Dear Friends,
With great joy, we report to you that Redwood Community, in Santa Rosa, CA, has been serving Christian Scientists for nearly a year since its reorganization in 2019. Redwood has a long history of providing Christian Science nursing care and supplying a homelike atmosphere for “men and women of riper years and larger lessons” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, 248:5–6). A special quality of Redwood is its size. This contributes not only to the feeling of a cozy and comfortable home, but it also enables Redwood to be nimble in responding to unique needs of its residents and the Christian Science community.
The Executive Board is especially grateful for the abundant support of Fern Lodge whose Administrator, George Strong, Director of Christian Science Nursing, Deanna Belyk-Proctor, Christian Science nurses, and staff have brought renewed energy to Redwood, including a beautiful, extensive interior remodel, updated landscaping, a Christian Science nursing staff with a training program, and, of course, financial provision. The Board has been operating alongside Fern Lodge’s Board, but has recently struck out on its own as a separate board. This provides a local feel to the home, while still being closely tied to Fern Lodge’s nursing mission and resources.
With four precious residents and a cherished and skilled Christian Science nursing staff of four, Redwood is at near capacity and operating smoothly. The staff has graciously, diligently, and successfully navigated the strict COVID guidelines and health orders for the last nine months, and the residents have been troopers, sacrificing all activities outside home. (What would we do without the Internet?) They are an example to all of us of patience, resilience, and obedience. It is an honor to be associated with such luminaries as these. “The lives of great men and women are miracles of patience and perseverance. Every luminary in the constellation of human greatness, like the stars, comes out in the darkness to shine with the reflected light of God” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 by Mary Baker Eddy, 340:26).
As we continue to carry out Redwood Community’s purpose, we are so grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions. We look forward to staying in touch and in the meantime we are wishing you a merry Christmas and joyous New Year.
With love and gratitude,
Executive Board
Angela Sage Larsen, CS
Jane Mercereau
Joan Chalk
Deb Messmer
Sharon Strong
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