Category: News

A mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or guide. As I reflect on my life, I realize I have been greatly blessed by having a variety of mentors.

One of the early mentors who greatly influenced my life was a pastor who, in my teens, sensed that the Lord was calling me into ministry. Consequently, he urged me to begin assisting him by leading worship services in two different churches he served. This pastor also frequently invited me to accompany him on pastoral visits so I could witness first-hand caring and effective visits.

Later on, after I had completed my educational requirements for ordination in the ministry, I was privileged to have several District Superintendents who spent time mentoring me. One of these Superintendents was the one who performed the wedding for Marcia and me. During the preparation for the wedding ceremony, he gave us wise counsel regarding our life together and how to handle our finances. This counsel served us well in the years that followed.

Another District Superintendent took a special interest in me, spending a great amount of time teaching me how to lead effective stewardship campaigns. Because of his mentoring, I was able to lead the members of several congregations I pastored to experience the joy of generous giving and, as a result, these congregations were able to add staff and ministries they had never dreamed possible.

While serving as a District Superintendent myself, I was privileged to mentor each of the more than forty pastors in my district. I would set aside time each year to meet in private with each pastor. During these visits, I would affirm the strengths I had observed in their ministry and suggest areas of ministry they might commit to working on in the year ahead. Also, during the seven years I served as a District Superintendent, my Bishop asked me to be the mentor of a minister who was new to the Cabinet. As a result of this opportunity, this minister and I became very close friends.

The most trusted and helpful mentor in my life has been the Holy Spirit. As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit would be with us forever serving as our constant counselor and guide. — Larry Becker

Last week the Epworth Villa Wellness Committee offered an opportunity to ALL residents to learn more about wellness opportunities available at Epworth Villa. Residents spoke on each of the classes offered, what their experience was, and the benefits of the class. Residents also demonstrated the usage of equipment in the fitness center. The committee would like to see new residents join the wellness center and not be intimidated by trying something new.

Lori Love, Wellness Director said, “Here at Epworth Villa, we understand the importance of healthy living and work to incorporate a variety of activities into our day. From healthy food options to various group exercise classes, our residents have many choices to help them stay healthy and active. In order to keep our residents engaged and active, we love offering new opportunities. This year we began indoor cycling classes. We have plans to bring even more options to Epworth Villa in the coming months!” 

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE     

Aging Wisely: Strategies for Baby Boomers and Seniors

Book Club

Everyone ages. Not everyone ages well. Aging Wisely explains that much of what happens to our minds and bodies as we grow older depends on our approach to life and our attitudes and feelings about ourselves. Though there are elements beyond our control, we must take advantage of those things we can control while dealing competently with adversity. In describing the impact of aging and various conditions associated with the aging process upon our minds and bodies, Aging Wisely provides readers with the knowledge needed to fight back and maximize their relevance and independence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the quality of our lives in addition to longevity, for survival alone does not matter if the quality of survival is poor. To age successfully, we must find satisfaction and pleasure in what we do in the time available to us.

Who: You and students from UCO Aging and Adult Development Class

How: by Zoom Calls

When: 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, and 11/11 (you are not required to come every time only when it works for you. However, we would love to have you each time.)

Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Book: Aging Wisely: Strategies for Baby Boomers and Seniors by Robert A. Levine, MD, (2014). The best place to purchase is on Ebay for around $5.00.

Dr. Levine explores:

• How attitudes about aging, and quality of life, can affect the process of aging.
• He suggests that maintaining a good attitude is a key element to aging well, reminding readers that aside from illnesses and random events, we are in control of our lives.
• Through personal accounts and real stories from mid-lifers and older people, the various issues associated with the aging process are addressed in an easy-to-follow way to allow people to understand the choices they have, and the decisions they may have to make, when faced with common diseases of aging.
• These topics and many more will be explored in a casual, relaxed way. Invite a family member or friend and join us.

Contact Dr. Glee Bertram, gbertram@uco.edu, 405.974.5361 if you have questions or ideas. Please email me to let me know if you are interested.

Have you met Pastor Laura? She has started a new program called the Chaplain’s Chat. Residents met for the first time today and discussed faith and #COMMUNITY and how in these times, we need each other even more.

The Chaplains Chat is just one of the many opportunities our residents have to gather together. Our purpose at Epworth Villa is “Enhancing Lives, So People Thrive.”We invite you to come #THRIVE with us – meet Pastor Laura – and be a part of our community.