Living with meaning and purpose in life, guided by personal values, is key to feelings of well-being and connection to the larger world. Group and individual faith-based activities, personal meditation, mindful exercise (yoga, tai chi) and experiencing nature can create the opportunity for spiritual growth.
Special Movie Showing - White Christmas
Monday, December 1, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Get into the holiday spirit and join others to see this classic movie on the big screen. Refreshemnts will be served.
Final Intergenerational Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 4, 9:30 AM
Strite Auditorium
Watch Battery Replacement Service
Thursday, December 4, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Ken Layman will be available to replace watch batteries. Please bring $7 for the cost of the battery and installation.
Celebration of Lights Public Program
Thursday, December 4, Doors Open at 6:00 PM, Program Begins at 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
See the Foundation News on page 8 for details.
Resident Association Council (RAC) Meeting
Monday, December 8, 1:00 PM
Strite Auditorium and Livestream on Channel 702
Violin Recital by Karina Pidroutchniak & Students
Monday, December 8, 7:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Hot Cocoa & Trivia with Dr. Kyle
Tuesday, December 9, 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Main Street Café
A hot cocoa station will be available to enjoy during trivia.
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Concert Band
Tuesday, December 9, 7:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Piano Music with Kathleen Haddad
Thursday, December 11, 3:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Join Kathleen Haddad, Heritage Haven resident, for an informal event as she plays the piano and take requests. You may sing along or just listen. Kathleen can play favorite oldies or hymns. Don’t miss the music and fun!
Friday, December 12
Parked Along Heritage Drive
A mammogram is the best way to find cancer in its earliest stages. If detected early, 90% of women can be treated successfully. 3D mammography is also offered. Registration is required. For more information or to schedule your appointment, call Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center at 540-689-6800 or 1-800-277-1021.
Intergenerational Choir Concert
Thursday, December 11, 7:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
John C. Myers Elementary Holiday Program Concert
Friday, December 12, 10:00 AM
Strite Auditorium
VMRC Veterans Club Meeting
Friday, December 12, 10:00 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Shenandoah Valley Ukulele Players Concert
Friday, December 12, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Lindale Mennonite Church Children’s Program
Sunday, December 14, 3:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Holiday Cookie Decorating with Sweet Joy’s Bakery
Monday, December 15, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Limited spots available. You must sign up on K4 or at the Wellness Center.
Parkinson’s Support Group
Monday, December 15, 2:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Massanutten Brass Quintet Concert
Monday, December 15, 7:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Art Makers Tuesdays
Tuesday, December 16, 3:00 PM
Heritage Haven Activity Room 2A
Holly Jolly Gala
Tuesday, December 16, 6:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
No cost. Sign-up required on K4 or at the Wellness Center.
Valley Village Movie - “Buck and the Preacher” (1972)
Thursday, December 18, 2:00 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
5 Crown
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Mexican Train Dominoes
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Second Floor Lounge
Village Coffee Hour
Wednesdays, 9:00 AM
Village Hall
See K4 for specific topics.
Knitting & Crochet Group - Project Linus
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Park Gables 3rd Floor Lounge
Spades
Wednesdays, 4:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Duplicate Bridge
Thursdays, 12:30 to 4:00 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Voting will be open December 18 through noon December 23.
Winners will be announced the afternoon of December 23.
Look for the trees in the hallway outside the WE Team offices leading to The Corner. All can enter to win a tiny tree of their choice.
All are welcome to come play “relaxed retirement” Duplicate Bridge with friends and neighbors. Please contact Peggy Layman at 540-746-4999 with any questions.
We extend our gratitude to the residents and staff who shared their favorite recipes for Mennonite Heritage Month, coming in January. Each recipe represents a meaningful tradition, memory, or experience that helps shape life within our community. In January, our dining team will feature a selection of these dishes as part of our celebration of heritage and community. Thank you to everyone who shared a piece of your story and your table with us.
(Sign up on K4, at the Wellness Center or call 540-574-3850.)
Trip to EMS - Intergenerational Partnership Session #2
Friday, December 5
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PG at 9:35 AM PP at 9:45 AM Returning around 11:30 AM
Join us for an intergenerational session with 4th grade Peacebuilding EMS students! Come be a part of this unique gathering across generations; filled with curiosity, connection, fun, and community spirit. Sign up on K4.
Trip to JMU Forbes Center - Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
Friday, December 12, 7:30 PM
Departing: PG at 6:35 PM PP at 6:45 PM
Join Champion Scottish fiddler, singer and harpist Seán Heely and a cast of nationally acclaimed Celtic performers on a magical journey through Scotland and Ireland during the holidays. Kilts and tartan abound as the show travels through ancient Gaelic carols and songs, tucked in perfectly with lively Irish tunes and familiar seasonal melodies with a Celtic twist. Tickets are sold out.
Trip to Court Square Theater to see “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Wednesday, December 17, 2:00 PM Cost: $10 Bring Spending Money for Concessions
Departing: HH at 1:10 PM PG at 1:15 PM PP at 1:25 PM Returning around 4:35 PM
Holiday Lights Tour
Thursday, December 18
Departing: HH at 6:30 PM PG at 6:35 PM PP at 6:45 PM Returning around 8:30 PM
Feel free to wear your appropriate festive holiday gear!
Trip to Blackfriars Playhouse - A Christmas Carol
Monday, December 22 Cost: $44
Departing: HH at 12:30 PM PG at 12:35 PM PP at 12:45 PM Returning around 5:00 PM
Weekly Grocery Trips
Walmart Tuesday, December 2
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12:00 PM
Kroger Tuesday, December 9
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM
Martin’s Tuesday, December 16
Returning at 11:30 AM
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12:00 PM
Harmony Square Food Lion
Tuesday, December 23
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:00 AM
Sharp Shopper
Tuesday, December 30
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM
Returning at 12:00 PM
Sunday Broadcast Schedule
9:30 AM Park View Mennonite Church Broadcast on Channel 704
10 AM Worship Service in Strite Auditorium Broadcast on Channel 702
12 PM Park View Mennonite Church Rebroadcast on Channel 704
1:30 PM VMRC Service Rebroadcast on Channel 702
All residents are invited to join us for morning worship at 10:00 am. in Strite Auditorium. Services are broadcasted on Channel 702 on Sundays and may also be viewed on K4 and on the internet at vimeo.com/vmrcbroadcast.
December 7 - Second Sunday of Advent Sermon by Robert Alley – Church of the Brethren Pastor Worship Leader – Carmen Miller Special Music by The Journeymen Quintet
December 14 - Third Sunday of Advent Sermon by Lane Turner – Lay Preacher from Mountain Grove Church of the Brethren Worship Leader – Steve Landis Prelude by Grace Notes; Special Music by Inner Harmony Quartet
December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent Sermon by J.D. Glick – Church of the Brethren Pastor Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
December 28
Sermon by Roger Dove – Park Village Resident and Church of the Nazarene Pastor Worship Leader – Steve Landis
Note: Offerings (cash or checks) to support pastoral care ministries can be sent by campus mail to the VMRC Foundation Office. Checks should be made payable to VMRC with “Sunday Worship” on the memo line.
Vespers Service - The Good Time Gospel Quartet
Sunday, December 7, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
The Good Time Gospel Quartet comes to share their Christmas concert.
Christmas Worship Service
Wednesday, December 17, 10:00 AM
Strite Auditorium
All residents and staff are invited to gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Persons in the biblical story will be portrayed by Bev Alkire, Paul Beiler, Joe Hackman, Melinda Noland, Ray Ramquist and Lee Snyder. They will step out of the nativity to share Scriptures. Enjoy singing Christmas carols and a solo by Rosemary Smith. This service will be livestreamed on Channel 702 and also rebroadcast on Christmas Day, December 25, at 10:00 a.m.
Communion Service, Fellowship & Refreshments
Thursday, December 18, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Tuesday Evening Bible Study
First & Third Tuesdays, 7:00 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
All are welcome to attend. Led by pastors from local United Methodist churches.
All VMRC residents are invited! The speakers for this month are as follows. December 2 - Tom Yoder, Ministry Coach with Virginia Mennonite Missions
December 16 - No Bible study this week.
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 7:00 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
All VMRC residents are welcome to join together for this service of worship and Bible study. The speakers for this month are as follows:
December 3 - No Bible Study
December 10 - Dan Hoopert
Prayer Meeting
Every Wednesday, 7 PM
Park Place 2nd Floor “Hearth Room”
December 17 - Dan Hoopert
December 24 - No Bible Study
All residents are welcome to join together for a time of sharing and prayer.
December 31 - No Bible Study
Blue Ridge Hearing Friday, December 5 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Call the Wellness Center at 540-574-3850 to schedule an appointment.
Myths and Realities of Aging!
Tuesday, December 9, 10:00 a.m.
Wellness Center Activity Studio
Aging is often surrounded by myths that paint an inaccurate and overly negative picture of what it means to grow older. In reality, decades of scientific research shows that many abilities can stay strong or even improve with age and lifestyle choices have a powerful impact on health and independence. This presentation, led by Fitness Assistant Camille Ashby, will highlight the truths about aging and the evidence-based strategies that support vibrant, active living at every stage of life.
Cardio Drumming for the Holidays
Friday, December 19, 10:00 a.m.
Wellness Center Activity Studio
Do you enjoy listening to music? What about making music? Cardio Drumming incorporates a little of both! Join us for this holiday-themed rhythmic class. Sign up is required as we have limited equipment. Contact the Wellness Center, 540-574-3850, to reserve your spot!
Wellness Center Holiday Hours
Wednesday, December 24 ~ Open 7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. No classes. Pool closes at 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 25 ~ Closed for Christmas
Friday, December 26 ~ Open 7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. Holiday Special Aqua Lite Plus Class.
Pool closes at 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31 ~ Open 7:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. No classes. Pool closes at 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 1 ~ Closed for New Year’s Day
Celebration of Lights Public Program
Thursday, December 4, Doors Open at 6:00 PM, Program Begins at 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium (Satellite Viewing in Strite Auditorium)
Please join us for VMRC Foundation’s annual Celebration of Lights, a cherished tradition that brings our community together for reflection, remembrance, and hope. This year’s program will feature music by the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir, Dr. David Berry, and a meditation by Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus. Following the program, all are invited to enjoy a festive reception along Main Street in Park Gables. You will also be able to watch live on VMRC Channel 702 or Vimeo.com/VMRCBroadcast.
Celebration of Lights is also the Foundation’s greatest effort to raise support for our Compassion fund, which assists residents in Supportive Living who have outlived their resources. Donations may be made through December 31 via campus mail or by stopping by the Foundation office on Main Street. We extend heartfelt thanks to all who have already contributed.
The 2026 VMRC Mary Reitz Nursing Scholarship application opens Monday, December 1, 2025 and closes Friday, February 13, 2026. Residents will soon receive informational materials in mailboxes to share with family members who may interested in applying or considering a career change into nursing. We’re grateful for your help in spreading the word about this opportunity!
We will award three full-tuition scholarships of up to $30,000 each:
Two scholarships for current VMRC staff members One scholarship for a member of our local community
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.vmrc.org/vmrc mary reitznursing scholarship or scan the QR code.
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December 3 - A Christmas Story
NOTE: Held Wednesday Afternoons at 3 PM Unless Otherwise Noted
December 10 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas = NOTE: 10 AM showing
December 17 - Miracle on 34th Street
December 24 & 25 - The Nativity Story
December 31 - It’s a Wonderful Life
Additional Movie Showings on Saturday at 3 PM:
December 6 - A Christmas Story
December 13 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 20 - Miracle on 34th Street
December 27 - The Nativity Story
January 3 - It’s a Wonderful Life
Also Available Online at vimeo.com/vmrcbroadcast
Sunday Worship from Strite Auditorium Every Sunday, 10 AM and 1:30 PM
Community Updates with Campus Leaders Wednesdays, December 10 and 24 at 1 PM and 4 PM
Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 4:30 p.m. (No Express Cart service available from 11:30 - 1:00)
Call the Park Gables front desk at 540-564 3400 for a ride. As a reminder, the indoor Express Cart is operated by VMRC volunteers and provides FREE indoor point to point transportation from Crestwood to Park Place along Main Street. Riders need to be physically capable of getting on and off the cart independently.
Indoor Express Cart Holiday Schedule Update:
Please note that the Indoor Express Cart will not operate at all on December 24 and December 25 due to the Christmas holiday so that our volunteers can spend time with their family and friends.
Free shuttle service is available five days a week 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the Park Gables front desk at 540-564 3400 for a ride. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. Closed for lunch break 12:10 - 12:40 p.m.
Friday Afternoon Indoor Express Cart Driver We are currently in need of additional drivers who would be willing to help cover our Friday afternoon shift on the Indoor Express Cart from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. This is a temporary opening beginning in December and would continue into the Spring. The Indoor Express Cart provides point to-point indoor transportation all along Main Street, up to Park Place and over to Crestwood through our internal connecting hallways. All drivers receive helpful safety training and the opportunity to become familiar with the cart’s operation and route prior to starting a placement. This volunteer role is a wonderful way to meet new people, learn about campus and give back.
Stanley Douglas, HH
Roy Head, HH
Ready to get involved as a VMRC volunteer? Please contact Volunteer Services by calling 540 564 3524 or emailing eshickel@vmrc.org.
Nathan “Nate” & Viola Miller, PP
Ann Rice Yager, PG Omar & Esther Zimmerman, PP
Lola Chu Ruth Smith
Join Us for Cruise Week at VMRC January 12 16
Instead of sailing on a real cruise ship, we are bringing the fun of a cruise to you! Enjoy a full week of events such as a comedy night, a luau dinner, live music, a spa event, trivia and much more. Select dining venues will serve meals that match the port destinations we will be “traveling” to. More details and brochures will be available at each front desk soon. Get ready for a time of joy and celebration!
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) - Dreamcatchers
Monday, January 19, 9:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Sign up is required on K4 or at the Wellness Center. Limited spots available.
Faith Sharing Service
Strite Auditorium
Wednesday, January 21, 10:00 AM
Join residents and staff for this annual service when we hear how God has worked in the lives of our friends.
Vespers Service - Cantore
Sunday, January 25, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Join others from across campus as the men’s a cappella group, Cantore, presents a concert.
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) - Foil Ball Stamping with Dye
Monday, January 26, 9:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Sign up is required on K4 or at the Wellness Center. Limited spots available.
Contemporary Issues Professor Kevin Pallister, Bridgewater College
Tuesday, January 27, 6:30 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Professor Pallister discusses civil society under authoritarianism based on his study of Latin American dictatorships.
Retirement Celebration for Steve Landis
Wednesday, January 28, 1:30 PM
Strite Auditorium
We invite you to join us for a farewell program recognizing Steve’s many contributions and the meaningful impact he has had n VMRC. Reception to follow on Park Gables Main Street.
Throughout January 2026, we will celebrate our first annual Mennonite Heritage Month honoring the faith, stories, and practices that helped shape VMRC.
Mennonite Heritage Foods
All month long, enjoy special Mennonite-inspired dishes using resident and staff recipes.
Book Talk & Signing with Elwood Yoder
People of Peace: A History of the Virginia Mennonite Conference
Thursday, January 22 / 10:00 a.m. / Strite Auditorium
Join local historian and author Elwood Yoder as he shares stories, photos, and insights from his new book, exploring how people of faith have sought to live out a legacy of peace in the Shenandoah Valley.
Peace Symposium: Exploring Stories of Conscientious Objection, Community, and Peacebuilding
Friday, January 30 / Day-long Event Across Campus
A full day of speakers and panel conversations tracing peace witness from the American Revolution to the present day. Residents, staff, students, and community members are invited to listen, learn, and reflect on what it means to be people of peace today.
Every Other Saturday, January 10 March 21
9:30 to 11:30 AM / Heritage Haven Conference Room / Cost: Free
Mark your calendars to join the next 6-session workshop on writing your memoir!
We’ll move beyond just writing facts and get to the heart of our truths. Additionally, the skills you will learn during this workshop apply to not only writing your memoir, but also to fiction, non-fiction and historical fiction. Former participants are also invited as there will be new things to learn. Sign up on K4 or at the Wellness Center.
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) - Stained Glass Ink Painting
Monday, February 2, 9:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Sign up is required on K4 or at the Wellness Center. Limited spots available.
“The Banjo’s Journey” Presentation by the Frontier Culture Museum Friday, February 6, 2:00 PM
Strite Auditorium
Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) - Neurography Art Painting
Monday, February 9, 9:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Sign up is required on K4 or at the Wellness Center. Limited spots available.
Resident Association Council (RAC) Meeting
Monday, February 9, 1:00 PM
Strite Auditorium and Livestream on Channel 702
Please join EMU students in “Bibliotherapy” for a spring book-discussion group on Mondays, January 26 through April 20, from 9:15 to 10:05 a.m. Readings and films will highlight the wisdom, comfort, and delight literature affords readers experiencing illness and grief. Authors will include Margaret Edson, Virginia Wolf, Doris Betts, and John Green. Space is limited to fifteen VMRC residents so please contact Kyle Remnant soon to reserve your spot. There is a cost of $20 to partially cover the purchase of books.
Are you a military veteran or conscientious objector willing to share your story?
Students in Marti Eads’ Ways of War and Peace class at Eastern Mennonite University would like to record your reflections for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the EMU archives. Interview partnerships typically involve three interview sessions in the meeting location of your choice during February and March. Please contact Kyle Remnant to volunteer.
