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Shepherd's Center of Topeka |
Our mission is to support the aging population by providing spiritual, physical, social and intellectual programs that make a difference in the quality of their life. |
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Good Monday Afternoon,
I want to share the following story with you because there have been a lot of deaths in our Shepherd’s Center family, and it saddens my heart for their family and friends. Even though we go through difficult times, we can have hope in something more, we can have hope for what is to come and what is eternal. My friend Mike died last month, but his legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and the hearts of those Mike touched while he was with us. My favorite Santa lived his life to the fullest and he was a blessing to many.
The picture you see of Santa is of Mike Shinkle who was a staff member at the Topeka Rescue Mission for over 20 years. You may have read about him in the Topeka Capital-Journal. He also served as a pastor at a North Topeka church for more than two decades. Mike was only 61 years old when he died last month after battling COVID-19 for several weeks. Mike assisted with the TRM’s Operation Food Secure Program for the community which started early on during the coronavirus. He also served as a sidewalk Santa Claus and had a business card that he would hand out year-round that told about the true meaning of Christmas. Mike never met a stranger and was willing and ready to talk to anyone who would approach him.
I met Mike many years ago while volunteering at TRM and the first thing I said to him was “does anyone ever tell you that you look like Santa” and he just smiled. In 2016 my son had cancer and it came back in 2018. During this second round of chemo, Justin was staying at the hospital one week out of the month for three months. While I was making my weekly stop at God’s Storehouse Thrift Store, I saw Mike in the coffee shop, and I stopped to visit with him. I told Mike that I was struggling and that I was trying not to look to the future because of all the "what ifs and fear" and I was trying not to look to the past because of the "I should have and the regret and sorrow it brought me". I told Mike that what I needed was to stay in the present "right here and right now” because everything was good at that moment. That is when Mike said to me “that is why God's name is I AM”. What an encouragement that was to my heart and mind. Mike asked me if he could go visit Justin at the hospital and I appreciated the encouragement and prayers for him.
We don’t have control over what was in the past or what the future might bring, and as we live in the moment, we do experience disappointment, loss, pain, and loneliness. In our time of suffering, we have a choice about what to do with those emotions. In those times, I try and remember the scripture in James “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This scripture gives me hope and a different perspective. I believe that it is not what we are going through that is the test, but how we act while we are going through it. Do we offer forgiveness and grace to others? Do we believe that all things will work together for the good? Do we worry, withdraw or act as if what is happening is the end-all of our life? Or do we seek the comfort and guidance of others and in our faith to help us through the difficult times, I hope so. Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some and especially since many of us can't be with our family or friends. I encourage you to reach out to others if you are struggling so you can be comforted and blessed by the people who love and care about you and you will find that they will also be blessed.
December Holidays Around the World
Christmas is celebrated by Christians to remember the birth of Jesus Christ whom we believe is the Son of God. Christmas is a religious holiday celebrated all over the world by Christians and non-Christians alike. Santa Claus is a tradition that is enjoyed by many children all over the world. Traditions differ all around the world, but typically the celebration includes gift-giving, family and public celebrations, cookie baking and giving, special dinners, and singing Christmas carols and hymns.
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Considered a miracle, even though there was only enough pure oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued to burn for eight nights.
In 1966, Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga after the Los Angeles Watts riots. Dr. Karenga founded the cultural organization US and began his research on the African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations.
December 26 is the day Boxing Day is celebrated. The holiday is not what you think, it is not about the boxing sport. This holiday began in the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages and is still celebrated in several countries today. This was the day when collection boxes or alms boxes that were kept in churches were opened and the content distributed to the poor. This is a tradition that still happens in some areas.
The second most important day in Japanese tradition is Ōmisoka, New Year’s Eve. This is when the final day of the old year and the eve of New Year’s Day is celebrated and is the most important day of the year for Japanese.
Cookie Book - Watch for our cookie cookbook in an email tomorrow!
Tonight! A Performance by Andy McKee - McKee Mondays with ToneWoodAmp on Facebook. Join Andy McKee as he performs LIVE on Facebook from his home studio. Andy McKee is among the world’s finest acoustic guitarists and he is from Topeka. Click on the following date link for access. Monday, Dec 14th, 2020 8:00 PM Enjoy!
Blessings,
Karen Willard
SCT Director
785-249-3258
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Upcoming Dates
"Coffee with Karen and Friends" December 17 at 10:00 am. via Zoom. Watch for my email on Wednesday with the link.
Rebound Physical Therapy's next Virtual Lunch and Learn session "Reduce Stress With Chair Yoga That You Can Do at Home", December 17 at noon until 12:30 . If you are interested, please call their front desk at 785-271-5533 or email Buffie at Buffie@reboundphysicaltherapy.com to register. Stacy Zeigler will send you a Zoom invite after you register.
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If you have a special need, or prayer request, please email Charlotte Milroy our SCT Chaplain at charmilr@gmail.com. You are especially important to us and we are here for you in your time of need. In addition, if you know of a SCT member who has passed please let Charlotte know so she can send a card on behalf of Shepherd's Center.
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New SCT Activity Group - Time Change |
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Tai Chi for Health with Madon Dailey |
Tai Chi for Health - Monday and Thursday 10:00 - 11:00 am at Lowman United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 4101 SW 15th Street, Topeka and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday via Zoom.
If you would like to sign up for this class please contact Madon by emailing her at madondailey@gmail.com or call 785-845-4478. There is a limit of 15 in-person attendees for this class.
Due to Covid, Social distancing is required and masks are to be worn.
This class is so beneficial and one participant has said "I was feeling depressed and when I come to Tai Chi I feel good and happier. Thank you so much."
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To Join Madon from Home via Zoom at the same time by clicking on the following link:
Meeting ID: 908 593 3664
Passcode: TopekaTC4V
Or Join with your smartphone +1 346 248 7799
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THE ACTIVITY GROUPS LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN MODIFIED. PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
PLEASE NOTE THIS CLASS IS CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - SMS - Strength, Mobility, Stability Exercise Group at GRACE UMC ONLY - Shirley Edgerton - Instructor
Tues and Thurs, 8:45 - 9:30 and 10:00 - 10:45, Grace UMC, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka
Spiritual Book Club - Meeting via Zoom 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Contact Pat Kirkman or SCT if you would like more information. The SCT book group will be starting a new book on December 7th. Dan Pauls will lead us in “What Christians Can Learn From Other Religions” by Phillip Wogaman via Zoom.
MAP Group (Memoirs, Ancestry, Photos) Meeting via Zoom 4th Wednesday of the Month 10 - 11:30 - Contact Ellen Horn or our office if you would like to join this group. HOLIDAY Schedule - MAP Group will meet on Dec. 9 but NOT on Dec. 23.
Tai Chi for Health - Monday and Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 at Lowman United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall. If you would like to sign up for this class please contact Madon Daily at 505-424-8989 785-845-4478 or madondailey@gmail.com. There is a limit of 15 attendees in person for this class. Due to Covid, social distancing is required and masks are to be worn. To Join Madon from Home via Zoom Topeka and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday via Zoom click on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9085933664?pwd=
Meeting ID: 908 593 3664 Passcode: TopekaTC4V
THE SCT GROUP ACTIVITIES LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER OR
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Pickleball
Mondays, 3 – 5:00, Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka
Wednesdays, 1 – 3:00, First Baptist, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka (New Players)
Hand and Foot Canasta
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 2 - 4:00 pm, St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka
Bridge
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1 - 3:30 pm, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2021 SW 29th St, Topeka
Line Dancing
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka
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Travelers Club - Members Only |
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The June 2021 Summer Vacation
and Travelers Club Day Trips are now Cancelled
Until June 2021
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Our next scheduled day trip is “Hank Williams: Lost Highway” at New Theatre in Overland Park on June 9, 2021.
For our members and friends interested in travel before SCT sponsored trips resume you may wish to check Great Adventures Tours at: www.greattourstopeka.com
Contact Oneta by emailing her greattours@gmail.com or calling 633-8761 with questions, enrollment, or cancellations.
Great Adventure Tours does not accept credit cards.
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Exercises for Everyone Online |
Madon Dailey
You are invited you to a Tai Chi scheduled Zoom meeting Monday – Friday 11:00 am.
Meeting ID: 859 9677 0458
Password: 782861
Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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Kansas, Topeka and Shawnee County
COVID-19 Updates
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The City of Topeka
"The City of Topeka Open Data Portal is dedicated to promoting access to government data and encouraging the development of creative tools to engage and serve Topeka's diverse community." This website includes information regarding the city budget, open projects, homelessness, Covid-19, as well as current press releases. Click on the links and you will find great information about our city.
Governor Kelly's Reopen Kansas Plan
For the most up-to-date information regarding Covid-19, please see the following links:
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Shepherd's Center of Topeka | Website
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