To that end, it is my desire to invite readers to pray for workers committed to making “Christlike Ministry the Standard of Care for the Aging.” This commitment to provide quality, God-honoring care to our residents depends upon
a faithful team of employees who embrace their service as a calling and extension of their Christian faith. A healthcare career is rewarding and sustaining. The opportunities for advancement are abundant. My healthcare career began as a nursing assistant in a small rural nursing home and progressed through nursing into a leadership role. Many of our current campus administrators and directors began their healthcare careers in entry level positions and progressed into leadership roles. Careers with Christian ministries such as Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries and the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home allow church members to enjoy a career while practicing “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father” (James 1:27) by looking after “orphans and widows in their affliction.” Cultural changes and political ideologies may attempt to redefine work ethics, responsivity and entitlement, but at Baptist Homes, we will continue to trust in the Lord for laborers committed to entering into the fields that are ripe for harvest. If you know someone who would like to discuss a career opportunity with Baptist Homes, encourage them to check out https://thebaptisthome.org/ employment/. God may be calling you or someone you know to a fulfilling healthcare career.
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I would be amiss not to express my appreciation to our existing workers. We have an amazing team who have weathered the storms of a pandemic, labor shortage and growth (yes, growing pains are real). To these workers, I lift a prayer of thanksgiving. At Baptist Homes, you will not see “Help Wanted” signs plastered on our buildings or campus grounds. Nor will you find an application for employment included in the pages of My Home magazine. What you see and hear is a heartfelt invitation to join us in prayer for God’s favor in meeting the staffing needs at each of our campuses, and of thanksgiving for the caregivers faithfully serving “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Together in His service, Rodney Harrison President
Prayer Riders Baptist Homes President Rodney Harrison was joined by Baptist Homes Hospice Director David Sundeen, MBTS Professor Alan Branch, BHHM Board member Richard Young and members from South Haven Baptist Church for a prayer ride to the new Kansas City area campuses. The riders enjoyed mild summer weather as they rode between campuses. Starting at the Baptist Homes of Independence campus, the group prayed for the residents, administration, staff and families. The next stop was Smithville, where Dr. Harrison shared the history, mission and vision of the ministry, along with current examples of the impact of this ministry.
Ashland Campus News
Residents gathered to enjoy a nice evening of fellowship and games! Following a lunch of Kansas City barbecue, the group rode south to Adrian, Missouri, the newest acquisition to the Baptist Homes family of ministries. At this stop, the team prayed for the campus to be a blessing to the community, hiring of an administrator and development staff, as well as the future residents and their families. At each stop, thanksgiving and prayer was made for the local churches near each campus. Harrison said, “This ministry was built upon prayer, and I am thankful for the faithful prayers of the churches and individuals who are interceding on behalf of this ministry and our residents. The privilege of being able to be at each campus for prayer was an added blessing.” The Kansas City loop was 165 miles. If you, your club or ministry is interested in hosting a prayer tour, let our ministry team know by emailing rharrison@ thebaptisthome.org. We can provide a prayer guide and, if possible, have staff present as you pray on-site with insight in intercession for this ministry.
Construction on the new care facility and Duke-Nelson Chapel is moving forward and continues to make great progress.
CAMPUS INFORMATION BIRTHDAYS Sep 2 Larry Lindsey, First Baptist, Winfield. Sep 14 Don Hinkle, Concord Baptist, Jefferson City. Prayer Riders
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Arcadia Valley Jo Pace showing off her beautiful artwork!
Bill Lumbley posing with his painting! Ed Goodwin says, “Hi!”
Fred Davis is all smiles today!
Residents enjoying a fun game of balloon hockey!
Elba Womack taking a break from painting to enjoy her smoothie!
Juanita Twitchel says, “cheers” with her smoothie!
Residents playing a game of balloon volleyball!
Linda Brooks posing with Lucille Ball! Carol Likely enjoying her smoothie.
Eloise Jennings enjoys her smoothie!
Debbie Boswell serves as a perfect target for Ruth Ann Short!
Mary Bolton poses with her painting.
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Mary Rankin taking her turn at the ring toss!
Marjorie Ellsworth takes a seat to enjoy her smoothie!
Charge nurses, Chelsey Micken and Angie Walker savoring their tasty smoothies!
Campus News
Raymond Giles takes a sip of his delicious smoothie!
Virgie Dodd is all smiles!!
Linda Gowen Tabernacle SBC Piedmont August 6
Loraine West Ellington August 8
Congratulations to our August Employee of the Month, CMT Amber Usher.
CAMPUS INFORMATION BIRTHDAYS Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep
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Lola Watson (IL), Court Street United Methodist, Fulton. Frances Turley, First United Methodist, Festus. Bill Lumbley, First Baptist, Ironton. Virgie Dodd, Florissant Valley Baptist, Florissant. Betty Mason, First Baptist, Wright City. Juanita Twitchel, Warrenton Baptist, Warrenton. Josephine Reed, Maplewood Baptist, Maplewood. Mary Rankin, First Baptist, Gray Summit.
(IL) Independent Living ANNIVERSARIES Sep 6 Don and Deanna Campbell (IL), Stouts Creek Baptist, Ironton. Sep 9 Terry* and Martha Barker, Lebanan Baptist, Frisco, TX. (*) Not a resident of The Baptist Home (IL) Independent Living
Alan Brown Lavon Drive BC, Garland, TX August 23
Ruth Morris Iron Mountain Assembly of God August 10
Campus Needs Immediate Need: Kleenex; White Towels (Large); Clothing Protectors: Washcloths (colored); Listerene; Cologne; Aftershave; Lotions; Scope; Polygrip; Deodorant; Toothpaste; Flower Arranging Supplies; Women’s socks (white); Men’s sleeveless t-shirts (white-XL); Shoelaces; Hairbrushes and combs; Small mist bottles; Watercolors; Postage stamps; Diabetic socks; Long straight pins; Large safety pins; Sharp scissors; Paint Brushes, medium-size canvases, acrylic paints, art paper, white felt (half or more yard); Women’s sleeveless t-shirts; DVD’s (family friendly); Adult coloring books; Body wash; Hair Pics; Standard watch batteries, size 377; Scrapbook paper and picture frames (all sizes); Small BINGO Prizes @ $1.00. For more information, contact Debbie Boswell, dboswell@thebaptisthome.org, (573)546-7429.
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Chillicothe A few of the ladies enjoying a beautiful day in the sun!
Lee and Arlene Borders enjoying time together outdoors. Betty Phillips is right at home with her sewing machine!
Clinton Taylor looking cool in his shades!
Margaret Marshall and Ruth Gray enjoying the shade.
Opal Griffin loves her BINGO games!
Ethel Thompson displaying some beautiful artwork that was sent to her.
Mary Belle Tedder trying all the fried foods!
Bill Wilhite brought his book to the BINGO game! Helen Wilkinson proudly showing off her new hairdo!
Mary Jones enjoying a warm chocolate chip cookie before chapel.
Marjorie Lawson and Mary Jones playing tic-tac-toe together.
Betty Phillips and Helen Wilkinson Mina Sparks shows off getting ready to watch the staff get her smile! wet doing watersports!
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Look at the surprise from Emma Gardner when she realizes these cookies are fresh from the oven.
Phyllis Roberts and Kathryn Gooch have a front row seat to the fun!
Campus News
Welcome New Residents!!
Miriam Stelplugh enjoying her oreo cheesecake.
Rev. Gary and Louise Dean (IL) FBC Maysville August 1 (IL) Independent Living
Norma Taggart getting some help from staffer, Lisa Moseley.
Congratulations to our August Employee of the Month, Charge Nurse, Tammy Lee, pictured here with Administrator Reed McBroom and fellow nurse, Jessie Lee.
Reed McBroom, Administrator prepares to launch a water balloon into a crowd of staff members.
CAMPUS INFORMATION BIRTHDAYS
Campus Needs Postage Stamps; Clorox wipes/Lysol wipes; Kleenex; Denture Tabs; Body Wash; Baby Oil; Washcloths; Bath Towels; Body Spray; Lotions; BINGO Prizes and Birthday Gifts @ $1.00 each; Fitted Flannel Sheets (twin size, extra long); International Coffee - Regular & Sugar Free; Disposable Eyeglass wipes; Tissue Paper for Gifts. Capital Needs: Cash donations can be given for capital needs such as: nurse monitoring call system and window repairs for independent living. For more information contact Angie Hamilton, ahamilton@thebaptisthome.org (660) 646-6219
Sep 3 Kay Gannon, First Assembly of God, Trenton. Sep 5 Joanna Smith (IL), Cornerstone Baptist, Chillicothe. Sep 7 Virginia Hoyt (IL), Chula Baptist, Chula. Sep 13 Phyllis Roberts, Mooresville Christian, Mooresville. Sep 20 Opal Griffin, First Christian, Trenton. Sep 22 Delores Pulis (IL), Friendship Baptist, Macon. Sep 28 Bill Wilhite, First Baptist, Miller. (IL) Independent Living
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Ozark Joyce Butts never misses a chance to have Heidi do her nails.
Maxine Williams takes her time to look for a prize on the bingo cart. Betty Ragsdale and Claudia Mallard enjoy the Prayer Ministry.
Harvey Wright looks at the Smores cart in anticipation.
Morton Rose has Wilma Wilson, Juanita Hatch and Marzelle Perkins laughing at one of his jokes.
Wilma Wilson, Juanita Hatch, and Lucille Shrimpton trying their hand at race car driving.
Marilyn Williams shows off her finished planter!
Frances Miller displays this crossword puzzle she found in Novembers paper. She finished it last week!!
Lola Wolfe is excited about her Smores
Residents keeping our stylists Cathy and Heidi busy!
Polly Medley says of course she wants a chocolate chip cookie! Marilyn Griffis says she does not want a cookie but she does want her picture taken!
Mary Hagler enjoying her warm chocolate chip cookie.
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Sue Bryan showing off her puppy planter!
Nola Pattengill finishing Prayer Ministry always has a large gathering. her cute little Corgi planter.
Campus News
Ruby Rose is so proud of her little planter!
Tom Sharp always attends the Prayer Ministry Fellowship.
Administrator Pam Workman poses with the first employees to complete the referral program. Shirley Butler (far left) referred Paul Montgomery as an employee. Paul completed his 30 days with excellence and both he and Shirley were rewarded with cash prizes!
CAMPUS INFORMATION BIRTHDAYS Sep 5 Marilyn Griffis, South Haven Baptist, Springfield. Sep 8 Mildred Sharp, First Baptist, Climax Springs. Sep 15 Nancy Shaddy (IL), South Haven Baptist, Springfield. Sep 15 Shirley Tucker, South Haven Baptist, Springfield. Sep 20 Barbara Krofta (IL), Hopedale Baptist, Ozark. Sep 20 Ivan Nyberg (IL), First Baptist, Ozark. Sep 21 Alta Thomas, Ridgecrest Baptist, Springfield. Sep 21 Wilma Wilson, First Baptist, Clinton. Sep 26 Sally Harper (IL), First Baptist, Ozark. (IL) Independent Living
Employee of the month for August goes to Fernando Williams, cook. Congratulations!!
Campus Needs Immediate Need: Facial Tissue, Hand & Body Lotion, Body Wash For Hygiene Care: Poise Pads size 5-6; Liquid Pump Soap; Liquid Soap Refills; Disposable Razors; Shampoo; Denture adhesive cream; Toothpaste. For Bingo Prizes and Activities: Snack Size Candy; Stuffed Animals and Beanie Babies; Seasonal items; Solar Bobble Heads; Necklaces (except for Mardi Gras Beads from dollar stores); Word Search Puzzles (Large Print); Nice items from $1 store for Bingo (ex. Dried fruit, name brand bags of candy, seasonal decor). Capital Needs: 6 Air Conditioner units; drainage pipes. Cash donations can also be given for capital needs such as: new concrete patios. For more information contact Amanda Keltner, akeltner@thebaptisthome.org (417) 581-2101
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The Least of These
By Becky Barton, Director of Communications
Many of you became acquainted with the ministry of The Baptist Home, now Baptist Homes & Healthcare ministries, through the care of a loved one. This wonderful ministry is deeply personal to you as it is to me. I was called to the ministry in January 2006, the first month and year that Steven Jones assumed the position of president following the retirement of Larry Johnson. The Baptist Home was not unfamiliar to me having grown-up in Ironton and having visited The Home and the residents several times for the annual auction and for mission’s projects as part of GAs. I remember well the sense of awe I felt when I walked the halls of the grand Riggs-Scott building as a child, and that same wonder is still with me today. When I began my career with The Baptist Home, I had no idea just how impactful that decision would be for me and my family. I had worked in healthcare before, having worked in a doctor’s office in town and later having worked several years at an area hospital. I had even worked with residents and their families as a nursing home admission’s clerk, so I was not unfamiliar with the challenges associated with choosing a lifecare home for a loved one. When I came to The Home, there was much that was familiar to me, but there was also a lot that was very, very different. If any of you have ever visited other nursing homes and then walked through the doors of one of the Baptist Homes’ campuses, you will understand exactly what I am referring to. I can tell you what that difference is in two words, God’s presence. God’s presence. Those were the words my mother used to describe what she felt after meeting with Administrator Sherri Snider to discuss admitting my brother, who was nearing the end of his battle with brain cancer, for care. God’s
presence. Those were the words that described what I felt after watching my grandmother weep with joy when she visited her room at The Baptist Home for the first time, and a year later, as I held her hand while she took her final breath. God’s presence. Yes, I believe God’s indwelling presence is what shapes The Homes’ culture of care and is arguably the defining characteristic that sets it apart. Since I was a little girl, I have held a deep respect for The Home and the residents it serves. As an adult and employee for more than fifteen years, that respect has grown beyond respect to a genuine love for the residents and their families. Since the beginning of Covid and visitor restrictions, all of us have watched as nursing home residents across the nation have endured the worst of this pandemic. It has been heartbreaking to witness families separated for months, unable to kiss a new grandchild or hug their loved ones. While visitor restrictions have been softened, we are watching with trepidation the rise in new Covid case numbers across the state and worrying about when the next lockdown will come. We are praying that another Covid outbreak never comes. Covid fatigue is real. It is every bit as real for our residents and their families as it is for our staff. It is out of love and reverence for this ministry that I am extending this heartfelt plea. In a time of unprecedented hiring shortages, please pray that God would bring us caregivers that are passionate about caring for the aging and will do so with a spirit of kindness, compassion and Christlike love. Pray that God would provide our current caregivers with uplifted spirits and restored strength to face this invisible enemy with renewed determination. And, pray for our residents’ families. Ask God to fortify their hearts and calm their fears during
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this time of uncertainty. God has already been working on my heart in this area. I have watched for months during this pandemic as The Home has struggled to find staff, especially nurses, to fill openings on its campuses. The need is very real, and I am compelled, with God’s help, to do what I can to help fill this need. This will be my last letter as editor of My Home magazine as I have resigned as Director of Communications to pursue a career in nursing. It has been an honor and a great privilege to have served in this capacity for the last seven years. I hope that as you read the pages of this magazine now and in the future, that it will continue to be an encouragement to you and a trusted resource for addressing the many difficult issues that come with aging. I covet your prayers as I begin this next chapter of my life and ask that God will lay upon your heart how you, too, can minister to the aging, the least of these our brothers and sisters in Christ. “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’”– Matthew 25:40
Becky Barton and her grandmother.
Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley Charity Golf Tournament
Honorariums & Memorials
July 2, 2021 - July 21, 2021
In Honor Of
Friday, September 24, 2021 Terre du Lac Country Club, Bonne Terre
Eloise Jennings by Mrs. Glenda Dillon, Lebanon.
In Memory Of
James Swadley by Mr. Roger Bickel, Saint Charles. Doris Blattner by Marion Blattner, Richardson, TX. Roberta “Icie” Sherman by Mr. Randall Sherman, Mapaville; Violet Klueter, Operating Engineers Local 148, St. Louis; Steve Nausley, Robert and Joan Vittoe, Festus; Frances Earl, Hillsboro; Mark Yarrington, Nixa. June DePaul by Ms. Reba Young, St. Louis. 4-Person Scramble - Team Fees Patsy Werner by Paul Werner, O’Fallon. Corporate - $300 per team | Church $200 per team James Overton by Mrs. Dixie F. Overton, Trenton. Eunice Parkes by Shirley Stewart, Beverage Cart Sponsor - $300 Corporate Sponsor $1,000 Ferguson. • Company logo displayed on Company name included in Lucy Wagner by Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. the carts. all media ads. Chatlos, Liberty. Company name and logo Ina Reitzel by Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Driving Range Sponsor - $200 included in the Winter My Chronister, West Plains. • Company name displayed at Home magazine. Mary Knight by Mrs. Ruth Ann Short, driving range. Company signage displayed Ironton; Alison Mclean, Arvada, CO. in lunch area. Ruth Burney by Mr. and Mrs. George R. Hole Sponsor - $100 Inclusion of one team in Ashley, Saint James. • Company name and logo on tournament. Cherie Winter by Dr. and Mrs. Rodney sign near tee. Harrison, Lawson.
10:30 a.m. Registration 11:30 a.m. Putting Contest 12:00 Noon Tee Time
Register by September 17th!
• • • •
Golf Cart Sponsor - $300 • Company logo displayed on the carts.
All tournament proceeds will help to support the benevolent care ministry on our Arcadia Valley campus. Questions? Call Nick Davis (573)822-4319
It is through all gifts, both large and small, that we are able to continue our ministry to the aging. Thank you for your ongoing gifts of time, talents and resources which are so vital to the continued success of this dynamic and authentic ministry. To donate online, visit thebaptisthome.org/donate.
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