The Glen at Aberdeen Heights Community Matters - November 2022

Aberdeen Heights

NOVEMBER 2022

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®.

Chasing The Son Music fills the halls of Aberdeen Heights

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

Residents were treated to a real musical treat with a recent appearance by worldrenowned violinist Andrew Finn Magill.

Magill is a Fulbright fellow who has been featured on PBS and NPR. He grew up studying Irish, old-time, bluegrass music. He has performed all over the world, including Olympia Hall in Paris, Disney World, and at the Celtic Connections festival.

Now, he can add Aberdeen Heights to his impressive list of performances.

Marian loved the music so much she brought out her violin to show Andrew.

Residents were so inspired by the performance, at least one show watcher - Marian Senger - brought out her violin to share with Andrew.

World performer Andrew Finn Magill played for our residents.

By Dave Parker, Chaplain

Andrew moved to Brazil in 2014 to study that country’s choro music. He currently tours as a solo artist and with a number of bands and jazz quartets. We’re so grateful Andrew took the time to share his incredible talent with Aberdeen Heights. u

Dave Parker

A few years ago, I was caught in a spiritual dilemma that was tearing me apart. I had been dwelling on the issue constantly for days, praying over it, seeking God’s wisdom and His guidance. One morning as I was driving from Topeka to my work in Manhattan, a solid hourlong drive, I turned to God once again.

This time I was literally crying out to Him. And when I say crying, I mean crying: tears streaming down my face, waving my arms (one at a time of course), and talking out loud to Him. I’m sure people passing me on the highway thought I was nuts. At one point I shouted between my tears, “God, what do you want me to do?” Just as audibly and clearly as those words came out of my mouth, I heard “TRUST ME” come from somewhere within my car.

I was stunned. Who in the world was in that car with me? The words were calm

Chaplain – continued on page 4

Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at AberdeenSeniorLiving.com/covid-19.

1

Succulents soak up the end of summer The heat of summer did wonders for our residents’ collection of succulents!

As summer comes to an end, our residents showcased those heatloving succulents that they’ve spent so much time watching over. It is clear that the residents have taken great care of them over the hot summer months - and that these plants are ready for the cooler months ahead. u

Another Succulent created by our residents to finish out the summer

End of summer craft-Succulents

These succulents look great!

All these colors give these succulents such life!

Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.

Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com

2

COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 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.

Assisted Living residents go on an adventure Our Assisted Living residents recently enjoyed a short road trip and adventure to Lone Elk Park.

The residents took a driving tour of the park, which gave them a chance to see a number of animals in the wild.

Lone Elk Park opened in 1971 as a wildlife management area. There you can find bison, elk and deer, wild turkey and waterfowl.

According to the St. Louis County website, the land once was part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant that was used for storing and testing ammunition during World War II. After the war, it operated as a county park with herds of bison and elk. But when the Federal Government took back the park after the Korean War, the wildlife herds were destroyed in 1958 for safety reasons. One lone bull elk survived.

Eventually, St. Louis County reacquired parts of the land area and changed the name to the befitting Lone Elk County Park. The park brought in more elk from Yellowstone National Park in 1966, and six bison from the St. Louis Zoo in July 1973.

Everyone loved getting out in the fresh air.

Loy watching the buffalos

Lorraine looking at the baby buffalos

We had a great group checking out the park

Our trip to the park ended up being a fun day for all involved, and a great way for us to reconnect with the natural world. u Source: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-countydepartments/parks/places/lone-elk-park/#LM

Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY

3

Chaplain – continued from page 1 and reassuring, yet so vivid I had to turn around to check my back seat. Nobody there. But I didn’t believe my eyes, so I checked again. Still nobody. It was in that moment a sense of absolute peace and calm washed over me. My stress was gone completely. My anxiety was removed.

What I had heard was God’s voice. Hard to fathom, but what a blessing! While I may still think about the issue that had been clouding me, it is no longer a roadblock to God’s plan for my life. What an awesome spiritual marker to tell me that after so many years I was at last seeking and following God’s plan for my life.

Sometimes it’s hard to discern God’s will, isn’t it? In fact, I would say most of the time it’s difficult to grasp what He’s saying, which direction HE wants us to go.

And far too often, rather than demonstrate His gift of patience, we lunge forward towards our own plans.

That’s how life can become derailed. It’s so important to be diligent in prayer. You can’t just say, “OK God,

what’s next?” and expect an immediate answer. God simply doesn’t work that way.

Turn to Him in complete humility. Seek His face. Pray earnestly and constantly. Then listen for His still small voice. It’s rare that He speaks to us audibly, but He knows how to reach each of us personally. He will respond to your prayers in His time in His way, so that only you can discern what He’s saying. If you’re struggling to hear Him, find a quiet place for just for the two of you. Slow down.

It’s so important that we give God priority; Jesus always did. Turn to Him humbly, remain diligent in prayer, and listen. Allow Him to respond in His time, in His way.

Then follow. It may not be the response or the path you were expecting, but when you hear Him, you will know, and you will be able to fully trust His will and His way for your life. The more you seek Him; the more you will hear Him speak to you personally; and the easier it will become to discern His voice and His will for your life.

Listen for God’s still small voice saying, “Trust Me!”u

505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122

4

COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2022