Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor
August 2015
Do you have plenty of friends? By Allen Teal, chaplain, Rolla Presbyterian Manor
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31 How many friends are enough? Everyone benefits from having friends. August 2 is International Friendship Day. This can be an opportunity to make new friends. It may also be a time to reflect on great friendships that God has brought into our lives. Friends can teach us. “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” (C. S. Lewis) Over the years, I have known people whose friends have taught them to hunt and fish. Others have learned job skills from friends. When friends share their experiences with one another, many of life’s pitfalls can be skirted. Many personal problems have been solved with the advice of trusted friends. Friends care when others don’t. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) Proverbs even speaks of Christ as that “friend that sticks closer than a brother.” FRIENDS, continued on page 3
Bill and Ellie Higley celebrate their 73rd dating anniversary. Ellie is wearing the same dress she wore on their first date in 1942.
Bill and Ellie Higley celebrate 73 years since first date For many people, May 23 may just be another ordinary day. But for Rolla Presbyterian Manor residents William and Eleanor Higley (who go by Bill and Ellie), it’s a day that signifies a special song, a significant dress and a first dance. This past May 23 marked the 73rd anniversary of their very first date. Growing up, Ellie was close friends with Bill’s sister, and as an only child, Ellie found she enjoyed spending a lot of time with Bill’s entire family. One Thursday evening in May of 1942, Ellie, a high school senior, remembers getting a call from Bill. He asked her to go to a formal dance with him at a fraternity where he was attending school at the University of Missouri – Rolla. The dance was on Saturday, just two days away. While her mom wondered how they would find a dress on such short notice, they had success. Ellie remembers the fraternity moved all of the furniture out of the house for the dance and a band was hired for the occasion. But what may be even more memorable is that “String of Pearls” was played that night, and it became their special song. DATE, continued on page 2