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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Wichita campus shares resident survey results move-in process. In addition, residents and families also reported a high willingness to recommend the community to others.
Wichita 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. The graphic above highlights some
DEVOTION – continued from page 1 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
“[My family member] is just very happy,” one respondent said. “I appreciate the continuing conversation that I have with them. They notify me for any changes or concerns. There are few, but they still contact me. They let me know how [my family member] is doing. The staff has been very top notch.” of the survey results. All scores are given on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the lowest score. Between June 2020 and May 2021, Wichita Presbyterian Manor residents and their families gave the community high scores in offering safety and security, demonstrating dignity and respect, and ease of the
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
you to the trial, he will also lead you through the trial.
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.
Sometimes situations may offer too many choices. Not all choices fall into the category of good and bad. You may 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
—M. R. Stead (1850-1917) u
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Community Matters 316-942-7456 ◆ Fax: 316-941-3806 4700 W. 13th St. Wichita, KS 67212-5575 WichitaPresbyterianManor.org
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is published monthly for residents and friends of Wichita Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: awatson@PMMA.org Amy Watson, life enrichment dir. Courtney Wolfe, executive director Stephanie Bergmann, marketing dir. Cherree Hudspeth, health care sales and marketing
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2021
Celebrating Kansas by car By Stephanie Bergmann, Independent Living sales and marketing director In the sweltering heat of August, it might seem like a mirage. A lake suddenly appears in the middle of the western Kansas prairie. Fed by natural springs and surrounded by rocky bluffs, Lake Scott is an anomaly on the otherwise flat landscape of Scott County. It’s often called an “oasis on the plains.”
While Lake Scott is still a hidden treasure for many Kansans to discover, it’s won national recognition for its beauty. Greg Mills, park manager, says USA Today listed Lake Scott as one of the best American beaches in 2012. National Geographic Traveler included it as a “must-see” state park. A big part of Lake Scott’s appeal is the solitude. Enclosed in a canyon, the park does not allow motorized boats or Jet Skis. Visitors can rent canoes, paddleboats and fishing supplies at the swim beach. Kids also enjoy a playground and concession stand. Lake Scott is also known for its history, especially El Cuartelejo, the remains of a small, 17th-century Indian village. Mills says it’s the northernmost known pueblo in the U.S.
The historic Steele home also is open to the public. Built in 1894, the Lake Scott park does not allow limestone house still has the old motorized boats or Jet Skis on the water. stove, washing machine, ice box and Instead, visitors enjoy old fashioned weaving loom used by Herbert and watercraft activities like sailing.
Fed by natural springs and surrounded by rocky bluffs, Lake Scott is an anomaly on the otherwise flat landscape of Scott County. Campers enjoy the “oasis on the plains” when visiting.
Lake Scott is a western Kansas oasis that offers opportunities for camping and old-fashioned watercraft. When Stephanie visited last fall, she learned more about the state park’s national reputation from Park Manager Greg Mills.
Eliza Steele. They eventually sold their land to the state to create the park. Traveling to Lake Scott is quite a trek from Wichita — more than 250 miles. My husband and I made the trip with friends last October, camping at the park and visiting nearby Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem State Park. But we spent most of our time around the campfire as the weather turned windy and cold. My dog’s water dish even froze overnight! (Yes, we were in a tent.) While our group would definitely recommend visiting Lake Scott earlier in the season, we agree that our adventure was still worth the drive. u
Wichita Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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4700 W. 13th St. Wichita, KS 67212-5575 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
VOLUNTEER – continued from page 1 She also volunteers in the office at West Heights United Methodist Church and at Presbyterian Manor in the mini mart and assisted living library. “The mini mart I enjoy because I will say hi to almost everyone who walks by, and most of them will stop to
talk,” Ann said. “I missed that during our time apart.” Volunteering at the library doubles as a chance to visit with residents in the assisted living neighborhood, some of whom were once Ann’s neighbors at the Westwinds, where she has lived for the past four years. She chose her volunteer activities because she’s passionate about them, and she believes it’s important to have things to be passionate about in life. Retirement is an opportunity to rekindle an old passion or find a new one, she says. Ann also enjoys the benefits of being of service to others.
Ann Murray at Wesley Hospital, stuffing pillows
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | August 2021
“I feel that I’m useful. I have a purpose, and I really want to be helpful,” Ann said. “That’s one of my big things: I want to help people.” u
Ann’s gold pins quantify her tenure at Wesley, where she has volunteered more than 3,000 hours.