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
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
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. 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
Chaplain – continued from page 1 underneath are His everlasting arms.” We truly have sensed Him holding us in His love.
The third stanza says, “There let the way appear, steps unto heaven, all that thou sendeth me, in mercy giveth, angels to beckon me, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” We know because of faith and God’s
Memorial Day
– More than just the unofficial start of summer
For many of us, Memorial Day means a fun three-day weekend to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer. But at heart, Memorial Day is a somber day to honor and remember those who died fighting for their country.
Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day – it was established in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, with the purpose of having people place flowers on the graves of family members and friends who died during the war.
Decoration Day gradually became Memorial Day. At first, it only recognized fallen solders of the Civil
promises that He has gone to prepare a place for us. And we can look forward to the wonderous things that will bring.
In the last stanza, the old hymn says, “Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky, sun moon and stars forgot, upward I fly, still all my song shall be, nearer my God to thee, nearer my God to thee.” My wife looks
forward to hearing those words from Jesus Himself, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into all that I have prepared for you.” We know that will bring perfect healing, perfect joy, and perfect peace. So, our hope for you dear reader is that you too would draw nearer to the Lord, and find His loving grace to be sufficient for your every need. u
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War until World War I when the holiday evolved to honor Americans who died in all wars, now including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Originally observed on May 30th, it wasn’t until 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, giving federal employees a three-day weekend. Nowadays, cities and towns across America hold Memorial Day parades and the tradition to decorate cemeteries with flowers and wreaths continues. Because of the long weekend, it’s also become a more fun day with road trips, barbecues, and other celebrations for the summer ahead.
Sources:
www.history.com
The Library of Congress u
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Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Farmington Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: kjameson@PMMA.org
Jane Hull, executive director Keely Jameson, marketing directorOUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Easter Egg Hunt
Our life enrichment team organized an Easter egg hunt for our employees in April. They put brightly colored eggs all over our yard and it was a great day for our staff members to take a break and spend time outside. We also had some fun prizes.
500 Cayce St. Farmington, MO 63640-2910
Family – continued from page 1
members of the Green family all working at the community simultaneously including Lee’s wife, Connie; his daughters, Syndey and Brittany and his son, Thomas. Brittany, who is a level 1 medicine aide, was the first member of the Green family to join the community’s staff and led the way for the others to follow.
“Basically, we were all looking for jobs and my sister recommended Presbyterian Manor to us,” said Thomas.
But even though all of the family members are working at the same community, they’re not exactly working side by side, which Thomas
said that even though they’re a “close family,” might be for the best.
“We’re working in different departments so we’re not always seeing each other so we don’t fight or butt heads,” said Thomas.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t have things in common that they can discuss around the family dinner table.
“We actually talk about it a lot,” said Thomas. “We talk about how our day was, what happened … Everyone knows what we’re talking about because we all know staff and residents.”
But shared DNA among staff members isn’t the only reason behind the warmth found at the community.
“It’s really a family environment. I enjoy talking with my co-workers and the residents—they are what really brings a family vibe here,” said Thomas. u
MAY 2023
