The Quill—Newsletter of Saint Simeon's Senior Community Jan/Feb 2025

HappyNewYear! THE QUILL

Saint Simeon’s Celebrates 65 Years of Caring for Tulsa’s Seniors

Saint Simeon’s began as a dream of Rev. Dr. Edward Eckel when he arrived in Tulsa in 1929 to serve as the fifth rector of Tulsa’s Trinity Episcopal Church. After years of sharing the vision and gathering support, in 1958 a 22.5-acre plot of land on a hill overlooking downtown Tulsa was purchased.

Two years later, in 1960, the “Saint Simeon’s Home for the Aged” opened its doors. Just four residents called Saint Simeon’s home those first few months. Over the last 65 years, Saint Simeon’s has grown and added services to consistently provide the best possible care for the changing needs of older adults in the Tulsa area.

From a small beginning with just 12 resident rooms, Saint Simeon’s has evolved into a complete Continuum of Care Retirement Community including Assisted Living, Assisted Living Memory Care, Long-Term Nursing Care, Advanced Memory Care, and Short-Term Skilled Nursing and Rehab in our Premiere Medical Resort.

Through all the growth and change, our mission remains the same—To be the preferred home for men and women of all faiths who wish to live their later years in an environment with dignity, individuality, and the highest attainable level of independence.

To read more about the history of Saint Simeon’s, visit https://saintsimeons.org/about-us/history/.

Memory Center Residents Share What They Are Grateful For

“I am grateful to be alive and healthy.” —VM

“I am grateful to have more experiences.” —JS

“I am grateful for my boyfriend and drinks.” —PN

“I am grateful for my husband J. I miss him chasing after me and our memories in the laundry room. —JH

“I am grateful for nothing.” —EK

”I am grateful for Tamia [MC Life Enrichment Assistant]. She got me out of one mess and put me in another.” —JH

The Rev. Susanne Methven, Chaplain

Blessing Saint Simeon’s for 2025

January 6 is Epiphany when we celebrate the magi, Gentiles from the east, who followed a star, sought advice in Jerusalem, and finally arrived in Bethlehem to worship Jesus. They brought with them gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:1-12).

There are various ways to mark the day. Since Epiphany ends the 12 days of Christmas, some families remove their Christmas decorations. Others may share a Three Kings Cake. The person who finds the figurine hidden in the cake is king or queen for the day and may even have to pay for the cake the following year. At Saint Simeon’s, we mark the beginning of Epiphany by metaphorically “chalking the doors.” We ask God’s blessing on all who live and work here, and we invite Jesus to be our daily guest.

We pray in all the units. You will see signs that read:

The letters CMB have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional (but not Biblical) names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. CMB is also an abbreviation for the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross and 2025 is the current year.

We begin by reading scripture:

Put on then compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts….And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

Then we pray:

O Heavenly Father, you are glad to bless all human labor and to use the work of our hands and minds for your loving purposes. Grant that all who work here may respect the dignity of every person and may add to the flourishing of those who live here. AMEN.

O Son of God, visit Saint Simeon’s with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live here with the gift of your love, so that they may share it with everyone. Guide, comfort, and strengthen our residents and preserve them in peace. AMEN.

O Holy Spirit, bring your wisdom and insight to every decision and choice that is made by the Board of Directors and management that Saint Simeon’s may prosper in these uncertain times. AMEN

We hope that you will join us in responding:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us –yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17).

Make a New Year’s resolution that will last a lifetime! As we step into 2025, take a moment to review your estate plans. Having a plan that meets your family, financial, and philanthrophic goals provides peace of mind for you and your family.

Sticking with resolutions can be tough, but we will provide you with the tools and information you need to start the year knowing your legacy is planned and your future is protected. To learn more about our complimentary estate planning services, call (918) 794-1918 today!

Make plans now to join us for the Saint Simeon’s Foundation’s new event— Spring Soirée

Hosted by the Saint Simeon’s Guild Thursday, April 24, 2025