Parsons Community Matters February 2016

Commun ty Matters Parsons Presbyterian Manor

COMING UP IN COMMUNITY MATTERS:

Everyone has a story to tell

It’s time to celebrate volunteerism. How have you answered the call to be a volunteer? How have volunteers helped you in a time of need? Why do you think volunteers are so important? How have you benefited from being a volunteer?

If you’ve got a story to share about volunteering, contact Sharla Hopper, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

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ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org

February 2016

Presbyterian Manor’s Art is Ageless® call for entries underway

Parsons Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 22-25, 2016. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2017 Art is Ageless calendar.

The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Parsons Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Having a creative outlet benefits the mind, body and spirit.

“The exhibit and competition always draw a wide array of impressive artwork from talented seniors,” said Sharla Hopper, marketing director. “We’re expecting this to be another great year for creativity and variety of works on exhibit.”

ART IS AGELESS continued on page 4

ENTRY DEADLINE: MARCH 16, 2016

Give a helping hand with Good Sam Program The Parable of the Good Samaritan:

“Do this and you will live.”

Luke 10:25-37 New InternationalVersion (NIV)

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.“Teacher,” he asked,“what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied.

“How do you read it?”

27 He answered,“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and,‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied.

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Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of

501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.

Maegen Pegues, executive director Sharla Hopper, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact shopper@pmma.org.

Telephone: 620-421-1450 Fax: 620-421-1897 Address: 3501 Dirr Ave., Parsons, KS 67357-2220 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org

2 COMMUNITY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2016

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,“And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said:“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity

on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper.‘Look after him,’ he said,‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied,“The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him,“Go and do likewise.”

We’re all familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan, but do we often study this text again and think about how this applies to our daily life here at Parsons Presbyterian Manor? While it may be easy to see some of the challenges our fellow residents have, other challenges remain unseen. What happens, for example, when through no fault of their own, a resident has exhausted their financial resources? Where can they turn? Who is their neighbor?

“The one who had mercy on him.” We are. Through the Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Program, we’re able to extend financial relief to those in need, allowing them to remain in our care.

And while we’ll continue to provide this assistance for as long as possible, we turn to our community in asking for help to raise the necessary funds.

“During fiscal year 2015, we served 16 residents with more than $80,000 in support,” said Maegen Pegues, executive director. “Through local fundraisers, such as the Oatmeal Supper and Angel Tree appeal, we’re only able to cover a very small fraction of that amount. We’re looking for caring individuals or organizations to come alongside us and help us give a hand up to those who are down.”

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Good Samaritan Program, please contact Maegen Pegues, executive director, at 620421-1450, or mpegues@pmma.org.

Gary Brennecke lives to give back A native of Chanute, and a Pittsburg State University Alum, Gary Brennecke is a familiar face in Southeast Kansas, especially thanks to his community involvement. A career in pharmaceutical sales had him traveling to various locations, but he took his involvement a step further by volunteering his time and giving back when able.

“I’ve been on various boards of the Presbyterian church, and the Board of Education at Parsons. I’ve always been an active guy,” said Gary. “It’s rewarding to be involved. It gives me a good feeling.”

Gary is especially fond of his service on the board at Parsons Presbyterian Manor. He’s been active for five years, and was even recently appointed to the corporate board of trustees for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA).

“I continue to be so impressed with the whole PMMA organization. From here at the local level, all the way to the top

Unfailing love

at the corporate level, people truly care.

It’s wonderful,” said Gary.

Gary experienced the high level of care given at a PMMA community when his parents, both in their late nineties, lived at Parsons Presbyterian Manor during the last part of their lives.

“They were treated very well here. And even now, I can say one very positive aspect is the food. I get to enjoy it regularly, and it can’t be beat!” said Gary.

“For some, especially those who can’t get out much, it’s so important. A good meal might be one of the few things they have to look forward to every day.”

Gary and his wife Martha have two children and four grandchildren, have traveled extensively (most recently in Europe), and enjoy escaping to the warmth of Arizona during the cold Kansas winter months. With his love of travel and desire to help others, it was only natural for Gary to want to help as much as possible when Presbyterian Manor was in need of new transportation.

W. Wayne Mason, Chaplain, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

It’s that time of year when we are reminded to buy cards, candy, flowers, and a night out for that special someone we have declared that we love. That love is proclaimed as the greatest of all emotions to be given away.

As much as I enjoy the love that I have for my wife and my children, I know that there is a greater love available. It is the love of God which includes His kindness and mercy and is given each moment of each day and never wavers.

Psalm 100:5 states, “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” I am so thankful that His love endures through all the good and bad times. It remains strong

Gary Brennecke is a volunteer extraordinaire.

“One thing I’m particularly proud of during my service here at the manor was the bus fundraiser. Now, we have a nice new way to transport residents to appointments, outings, and so forth,” said Gary.

We thank Gary, and all of our other volunteers, for their continued dedication to making Presbyterian Manor the best it can possibly be for our residents and those to come.

even when I sin and betray God. It has been in place from before I was born and will be just as strong when I breathe my last on this Earth. God’s love delivers hope to the hopeless, faith to the faithless, value to the useless, and life to those who are dead in their sin.

God’s love is given freely through Jesus. Its symbol is not found in a heart with cupid’s arrow through it, but it is found in a cross and an empty grave. God’s love overcomes our sin, and replaces it with a love for Him and for all humanity.

This Valentine’s Day I will declare my love to all my family, and I will also proclaim my love for God – who loved me first, and gave me the chance to love Him fully.

PRAYER: “Lord God, I love you. Thank you for the

sacrificial love you have given to me through Jesus. Help me to love others in the same way you have loved me. Amen.”

PARSONS PRESBYTERIAN MANOR 3

An overview

FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR LONG TERM CARE

of: • Long Term care insurance • Veterans Benefits • Financial planning

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Art is Ageless continued from page 1

Local competition winners will join winners 17 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level.

Entry forms and information can be picked up at Parsons Presbyterian Manor, 3501 Dirr Avenue, Parsons, or by contacting Hopper at 620-421-1450 or shopper@pmma.org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online.

Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2011). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works to be entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 16, 2016.