Wichita Presbyterian Manor
Dealing with challenges and choices AUGUST 2021
Independent Living resident finds meaning in volunteer work
Editor’s Note: The following devotion comes from Allen Teal, who is retiring as chaplain at our sister community Rolla Presbyterian Manor this summer.
In April, Ann Murray returned to Wesley Medical Center.
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).
During the pandemic, the Westwinds independent living resident and longtime hospital volunteer, had to take time off from delivering flowers and mail, running errands and helping to stuff pillows for pediatric patients — a Wesley tradition since 1912. Before the hospital temporarily suspended its volunteer program, Ann had spent 11 years walking its labyrinthine hallways wearing the maroon smock that identifies her as a member of the Wesley Medical Center Auxiliary. “It was something I had wanted to do for a long time, and I had more time once my husband retired,” Ann said. Her husband, Terry, was a chaplain for the Kansas National Guard and a United Methodist minister. “The best part of volunteering at the hospital is my cuddling of babies,” Ann said. “I get to go to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and special care unit every time I’m there. It’s just wonderful.” In addition to her regular Wesley volunteer duties, Ann serves on the auxiliary board and has chaired its scholarship committee.
VOLUNTEER – continued
on page 4
By Allen Teal, chaplain at Rolla Presbyterian Manor
Ann Murray’s active volunteer schedule includes shifts at West Heights United Methodist Church, Wesley Medical Center, and at Wichita Presbyterian Manor, where she works in the mini mart and the assisted living library.
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. Big challenges can seem daunting. We all face obstacles that seem too
DEVOTION – continued on page 2
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at WichitaPresbyterianManor.org/covid-19.
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