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Call for More Information
785-249-3258
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The Shepherd's Center of Topeka is a faith-based volunteer-run organization that provides opportunities for adults 55 and older to participate in educational, physical, spiritual, and social activities and events. | |
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Good Monday Afternoon!
I hope you got to join in on some of the activities at our sponsoring congregations and in our community last week.
As older adults, we are more vulnerable to loneliness, especially during the holidays. A survey by AARP has shown that 28% of older adults face loneliness during the holiday. The National Council on Aging indicated that in 2020, 27% of adults aged 65+ lived alone, but loneliness doesn't have to come from living alone. If you or someone you know is feeling lonely during the holidays, there are several things you can do to combat loneliness. Here are some tips:
Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to connect with others and give back to the community. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, or hospital.
Connect with loved ones: Reach out to friends and family members who may be feeling lonely during the holidays. You can call, text, or video chat with them.
Join a group: Joining a group or club that shares your interests is a great way to meet new people and make friends. You can find groups for everything from hiking to knitting to book clubs.
Take care of yourself: Make sure to take care of yourself during the holidays. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. You can also try meditation or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.
Our mission at the Shepherd's Center does help combat loneliness, but that's not all. We are here to help you become and stay engaged, utilize your talents and skills, keep your mind and body working, build relationships, and grow intellectually and spiritually. We are glad you are a part of the Shepherd's Center.
Shepherd's Center Volunteer Opportunity
We are still looking for a volunteer for Hospitality Chair. You will get plenty of help while training. If you are interested in this position, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. Click on the link for responsibilities: Hospitality Chair Responsibilities.
Upcoming Community Events
Drive Through Living Nativity at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, on December 10, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Click here for more information.
First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison Avenue, Sunday, December 10, 7:00 pm, A Season of Singing with Kansas Youth Choir, with guest artists Washburn Rural High School's This Generation! 817 S.W. Harrison Avenue
Join the Holiday Open House at Celebration Villa Hearthstone West, 3515 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, on December 11, 4-6 pm: Drinks, Hors d'oeuvres, Music, and Photos with Santa!
Shawnee Choral Society presents Gloria on Friday, December 15, at 7 pm at White Concert Hall, Washburn University, 1700 SW Jewell Ave, Topeka. Free admission. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Thornton Place (Holiday Senior Living), Holiday Bazaar Vendor Fair, Saturday, December 16, 10 am - 2 pm, Thornton Place Atrium, 2901 SW Armstrong Ave, Topeka. All are welcome to join!
The Bethlehem Experience will take you back in time to experience what it looked like when Jesus was born. Fellowship Bible Church, December 8, 10, 15, and 17. This event is free, but you must sign up for tickets. Click here to learn more and reserve your free ticket(s).
If you belong to one of our sponsoring congregations and want us to share an event, please email me the details, and I'll include it in our Monday email.
Have a blessed week!
Karen Willard
SCT Director
785-249-3258
[email protected]
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2024 Annual Membership Dues
and Member Profile Form
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You can join Shepherd's Center at any time and get access to our online directory, but you get the most benefit if you join at the beginning of the year. Your membership helps support us.
Your $30 annual membership supports the Shepherd's Center with operating expenses. Please consider joining and supporting this great organization. Membership benefits include discounts on "Adventures in Learning," a membership directory, and travel opportunities. Membership dues are paid for the calendar year.
Print Membership Form to Mail
If you are a new member, please click on the link below. Please print and fill out the form and return it to the office.
Print Member Profile Form
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SCT Activity Groups
Physical Well-Being, Spiritual Growth,
Socializing, and Education
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PLEASE CALL THE COORDINATORS OR THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. | |
Line Dancing with Karen Botkin | |
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Pickleball - Monday and Wednesday from 1 – 3:00 at First Baptist, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka. One of the four courts is designated as a training court on Wednesday. If you are interested in playing recreational pickleball, please email Dave Mathias at [email protected] or Betsy Thompson at [email protected].
Line Dancing - Meeting from 1:30 - 3:30 on the 2nd and 4th Thursday and from 1:30 - 2:30 on the 1st and 3rd Thursday for beginners at First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka. For more information, contact Karen Botkin at 785-945-6785 or Jim Bauer at 785-256-2432 at [email protected]. Please note: Jim Bauer is teaching the beginner's class on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
SMS - Strength, Mobility, Stability Exercise Group
Monday, 9:30-10:00, Arbor Valley Senior Homes Clubhouse, 1414 SW Arbor Valley Dr, Topeka
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 - 9:30, Rosehill Place, 3600 SW Gage Blvd # 97, Topeka Tuesday and Thursday, 10 - 10:45, Grace UMC, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka. For more information, please call Anne Crawford at 785-273- 4527 or email [email protected].
Tai Chi for Health - Meets Tuesday 9:30 - 10:30 at Lowman United Methodist Church and Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 at the Zoo at Camp Cowabunga or Kay's Japanese Garden, depending on the weather and availability. No training is needed; watch and follow. Contact Madon Dailey, Certified Tai Chi Instructor, at 785-845-4478, [email protected]. Join Madon from Home via Zoom on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Click on this link Zoom Tai Chi Use Meeting ID: 825 2355 0912 Passcode: TopekaTC4V
Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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PLEASE CALL THE COORDINATORS OR THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
Bridge Group - Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2021 SW 29th St, Topeka, from 1:00 - 3:30 pm. Arrangements to play must be made by Monday at 5:00 by calling Joan Arterburn's cell at 785-213-1812 or home at 785-408-5174 regarding attendance.
Hand and Foot Canasta - Meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka. Please do not enter the building before 1:45 pm. If you have questions, please email Caroline Huff at [email protected].
Mexican Train Dominoes - Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka. Please do not enter the building before 1:45 pm. For more information, please email the co-coordinator, Ottie Reed, at [email protected] or Mary Adkins at [email protected].
Shepherd's Center Book Club - Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell Ave, Topeka. For more information, contact Pat Kirkman at [email protected].
MAP Group (Memoirs, Ancestry, Photos). Meeting via Zoom only on the 4th Wednesday of the Month, 10 - 11:30 am. Contact Rich McReynolds at rlm4017gmail.com or our office if you want to join this group. We will send you a Zoom link.
Family History Writing Group, Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10:00 – 11:30 am Lowman United Methodist Church, room 12. For more information, contact the office at 785-249-3258.
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Travel Opportunities - Members Only | |
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If you want to volunteer on the Travel Committee, please contact Rich McReynolds at [email protected].
Christmas at Resurrection Church in Leawood
Lunch and Christmas Program
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Cost $92
Coach spots at 9:45 am and back home around 5 pm.
This program is the best of the best for Christmas. They change it every year, and every year, it gets better! Resurrection Church creates a special Christmas Program with 300 singers, a full orchestra, and actors every year. We will eat at the Church for lunch, a special treat, and we have excellent seats! No stairs, all flat walking! We should be back home by 5 p.m. To register, call Oneta at 785-633-8761. Mail checks to P. O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604. Click on the link for a printable flyer.
"Elvis, Aloha From Vega" New Theatre Overland Park
Lunch Provided
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Cost $78
New Theatre, “Elvis, Aloha From Vegas”, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, $78. The coach picks up at Fairlawn Plaza at 9:45 a.m. ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS traces The King's journey through the 70s. It was a period of reinvention, kicking off a seven-year annual residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, running through the sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden, and culminating in a historic international live satellite broadcast from Hawaii, all set to unforgettable songs like "Burning Love", "Suspicious Minds", and of course, "Can't Help Falling in Love."
For our members and friends interested in other travel opportunities, check Great Adventures Tours at www.greattourstopeka.com. Contact Oneta by emailing her at [email protected] or calling 785-633-8761 with questions, enrollment, or cancellations. Mail checks to P. O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604.
Credit cards are not accepted.
Travel Opportunities
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If you have a particular need or prayer request, please email Charlotte Milroy, our SCT Chaplain, at [email protected]. If you would like your prayer requests mentioned in our Monday email, please copy Karen at [email protected].
You are especially important to us, and we are here for you in your time of need. If you know of an SCT member who has passed, please let Charlotte know so she can send a card on behalf of Shepherd's Center. Click here to email Charlotte Milroy.
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Topeka, Shawnee County, and Kansas Updates | |
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The City of Topeka and Shawnee County
If you're wondering what to do in Topeka, like trying new places to eat, entertainment, or events, click on the following link for more information: Visit Topeka
"The City of Topeka 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 the city budget, open projects, and homelessness information. Click on the following link for more information: Open Data Portal.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
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Shepherd's Center of Topeka | Website
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