Category: News
God’s Presence by Resident, Rev. Helen Taylor
I really like what Chaplain Laura did last week with the disciples’ encounters with Jesus and the
Holy Spirit — presence, peace, and power. We’re familiar with Jesus’ greeting, “peace be with you,” and
the wind and fire of Pentecost. Obviously, the Holy Spirit is an important part of our Christian walk, too.
This raises two questions. First, what IS the Holy Spirit? It’s God’s Presence that Jesus WAS. Then
when Jesus left, he promised that God’s Presence would be with us through the Holy Spirit. Second, how
do we experience that? We think of that happening in church, worship, or personal devotional time. Some
of us have even had the blessed experience of the Holy Language of speaking in tongues. That may be
an important part of our discipline. But are there other ways, too?
I think Jesus gave us a clue during his remarkable conversation with the woman at the well in Samaria.
Jesus asked for a drink, offered her Living Water, then asked her to go get her husband and bring
him back. When she said she didn’t have a husband, Jesus agreed and said, “You’ve had five, and the
one you have now isn’t your husband.” Her jaw dropped and she replied, “Oh, I see you are a prophet!
Well, we worship God on this mountain. You say the temple in Jerusalem is the only place where God is.”
“Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither
on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… But the hour is coming and is now here when the true worshipers
will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God
is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth’” (John 4:21-24).
Jesus reveals that God’s presence can’t be contained in a physical location. I take that to mean
that God’s loving presence is not just to be found in church or only in what we call worship. I most frequently experience God’s Presence in worship. I’ve even been moved to tears standing in empty worship spaces — cathedrals in Europe with their high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. God’s presence is strong in Brill Chapel, during Vespers, and in quiet times. God’s presence is strong in my little
home chapel (once a second kitchen).
I’ve also felt God’s Presence powerfully in nature, even as a child, lying down on the warm curve
of concrete covering our storm shelter and looking at the stars. Then there are sunsets, sunrises, rainbows, majestic mountains, Niagara Falls, still lakes, the silence of deep woods, and strong ocean waves. And, of course, God’s Presence and love come to us through people and even through books.
Perhaps these things happen to you, too, but you might not call them God’s Presence. That might
even sound sacrilegious. I confess that this view comes from my own faith and practice of trying to be
open to God’s Presence in every moment. That feeling in my heart of deep awe that often brings tears is
the same in both worship and nature. This is what is in my heart to share here with love.
Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
Epworth Villa is our Mission Field by Resident Cathy Nichols
In 2007, I was blessed to have participated in a three-week medical mission trip to the island of Papua in Indonesia. I had planned to address that amazing journey or the importance of financially supporting foreign missionaries (I support one in Japan and one in Turkey), but the Spirit laid it on my heart to discuss how each of us as Epworth Villa residents can be missionaries at home.
All of us can, and should, give to others. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Many churches have signs that can be read as one leaves the sanctuary stating, “You are now entering the mission field.”
It is comforting and warms the heart to see many of our residents assist others. One resident makes personalized birthday cards for those on her floor. Some other residents diligently send much-appreciated birthday and thank you cards. Other residents make it a point to look prospective residents and their families in the eye and smile as they tour our beautiful community.
Another way to see Epworth as your mission field is to eat with a resident who is eating alone in one of our dining venues. We have all come upon a lost new resident or visitor. Ask if you can help and guide him/her to the proper destination.
Epworth Villa is our mission field. We can all be Epworth Villa missionaries. What will you do?
The Epworth Experience
Residents Don and Gail Frost
As part of the Epworth Villa community for more than eight years, Don and Gail Frost know just about everything there is to know about this community. We talked to them about how they chose Epworth, and what their experience here has been like over the years.
Tell us about how you first came to Epworth Villa
Well we lived in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas at the time, and really had no connections to Oklahoma City. We loved our home and loved living there, but it got to a point where maintaining the home was a hassle. So we decided to start looking around. We looked around Arkansas, in Ohio, we probably checked out 50 places or more. When we ran across Epworth Villa’s website, we really liked what we saw so we came to visit. Honestly, that’s what did it. We knew about all the financial benefits of a Life Plan community, but the feeling we got here made it an easy decision. And we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it ever since.
What makes Epworth a great place to be on a day-to-day basis?
There’s so much to do, on and off campus! We really enjoy our independence here. There are plenty of grocery stores, shopping, and entertainment options nearby. We have a church that’s really close. This area is growing quickly! But even on campus, there are so many clubs to join, volunteer options, etc. We have a wonderful activities director, and our residents start up clubs or events for things they want to do that don’t exist yet. It’s great!
Tell us about the residents here, especially when you first joined.
From the start we were welcomed like family. All across OKC, people are just congenial and friendly. People here are eager to make new friends and experience new things, and we really have enjoyed that. Honestly it would be hard to come here and NOT find people and things that fit your interests. And that hasn’t changed a bit since we first moved.
How’s the staff here at Epworth?
I believe to really understand Epworth, you need to come here and see this place and meet these people The leadership is great—they keep residents informed as to what’s going on. Our maintenance staff is amazing—need a lightbulb fixed? It’s done almost immediately. Squeaky door? No problem. Plus we love that there are staff members here who have been here 10, 20, 25 years or more. It shows that they care and are dedicated to making our community the best it can be. You know, by law we can’t tip our staff. But we residents appreciate the staff so much that we find ways to say thank you, especially at the holidays. We want them to know we appreciate all that they do for us.
What would you say to someone considering Epworth Villa?
Don’t wait—that’s the biggest thing. Don’t wait until you can no longer take advantage of your freedom to go and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Moving here is both about gaining peace of mind and freedom. Your future healthcare needs are taken care of, that’s great. But for today, you’re free to go and spend your days how you want to! No more home maintenance, no more mowing and cleaning and all of those things. Come and enjoy a great life among friends. Come explore and learn and meet new people. It’s a lot of fun, honestly.
Just one of many Epworth experiences.
Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.
The Epworth Experience
Staff Member Angela Shaw
The sense of community here at Epworth Villa isn’t limited just to our residents. Staff members across our campus are an important part of the Epworth experience. We sat down with Epworth Villa’s Certified Dietary Manager to talk about her day-to-day experiences at Epworth and why she sees this community as such a special place to work and live.
Tell us a little about what you do here at Epworth Villa.
For most people, food plays a huge role in our lives, both in those really memorable events like vacations and celebrations, and our day-to-day routines. My job here is to make sure that the food we offer at Epworth Villa nourishes our residents both physically and emotionally. Together with our chef, dining director and kitchen team, our goal is to design menus that help our residents eat smart and stay fit, but we also delight them with new dishes and creative flavors. And our residents are a big part of this—they even get to decide a “resident’s choice” menu for some of our events like picnics.
So how is the atmosphere here at Epworth different in your opinion?
I do a lot of tours here, so I hear from a lot of prospects that are visiting other places as well. People always comment on how beautiful and neighborhood-like our campus is. It’s comfortable here. And beyond the physical campus, the people here are like family—whether you live here, work here, or are a routine visitor. People here are friendly, they greet you by name. And our residents are remarkable people from all walks of life—they’ve traveled the world, taught generations, achieved amazing things at work and in life. These aren’t bored, tired people. And you can feel it in the halls and across the campus.
What’s it like to be part of the staff at Epworth Villa?
Oh I tell people all the time not to wait! People really have no idea how much fun they’ll have coming here, both because there’s so much to do and because you get to leave behind the typical responsibilities of maintaining a home. It’s great! Really the hardest part was downsizing from a larger The most fulfilling part of my job is working directly with our residents. I’ve been here five and a half years or so, and it’s so great to know that the work I do is actually improving people’s lives directly. I love just the little interactions with residents and family members in hallways, those day-to-day greetings that seem small but brighten an afternoon.
What would you say about Epworth Villa to someone considering living here?
I believe to really understand Epworth, you need to come here and see this place and meet these people in person. To be here is to understand why people love it here. You can live a great life here. With any current or future healthcare needs covered, you can focus on really enjoying life, meeting new people, having new experiences. The tight-knit community feeling really permeates every part of our campus. Our staff and residents really take care of each other, like family does. There’s a lot of love here, and I want people to come experience it for themselves.
Just one of many Epworth experiences.
Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.
*Special* Joy in the Morning with Pastor Laura!
The Epworth Experience
Resident Elaine Transeau
While Elaine moved to Epworth in October 2020, her connection to our community goes back further, all the way to 2011. We talked to her about her life here at Epworth Villa.
What was your first impression of Epworth Villa?
In 2011, I began looking for senior living options in the region because two of my sons live close by. I came to check out Epworth Villa, and just fell in love with it. At the time, my husband and I lived in Arizona, and he wasn’t as eager to move so we decided to stay there at that point. But yes my impression of Epworth Villa was immediately very positive. There’s something about the people of Oklahoma. We’re welcoming and open, friendly and nurturing. I hardly ever see a stranger. I knew that was something I wanted.
So when you moved to Epworth years later, did it meet your expectations?
Oh absolutely. As I said, coming home to live closer to my boys was really important to me. And even though I moved in the middle of the COVID pandemic, people here were immediately so welcoming to me—I immediately felt like part of the community. Every day I feel like “boy did I come to the right place.” I’m truly home again, very much at ease, and I can be myself without any pretense.
From your perspective, what’s it like living here?
Oh I tell people all the time not to wait! People really have no idea how much fun they’ll have coming here, both because there’s so much to do and because you get to leave behind the typical responsibilities of maintaining a home. It’s great! Really the hardest part was downsizing from a larger home, but honestly it made me feel more at ease to have less stuff to worry about. I’m very comfortable here.
You talked about things to do. Tell us more about that.
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, exactly how I want! How great is that? There is so much here to do—it’s not just bingo. This is a place filled with people just like me, with an incredible amount of life experience to share. The people here are active and intelligent and have explored (and are exploring) the world. We really have a lot of fun here in independent living. There’s a club or group or activity for just about anything you can think of. And if it’s not there, you can start it! This is really a great place to be and to live a full life. I’m so thankful I’m here and want to welcome as many new people as I can.
Just one of many Epworth experiences.
Stay tuned for other stories of what life at Epworth Villa is all about or fill out the form below to have them delivered to your inbox. To learn more about what it’s really like to experience life at Epworth Villa, get in touch with us here. We look forward to chatting.
Easter and Forgiveness – by Carolyn Taylor
This Easter season, with the theme of forgiveness, has been a contemplative one for me. I have struggled with forgiveness for the past 22+ years, ever since an individual violently took my husband of forty years away from me and our family. The Prayer of Forgiveness says “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” This individual gave no thought to the lives he was impacting in our family and also in his family; only his current sense of hurt and deprivation caused by his own actions.
As I listened to the stories of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis, and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 21, I again revisited my mixed emotions last year when the individual died of natural causes while still in prison. Was I glad to finally have this nightmare over, no more hearings even after all this time, or should I be sad at the loss of life, even one in his limited environment?
As the King said to the unforgiving servant as he put him in jail, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” I choose now not to live in the jail of unforgiveness, but to commit my life to be free to be happy and commit my spirit to the Lord.
As it says in Psalm 31:
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge
Let me never be put to shame;
In your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me,
Rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
A strong fortress to save me!
PRAISE BE TO GOD.
