overcoming developmental challenges through christian...

8
Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian Science Spring 2018 VICTORY LOVE HOPE We are so happy to share with you the promise and fulfillment of God’s blessings for Twelveacres. We thank you for your prayers and contributions—evidence of divine Love’s blessings for our residents realized. Included in this newsletter as our gratitude gift to you is Madelon Maupin’s inspirational talk, “Psalms: Prayers for Healing”, which she gave at our last Annual Meeting. Our board of directors, management, and staff have held several metaphysical discussions this year to share ideas that have come to us while working and praying for Twelveacres. One recurring theme, applicable throughout our organization and mission, is that of completeness and fullness. Just as the Psalms have inspired Bible readers for centuries, hymns inspire us today. We rejoice to see the promises of Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects of life at Twelveacres. The fullness of His blessing Encompasseth our way; The fullness of His promise Crowns every dawning day; The fullness of His glory Is shining from above, While more and more we learn to know The fullness of His love. Hymn 65, Verse 2 Fullness of joy – “Thou [God, Love] wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11). Our residents certainly radiate “fullness of joy”! Their uninhibited outpourings of love make it such a joy to be part of their lives. We are all learning lessons in better understanding God’s universal, infinite love. Twelveacres strives to find new life-skills and activities for the residents to enjoy. Recent highlights for the residents include listening to biographies about Mrs. Eddy, receiving one-on- one tutoring, and engaging in new arts and crafts projects in the homes. Whenever you are in the San Jose area, you are warmly invited to stop by for a visit and even to spend a little time volunteering. You will find that helping the residents, whether for a single hour or for many hours spanning years, is a life-changing experience. Full of faith – Bolstering the residents’ joy is their great sense of trust. It’s not just trust in other people, but natural trust in God and innate receptivity to Christian Science healing. Some of the residents’ latest healings are included on page 3. In order to fully support the residents’ practice of Christian Science, we must ourselves be full of faith, just as Mrs. Eddy reminds us in her description of nursing qualities: “The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, — receptive to Truth and Love” (Science and Heath with Key to the Scriptures, 395:18). This year, thanks to a generous donor’s financial support, we are pleased to have twelve staff members attend Christian Science nursing training classes (Level 1) to reinforce their metaphysical approach to providing resident care. We are grateful that Fern Lodge was available to teach this course. (More details are on pages 6 and 7.) Full representation of Mind — Mrs. Eddy’s definition of “man” in the Glossary inspires our work with the residents: “MAN. The compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind” (Science and Health, 595:1). Supporting our residents’ expression of their spiritual identity and dominion is the LOVE’S FULLNESS AND FULFILLMENT

Upload: others

Post on 28-Jul-2020

2 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian Science Spring 2018

VICTORYLOVEHOPE

We are so happy to share with you the promise and fulfillment of God’s blessings for Twelveacres. We thank you for your prayers and contributions—evidence of divine Love’s blessings for our residents realized. Included in this newsletter as our gratitude gift to you is Madelon Maupin’s inspirational talk, “Psalms: Prayers for Healing”, which she gave at our last Annual Meeting.

Our board of directors, management, and staff have held several metaphysical discussions this year to share ideas that have come to us while working and praying for Twelveacres. One recurring theme, applicable throughout our organization and mission, is that of completeness and fullness.

Just as the Psalms have inspired Bible readers for centuries, hymns inspire us today. We rejoice to see the promises of Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects of life at Twelveacres.

The fullness of His blessing Encompasseth our way; The fullness of His promise Crowns every dawning day; The fullness of His glory Is shining from above, While more and more we learn to know The fullness of His love. Hymn 65, Verse 2

Fullness of joy – “Thou [God, Love] wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11). Our residents certainly radiate “fullness of joy”! Their uninhibited outpourings of love make it such a joy to be part of their lives. We are all learning lessons in better understanding God’s universal, infinite love. Twelveacres strives to find new life-skills and activities for the residents

to enjoy. Recent highlights for the residents include listening to biographies about Mrs. Eddy, receiving one-on-one tutoring, and engaging in new arts and crafts projects in the homes. Whenever you are in the San Jose area, you are warmly invited to stop by for a visit and even to spend a little time volunteering. You will find that helping the residents, whether for a single hour or for many hours spanning years, is a life-changing experience.

Full of faith – Bolstering the residents’ joy is their great sense of trust. It’s not just trust in other people, but natural trust in God and innate receptivity to Christian Science healing. Some of the residents’ latest healings are included on page 3. In order to fully support the residents’ practice of Christian Science, we must ourselves be full of faith, just as Mrs. Eddy reminds us in her description of nursing qualities: “The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, — receptive to Truth and Love” (Science and Heath with Key to the Scriptures, 395:18).

This year, thanks to a generous donor’s financial support, we are pleased to have twelve staff members attend Christian Science nursing training classes (Level 1) to reinforce their metaphysical approach to providing resident care. We are grateful that Fern Lodge was available to teach this course. (More details are on pages 6 and 7.)

Full representation of Mind — Mrs. Eddy’s definition of “man” in the Glossary inspires our work with the residents: “MAN. The compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind” (Science and Health, 595:1). Supporting our residents’ expression of their spiritual identity and dominion is the

LOVE’S FULLNESS AND FULFILLMENT

Page 2: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

2

Twelveacres Board of Directors

President Francesca KarpelBelmont, CA

Vice President Gene DeBoltSanta Rosa, CA

TreasurerTim AmesArroyo Grande, CA

Secretary Jean WehrenVista, CA

Nancy BatteyWalnut Creek, CA

Jane FallerSan Mateo, CA

Jeannie L’HeureuxHayward, CA

Kristin MesserSan Fransisco, CA

Administration

Mark FlemingExecutive Director

Amy HellyerProgram Director

Fiona HoldenPhotographer

Twelveacres Spring 2018 Newsletter Published By: Twelveacres, Inc. 286 E. Hamilton Avenue, Suite F

Phone: 408.341.0400 Fax: 408.341.0411 Website: www.twelveacres.org

focus of our healing mission. We appreciate your joining us in this important prayerful work.

We invite you to learn more about man’s true identity at our upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 4, 2018. The keynote speaker, Kathleen Moyer, C.S., will give a talk titled ‘Man’s identity — “hid with Christ in God”’.

With heartfelt gratitude and blessings to each of you,

Many Twelveacres residents have spent most of their adult lives here and identify Twelveacres as their “home”. Recently we spoke with a parent of one of these dear individuals, who arrived at the age of 12. The parent shared her personal experience over the years in having her daughter live at Twelveacres.

“I first heard of Twelveacres from my mother-in-law. I was a single parent at the time. My daughter was growing, and it was becoming difficult to care for her because of her size. My mother-in-law encouraged me to explore the possibility of having my daughter live at Twelveacres.

“Bob Koehler, the administrator at the time, came to my city and I went to one of his talks, where I first learned about Twelveacres. After that, everything came together through deep prayer. It was a wonderful unfoldment and demonstration.

“My daughter and I visited Twelveacres together, and my sister also came. I loved the overall feel of the place. The campus on the hill was so beautiful. I remember one of the residents kept coming up to our family and saying to my daughter, “I love you”. She exuded love and welcomed her.

“I think my daughter adjusted more quickly than I did, even though she had never lived anywhere other than home. It took a while for me to adapt to my daughter not living with me, but I knew it was the right thing to do for both of us. I loved Twelveacres – everyone was wonderful, and I knew I was leaving her in good hands.

“Over the years, I’ve seen much progress at Twelveacres since my daughter first went to live at the campus in the foothills. In the mid-1990s, thought was opened to providing a more home-like living environment, and

my daughter now resides in a home situated in a beautiful neighborhood in Sunnyvale. Every time I visit, I am filled with tremendous gratitude to God for this demonstration of home and family for my dear daughter. The staff is superb and I am absolutely certain that she is receiving the best care. Wonderful people have worked there over the years, and I have made a lot of Twelveacres connections. It has been great having those connections.

“I love sharing with others that Twelveacres is a wonderful place filled with caring individuals who are expectant of progress and healing, and free from the intrusion of reliance on anything other than God’s loving care. It has provided a home for my daughter where she can blossom and be nurtured and be safe.”

Mark FlemingExecutive Director

Continued from page 1

COMMENTS FROM A PARENT

Francesca KarpelPresident, Board of Directors

Campbell, CA 95008

Every time I visit, I am filled with tremendous

gratitude to God for this demonstration of home and family for my dear daughter.

Page 3: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

www.twelveacres.org

RESIDENT HEALING & PROGRESS

Physical HealingsA Bucknall resident woke up sneezing and coughing.The home care staff assisted her to call her practitioner for support. It looked like she would need to stay home from her much-loved day program.When everyone sat down for breakfast, the staff realized that the coughing and sneezing had ceased completely. This resident happily attended her day program after all, without any issue.

The same Bucknall resident another time complained of back pain. This, too, cleared up within a day andwithout any lingering effects.

A Braeburn resident had a swollen ankle one day. Her practitioner was called daily for support. Sheimmediately began to show improvement, was able to return to her day program two days later, and withina week and a half was back to walking normally.

Another Braeburn resident appeared to have an irritation across her back. Within a short time it completely cleared.

Improved CommunicationA Lily resident has been enunciating her words better when speaking and is making good effort to constructcomplete sentences, whereas previously she often gave one-word answers. She has been much moreresponsive when asked questions and much clearer when communicating with staff.

A resident of AST has been soft-spoken and has preferred to be alone much of the time. He joined hishousemates only during meal times and community activities, and often resisted engaging in conversation,giving one-word answers or no answer at all. For several months, the staff has seen a noticeable change. He has

become more social and now answers questions without hesitation. Overall, he appears far more comfortable in group activities and during conversations. For instance, one evening he engaged in a discussion of the activity he and fellow residents had attended that day—and even shared his concerns about the activity. This was a significant step forward in being comfortable enough to communicate his feelings.

Room OrderlinessAn AST resident has shown improvement in his sense of order with regard to reducing clutter in his bedroom. Previously he had not welcomed the idea of letting go of things that are no longer useful. One afternoon, a staff member and the house manager discussed the situation with him, emphasizing that they needed his help with the clean-up project. Initially he was not receptive and made many excuses for not disposing of items (such as trash). As they progressed, he began to embrace the concept of order and showing increased willingness to let go of unnecessary items. The staff members encouraged him and shared the phrase “Love always has and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health, 494:10-11). Afterwards, as he was organizing the area that was cleaned out and decluttered, he quietly said, “My new office [is] looking good.”

CreativityTwelveacres staff have been providing more opportunities for the residents to participate in art and craft projects to express their creative talents. Included below are photos of AST and Lily House residents working on art and ceramic painting projects.

We are blessed to witness and report these simple, yet significant, demonstrations and expressions of the Christ that have taken place in the lives of our residents

since our last newsletter.

3

Page 4: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

www.twelveacres.org 4

TWELVEACRES’ STAFF RECEIVE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSES TRAINING

In February, Twelveacres’ Christian Science staff began participating in Christian Science Nurses Training Level 1 classes, taught by Sharon Strong, Fern Lodge Director of Christian Science Nurses Training, with assistance from Mina Soriano, a Journal-listed Christian Science nurse. The classes have been held twice a week at Twelveacres’ Lily House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while the residents are attending their day programs offsite. We are grateful for Fern Lodge’s willingness to make special accommodations to teach on our premises.

Twelve managers and staff members have been going through this training. The staff had previously received Twelveacres’ customized on-the-job training of basic care skills. These classes have provided them with additional training and new insights into Christian Science nursing practices. It has been a real blessing in unifying the staff’s care methods and focus on the ethics and metaphysics that are the foundation of Christian Science nursing. Each class

contains metaphysical homework assignments that include researching references in the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy’s writings that pertain to the Christian Science nurse By-Law (Article VIII, Section 31) in the Manual, to qualities of the nurse referenced in Science and Health (395:18), and to spiritual truths associated with each type of care provided. We cherish this inspirational time, and we trust that our expanding understanding of “true nursing” will enable us to offer greater Christian Science support to our dear residents. The classes are scheduled to end in June, after which there will be ongoing on-the-job mentoring. The staff will also continue to receive periodic training classes on special topics as part of their continuing Christian Science nurse education.

We thank Sharon, Mina, and Fern Lodge for sharing their inspiration, extensive knowledge, and expert skills with us.

Front Row (left to right): Mina S, Lucy KMiddle Row: Amy H, Sharon S, Joash M, Luke O, Mark F, Chris OBack Row: Jackie L-D, Joseph N, Muthoni M, Eric O, Rodgers M

Using a transfer belt to move someone to another chair

Changing linens of an occupied bed

Not pictured: Emily C, Nina F

4

Page 5: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

www.twelveacres.org 5

Are you looking to make a big difference in the lives of fellow Christian Scientists?

We invite you to join our loving family, supporting our residents and nurturing their love of Christian Science, assisting with their daily learning and demonstration of new abilities, and

encouraging their independence and self-reliance. You will both bless and be blessed!

Christian Science Nurses and Caregivers (Part-time & Full-time)House Managers (Full-time) Education Tutors (Part-time)

Please contact Mark Fleming, Executive Director408.341.0400 x102 or [email protected]

EMPLOYMENT OPENINGS

Training instructorsMina Soriano and Sharon Strong

Three-person lift of someone to another bed

Cooking training classLily House training classroom

Not pictured: Emily C, Nina F

Page 6: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

www.twelveacres.org 6

On November 4, 2017, Twelveacres hosted its Annual Meeting at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Menlo Park, California. Guests included local Bay Area church members, family members, and Christian Science nurses and practitioners.

After the singing of a resident’s favorite hymn, “Feed My Sheep” (Christian Science Hymnal No. 304), and readings given by board Vice-President Gene DeBolt, President Francesca Karpel introduced new board members and expressed appreciation for the loving support the Twelveacres staff has been providing the residents. Francesca also gave gratitude for the wonderful donor support Twelveacres has received this year. Tim Ames, Treasurer, gave the financial report.

Executive Director Mark Fleming provided updates on Twelveacres’ accomplishments and shared highlights of the year’s progress regarding life-skills education, resident volunteer activities, an artistic project, and the camp experience with Rainbow Valley Resource Network. He also recognized the Twelveacres staff for their very dedicated work and their loving care of the residents.

Madelon Maupin presented the keynote address and the meeting concluded with an outdoor reception.

2017 ANNUAL MEETING

KEYNOTE INSPIRATIONAL TALK “PSALMS:PRAYERS FOR HEALING” BY MADELON MAUPIN

“The Psalms direct our prayers to redeem anyone who crosses our path from the claim of mental or physical impairment.”

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; (Ps. 103:2-4)

Madelon Maupin, who earned a master’s degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, has long been active in serving the Cause of Christian Science. In her talk, she shared her lifelong love of the Scriptures and showed us how the Psalms provide concrete guidelines and answers to contemporary issues, including developmental challenges.

We are pleased to share Madelon Maupin’s talk.

Right: Madelon Maupin

Page 7: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

www.twelveacres.org 7

Page 8: Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian ...twelveacres.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve... · Hymn 65 from the Christian Science Hymnal fulfilled in all aspects

In Honor of: Andrea and Chris Borch | David and Alice Bullwinkle | Elissa Charles | Laurel Johnson

Cameron Jones | Jackie King | Richard L’Heureux | Jane Lowry | Andrea Moon | Jim Schmidt | Janet Simon

Laura Spaulding | Peter Untch | Sue Watters | Melinda Wehren

In Memory of: Barbara Hefter Altland | Marlie Brooks | Lois Carlson, C.S.B. | Paul Davis, C.S.B. | Jean Duperrault

Lois Duperrault | Paul Fletcher-McGookin | Daniel High | Betty Johnson | Maifen L. Jones | Mary Laughney

Kate Lazarus, C.S. | Cres McFall | Paula McFall | Jim McGrew, C.S.B. | Deborah Mueller | James Mueller

Hugh Scott Pennington | Ralph Pitkin | Bob Posgate | Charles Ranlett | Ricardo Saldivar, C.S.B. | Paulette Skinnwe

Ann Spaulding, C.S.B. | Chuck Spaulding | David C. Stevens | Ann Stewart, C.S.B. | Mattie E. Streeter | Robin Treseder

Elise Varhaug | Leta Vogel | Luanne W. Wallace | Ted Waller | Joan Webb | Marian Wells

GRATITUDE We received donations in tribute to the following:

Do you have an adult friend or family member seeking healing of developmental challenges and looking for a home with a Christian Science environment? Please contact Amy Hellyer, Program Director [email protected] 408-341-0400 x 104

YOUR LOVING SUPPORT

Please consider giving to Twelveacres.Your donations are necessary to sustain Christian Science care for individuals with developmental challenges. We are grateful for every contribution. You can donate online through our website www.twelveacres.org or send a check to our new address:

Twelveacres286 E. Hamilton Avenue, Suite FCampbell, CA 95008

WE’VE MOVED!Please update your records with our new address

286 E. Hamilton Avenue, Suite FCampbell, CA 95008

SPRING 2018 TWELVEACRES WISH LIST• Campership fund –$500 per resident• Printer/Scanner – $200 (Lily)• Tilt patio shade for two homes – $300 each home (Braeburn and Lily)• 6,000 BTU Window A/C unit – $375 (Lily)• 10,000 BTU Window A/C unit – $500 (Bucknall)

• Stove – $500 (Lily)• Front loading dryer – $700 (Lily) • Hoyer lift accessories – $800 (Lily)• Double pane windows – $4,000 (Lily)