Is this your favorite season of the year? It is mine! Every year it amazes me just how quickly the holidays come upon us. It seems like yesterday we were in the middle of fall. Is your schedule becoming as full as mine is? Between work, church, friends, family and traveling, I don’t think I have a weekend free until after Christmas. We have several big events scheduled here on campus for Independent Living residents, so be sure to check out the calendar for details. These events are our annual Christmas dinner in the Community Center and the 1st annual Christmas Parade of Homes. I also have a staff party, the Lodge resident and family party and the Assisted Living resident and family party.
I want to thank Darlene Moffitt, Connie Brown, Sharon Dollinger, Joyce McCullum and Norma Martin from Calvary Christian Assembly of God and Sandra Spickard of James River Church for helping my wife, Beth, decorate the Northwood apartment lobbies. They look fabulous! I know our residents will truly enjoy these brand new trees and decorations.
Brian Miller CEO
TBINGO
We have Bingo every Wednesday at 1:30PM and a monthly Bingo Store that is open the first Wednesday of each month directly following Bingo. Items available for purchase with your Bingo Bucks include gift cards, snacks, toiletries, and so much more. We also have a Bingo party the first Wednesday of the month that includes refreshments and special prizes. We’d love to see you there. If you need a ride, please contact Lora (417-833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
WEEKLY WALMART TRIP
Each Friday morning we take the bus to Walmart. Pick-up begins at 9:30AM and you’ll have an hour of shopping time. If you would like to take advantage of this service please contact Lora (417-8336104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
EVANGEL ALUMNI
Attention Evangel College and AGTS Alumni! We have received Evangel and AGTS merchandise that is available and we would like to give these to you as a free gift! Contact Lora for more information (417-833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
HEADING
MV KERN LIBRARY
It’s Christmas month, and we have several new Christmas-themed books displayed on the shelving endcaps. (And don’t forget the shelf-and-a-half long Christmas section.) We added 3 new DVDs this past month, too. With the colder weather keeping us inside more, you may want to look over the puzzle collection and see if there’s one you haven’t done.
Happy Reading (and Puzzling)!
Don Johns Library Director
SnowflakeOrnaments
Handmade snowflake ornaments Handmade snowflake ornaments for sale at the Community Center for sale at the Community Center
$1.25 each - stop by today! $1.25 each - stop by today!
Monday, December 9, we will host the annual Christmas dinner at 5:30 PM in the Community Center. This event is free but a ticket is required. Tickets are available now at the Community Center. The deadline to sign up is Monday, December 2. Please refrain from bringing outside guests as space is limited. Transportation will be provided beginning at 4:30 PM. Please contact Lora for questions or to request transportation (417-833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
HOLIDAY COFFEE & BAGEL BAR
Come fellowship with neighbors, sip a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy a tasty bagel on December 19 from 9-10 AM. No sign up required!
MARANATHA VILLAGE CHOIR
Join us at the Village Chapel on Sunday, December 15 at 6:00 PM to experience the Maranatha Village Choir as they perform Believe, the Truth of Christmas. You don’t want to miss this powerful performance that is sure to glorify our savior and bring joy to all who attend. This will also be aired on channel 81.
LISA MURPHY TALKS
For some people, just the word ‘exercise’ makes them cringe. This presentation will focus on taking the "boring" out of exercise. You will learn how to "sneak in" exercise during the day, which is also known as "Exercise in Disguise". You'll come away from this lecture with some fresh ideas of what you can do to start your own fitness routine that will have you feeling better (& looking great!) in no time. You will be provided with some simple easy-to-follow programs that you can do in the privacy of your own home. Come join Lisa Murphy, OT for this educational class on Thursday, December 5 at 10:00 AM at the Community Center. Sign up at the Community Center or contact Lora (417-833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org). Let’s get moving!
MENORAH CRAFT
Hanukkah, also called the Feast of Dedication (John 10), is observed by Jews and many Christians with the menorah as its main symbol. Come to the Community Center on December 19 at 1:30 PM to learn more, make your own menorah, and enjoy refreshments. All supplies are provided and skill level is “easy.” Contact Lora to sign up (417833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
BATTLEFIELD MALL
Knock-out your lastminute Christmas shopping with us on Monday, December 16 at 1:00 PM at the Battlefield Mall and shop for two hours. Sign up by contacting Lora (417-833-6104 or lmassey@mvlife.org).
BEAUTY SALON
Ramona Woodring is our new beautician. The beauty shop will be open Wednesdays beginning at 9:00 AM. Call 417-831-2507 for appointments and specify you are a MV resident.
Martha Hancock Layne Jacobs WELCOME
Welcome our newest residents to the Village family!
OUT & ABOUT
These are some of our favorite memories from November!
Left: Veterans Lunch
Thank you to our veterans for your service! We appreciate & love you! Right: Cardmaking class.
Below: Voting in the General Election!
Left/Below: Fall Festival 2024 We enjoyed live music, vendors, ham & beans, hot chocolate bar, firepit, hayrides, games, & fellowship with friends!
Below: The Echoes of Dogwood Mountain.
I want to thank the Marantha Village people for their prayers, visits, cards and flowers during my illness. Your thoughtfulness was encouraging and deeply appreciated.
-Dorothy Martindale
ChristmasDinnerTraditions
The tradition of Christmas dinner in America has roots that trace back to the early European settlers. Initially, these meals were heavily influenced by the settlers' countries of origin, featuring dishes that were familiar and available in the New World. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Christmas was not universally celebrated across the colonies, as Puritans in New England actually banned the holiday due to its perceived pagan origins. However, in the southern colonies, Christmas was celebrated with grand feasts featuring meats like roast beef, ham, and venison, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, pies, and puddings.
By the 19th century, as Christmas became more widely accepted and celebrated, the influence of the Victorian era brought about a more standardized Christmas dinner, inspired by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." This period popularized the turkey as a centerpiece, although goose and duck were also common. The meal would often include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a variety of desserts like plum pudding or mincemeat pie. Over time, regional variations emerged, with cultural influences from immigrant populations adding unique dishes to the Christmas table. Today, the American Christmas dinner is a diverse blend of traditional fare and modern interpretations, often reflecting the multicultural nature of the country.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
ALL ABOUT ME TROYFLINT
MAINTENANCE PREMIER REHAB & LODGE
FUNFACT
I won the first annual Maranatha Village Archery Contest where I accomplished my 306th Robin Hood.
I have been at Maranatha Village for ten months and work in the Maintenance department. Helping the residents is what I enjoy most about my job. Before I worked at Maranatha I built sailboats, surfboards, and paddleboards. I enjoy fishing, hunting, archery, surfing, and rock-climbing. I also play electric and acoustic guitar. My favorite genres to play are heavy metal, rock & blues.
MYFAVORITES
Color: Orange
Candy: Peanut Butter Cups
Season: Summer
Vacation Spot: Cayman Islands
Restaurant: Chinese Buffet
Cereal: I prefer pancakes
INDEPENDENT LIVING
10:00 (9:30T) VC 6:00 VC
10:15aBible StudyCC 2pBetter Balance NAR Church Services
1:30pBingo CC(1pT) Phoenix
2:45pFit FlexCC 6pChurch ServiceVC
10aLisa MurphyTalks CC/RR (9:30T)
1pVillage PrayerCC 2pBetter Balance NAR
2:45pFun& GamesNAR
5pHome ToursCC
10:00 (9:30T) VC
Church Services
6:00VC Christmas Concert Church Services
5:30p Christmas Dinner CC/RR (4:30T)
10aFall Fighter/Brain PowerClass CC 2pDazzling December Dashwith AegisCC/ RR 10aFall Fighter CC