Commun ty Matters Fulton Presbyterian Manor
“Believe”
By President and CEO Bruce Shogren As I look forward to the holiday season, one word is key to this season: “believe.” I truly believe in three key people: Jesus Christ, Santa Claus and the employees of the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America system. What could be more important than Christmas Day, the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ? I grew up in a church in which every Sunday we would state our belief by reciting the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
This belief statement says it all for me and has been the guiding statement throughout my life. It has given me the ability to believe in the power of prayer, which has really been needed daily as BELIEVE continued on page 2
December 2014
Santa’s coming to breakfast By Jeff Young, Activity Director
Every few years or so, Santa likes to shake things up. People's schedules change, and interests change. This year, instead of an afternoon party with Santa, we are starting a new tradition that brings everyone together as one community to share love and joy and gifts and treasured memories with each other. The Rev. James Williams and Santa share a heartfelt moment last year. We all remember the excitement of waking up Christmas morning and running to find out what was under the tree and having a big breakfast before setting off for church or to visit relatives. That is the magic we hope to capture with Breakfast with Santa. Come one, come all, bring the whole family to celebrate this new tradition with us. Breakfast festivities begin at 6 a.m. on Dec. 19.
Seeking ‘angels’ for Good Samaritan Program
Christmas angel ornaments – each representing a gift to the Good Samaritan Program for Benevolent Care – are adding to the holiday decorations at Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s senior living communities. Donors responding to the annual Christmas Angel Appeal letter mailed in November include paper angel ornaments with their gifts. Each ornament will then be displayed at the PMMA community designated by the donor. During the past two years, angel donors have given more than $94,000 to the Good Samaritan Program, which assists PMMA residents who have run out of funds through no fault of their own.