As we reflect upon the significance of today’s date in Oklahoma and our Country’s history, we remember and honor the 168 lives lost and those forever changed by the tragic Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995. Though time passes, their memories remain etched in our hearts.

Here on the Epworth Campus, we have a seedling from the “Survivor Tree.” It is part of the American Elm that withstood the 1995 bombing and is still in its original location when it was planted around 1920. It is a living testament to the spirit of resilience and courage of the Oklahoma City community, the American people, and survivors everywhere.

The water aerobics classes offered at Epworth Villa are a favorite. They have a positive impact on those who attend, both physically and mentally. Led by Wellness Coordinator, Mary Alvarez, the class meets several times a week and residents are faithful to the class and don’t like to miss it. Alvarez encourages people to “take the plunge and try this low-impact workout that builds muscle strength and boosts your endurance. We have fun and it can be as challenging as you want it to be.”

Alvarez is respected by the Residents for her ability to plan each class and challenge those who are ready to push themselves. She also shares that she has seen participants overcome their fear of water – some have never swum before! She notes that some exercisers don’t feel stable on land but can really increase their physical activity through water aerobics.

Resident Gene Spillman observed that “Mary’s class flows smoothly, and they are always different. She pushes and inspires us to move the best that we can. She’s a great motivator.”

No one will argue about the physical benefits of water aerobics for seniors. Water aerobics can improve range of motion, enhance balance, and increase cardiovascular endurance. Alvarez says that every part of the body is exercised, and you feel wonderful when you get out of the water. Our pool and class are a safe space for anyone wanting to start an exercise program.

Water Aerobics also has mental advantages. Alvarez says that many of the exercises she incorporates into class require brain flexibility, so “not only is the body being challenged but the brain is too!” Stimulating the brain as well as the body improves participants’ overall well-being.

Lastly, the social benefits of water aerobics cannot be overlooked. The group atmosphere creates a sense of community and encourages social interaction. Class regular, Sallie Spillman adds, “When we are all together laughing and having fun, we can’t wait to come back again. We have so much fun, that we forget what we are doing is good for us!”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and adventurous spirit and join a water aerobics class. You will be met with open, albeit wet arms and a big splash.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

This I absolutely know to be true: life is richer and better when lived in loving community. The passage above records how the early church lived and how the amazing Good News of Jesus Christ spread so far, so fast — they lived and shared life generously in community. They prayed for one another, shared meals together, worshiped together, and helped each other to thrive. The joy and generosity of the early Christians drew others to “come and see” and to believe in this way of life in which everyone thrived.

Despite what popular culture tries to tell us, we are not meant to go it alone in life. Jesus modeled how to live in community as well. The first thing he did in ministry was to draw around him a community of believers who would share life together as well as share ministry together. When Jesus fed the multitudes, he did so by pooling the resources of those around him. Even when he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked his disciples to pray with him and to share in that most painful time. As the popular saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.”

Like Jesus and his followers, we are meant to live in community, and what a wonderful gift we have at Epworth Villa to live together in such a loving community! But what does it look like for us day to day? This is what we will be learning and celebrating together throughout the season of Lent. Whether by participating in the small group study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together or living out the practices in our community Lenten project of “Grow Deeper Together,” I pray you will be a part of learning how to live together day by day in loving and generous community so we can all thrive together.