This week, I’m starting character studies and Jacob is a fascinating one. The Bible has a wonderful way of presenting all the heroes of the faith—flaws and all. Jacob is, in many ways, the father of Israel (his sons are the heads of the 12 tribes).

The Scripture reading (Gen 25:19-34) highlights the beginning of Jacob’s relationship with his twin brother Esau—not one of his finer moments. Jacob and Esau were far from identical. Jacob means “cheater, heel grabber.” He is Mom’s favorite. He was gentle and stays at home to help. Esau is the red headed hunter, Isaac’s (Dad’s) favorite.

Jacob lived up to his name by maneuvering to get the birthright from Esau for a bowl of stew, and later, with the help of his mother—Rebekah, stole the family blessing. Now, if you look further in the story, Jacob paid for these actions. He fled for his life, and spent almost a lifetime estranged from his brother Esau. Following suit, Jacob’s own children mistreat his beloved youngest son, Joseph, and then lied to Jacob (Israel) about Joseph’s death when they sold him into slavery. It is a good read if you like mysteries, love stories, tragedy, adventure and is full of life lessons and God’s blessings

Seeing the sibling rivalry between these brothers makes me grateful for my close relationship with my two older brothers. We have always had a great relationship. They were groomsmen in my wedding. We have never had a serious fight or estrangement in our relationship. Take time to reflect on your relationship with your brothers or sisters. Be thankful for them. Talk about them with others. If you need to reconcile, please do so.

By Roberta Maloney

I moved to Epworth Villa seven and a half years ago following the loss of my husband after almost 50 years of wonderful marriage. On my first night here, I was sitting in my cottage feeling desperately alone and unhappy. It was after 11pm when I had this inspiration to take a walk over to the main building. As I wandered down the hall, I came to the Brill Chapel which, to my surprise was lighted and open. Feeling welcome, I went in, took a seat, and spent some time allowing my eyes to travel around the beautiful surroundings. I looked up at the cross on the window and told the Lord how much I appreciated His guiding me to this wonderful spot. I talked with Him and asked Him to pass my thoughts on to my husband. It was amazing to me how comforted I felt. In the following years, I made a regular habit of visiting with the Lord in the chapel and do so today. My religion since childhood has been Catholic, but I must say participating in the services at Epworth has given me a huge respect for a variety of other faiths. I’ve learned that no matter what we call ourselves, we all worship the same God, and Brill Chapel is a wonderful place in which to do it.

Enjoy this interview with Resident Dr. Herman Reece. This interview was created by our Epworth Villa Resident Council Executive Team. At Epworth Villa, we have the most interesting Residents! #thrivingtogether

The Executive Team of the Epworth Villa Resident Council created a number of Resident Interviews. The first interview is with Cathy Nichols with some interesting history from Alaska!

Epworth Villa had a lofty goal.  The goal was to fill 14 baskets to be delivered on Friday, May 15th to area First Responders and Front Line Workers.

The give-back event was initiated by the Independent Living staff.  They collected items such as peanut butter crackers, cookies, rice krispy treats, popcorn, crackers, jelly, peanut butter, bread, nuts, Gatorade, candy bars, gum, to go soups, honey buns, cups of oatmeal, dried fruits, individual packs of chips and nutrition/healthy bars. Residents donated these items, and some made cards to be included in the baskets.

Epworth Villa Residents have long been known for their generosity.  These baskets were yet another way for the Residents to show their appreciation and support for those out in the community serving and keeping others safe.

The baskets were delivered to the following organizations:  EMSA – Command Post, SuperTarget N. Pennsylvania Avenue location, Oklahoma City Fire Department Station 37, 16820 N. Penn Ave, Edmond, Mercy Hospital, Memorial Road location, Integris Hospital, NW Expressway, OKC, OU Hospital, 1200 N. Children Avenue, OKC.

These masks are just a few of the over 500 that were made and distributed within Epworth Villa. Marketing Coordinator, Laura Alfonzo coordinated the effort. She created sewing kits with pre-cut fabric that around 15 Residents picked up and sewed. Alfonzo was contacted by 5-6 other outside individuals and organizations that volunteered to sew masks. Specifically, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Holy Hands group sewed well over 100 masks for the Residents and Employees of Epworth Villa. Alfonzo said, “the goal was to have a mask for everyone on campus, and we succeeded with the help of so many!”

Epworth Villa sincerely appreciates all of those who lent their time and thread to help with this monumental effort.

New acquaintances and friendships are blossoming.  Sally Lenz, call team member said this project was a step out of her comfort zone.  Chaplain, Marsha Purtell, Elizabeth Newell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Destiny Helms, Director of Independent Living have mobilized a group of volunteer callers including Lenz.  There are 35 volunteers.  These volunteers are made up of the three employees listed and approximately 35 Independent Living Residents.

The call is a daily check in.  The callers check on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our neighbors.  The callers are instructed that It is not a time to pry.  The call is voluntary to the recipient, but it is a way to keep in touch and not feel isolated.  Purtell says, “we are in the business of assisting members of our community to THRIVE.  They have always been thriving educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, church leaders, and continue to be a gift to our community.  We do not want in any way to diminish any independence that is not mandated to each of us.”  The recipients are also asked by the caller assigned to them to please call and check on me, if you don’t receive my call.  The volunteers and those being called all agree that, “we are in this together.”

The callers ask questions like, “How was your dinner?”  “Do you need any groceries?”  “What are you doing for fun?”  “Are you feeling well?” “Do you have all the medications you need?”  “Do you need a puzzle, a book, art supplies, stationary, or something else to occupy your time?”  “Are you finding time for spiritual renewal?” “Are you reaching out to other people in your faith community?”  “Do you need devotional materials or devotional websites?”  “Have you been outside to see the beautiful spring flowers?”  “How is your family?”  If they just need to talk and vent, the volunteers say, that’s fine too.

Lenz said that occasionally, she found that a Resident might not be aware of something going on such as Wednesday morning breakfast.  She has been able to find answers to questions on some occasions and says, “that’s been a positive thing.”  Lenz also says, “yes! definitely getting to know these ladies whom I didn’t know before. And — I really do like them! That’s been fun. They all seem truly happy to be at Epworth; they think management is doing a good job in a tough situation; one lady was hoping that we would get through this whole pandemic without a single case of Covid 19 at Epworth!  I’ve heard about kids and grandkids and such, have found commonalities among us, and sorta’ marvel that they truly don’t seem to mind my calling them every single day!  Oh, and one lady and I were, just today, talking about how we couldn’t wait to go to a grocery store again!  A ‘chore’ we agreed that, in normal pre-lock down times, could be a bit of a burden.”

A note from the desk of Author and Resident Sara O.

To Epworth Villa:

Many, many thanks for your efforts to keep us all as safe as possible.  David and I deeply appreciate it.  We are glad we chose Epworth for our home.  We appreciate everyone.  We are so glad.

You asked a writer how she is coping with crisis, so here’s my answer.

I try to remember what I’m grateful for.  Gratitude changes my perspective and I have so much to be thankful for today.  I’m sheltered, fed, have David with me, have a wonderful family, I have Psalms 23 to cling to, and I know I’m surrounded by friends even though we can’t see each other.  I have a comfortable home and my physical needs are met. I am well today and that’s a good thing.   I think about the family dog I love and that always gives me a smile. This event wouldn’t worry her.  I can look outside and see spring flowers, green grass, the pond and know that a good, sunny day when all is back to normal, will come.  My life has been good and filled with people I’ve loved and they’ve loved me and I’ve been blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  I’m reminded that life is good.  That’s what is important.

Thanks for asking.  It’s a good reminder.

That’s what has gotten me this far.

Sara O.