The Episcopal Home November 2019

"November comes, And November goes, With the last red berries, And the first white snows.."  -  Clyde Watson

Thank You!

Women from St. Andrew's, York, recently paid us a visit, bringing with them items from our wish list. We thank the parishioners of St. Andrew's for gathering the items, and the folks who made the trip to Shippensburg to deliver them. Our residents had a great time visiting with our friends from York. Many thanks to St. Andrew's and to all the parishes who sent donated items to the convention. Our residents are grateful for your kindness and generosity.

Each year in November, I find myself thinking about what I am thankful for - in other words, what makes life worth living. On that list each year are multiple people, feelings, activities, along with other things such as Pug, thin spots, trees, sunshine, mountain air, and dirt trails. In my mind, I often find myself itemizing and ranking them - somewhat like David Letterman's top ten list. Always at the top of my list are the people with whom and for whom I work. It would be very difficult for me to ever disengage from the other items on my list if not for the fact that the people I work with and for are very special people. They make my job easier and fun. They listen to me when I rant - at least I think they are listening! Even when they may be having difficulties in their personal lives, they maintain positive attitudes and support each other. Members of our EH staff have a genuine concern for the residents and their families, as well as for their coworkers. Their concern comes from a place of compassion and concern rather than nosiness or curiosity, and I think we can agree there is a difference. I would trust this staff with my life, and I believe there are "bosses" who might not be able to say that. Our EH staff is a reliable group. They come in to cover for coworkers who cannot be at work. They come to work in snow, sleet, burdened with personal problems, etc. Most have been working here a long time, as evidenced by a staff retention rate that is 8+ years. Staff members know and trust their co-workers. They know the residents and the residents know them. These are significant factors in work output and quality of work. Now, our residents make life worth living as well because they are the reason we work at the Episcopal Home. You see, none of us are unemployable, and we could all be working somewhere else. The residents and the smallness of our facility draws and keeps most of us here and interested in our residents. In turn, the residents have concern for their caretakers which makes working with them a plus. So, working with the EH staff and residents is what I am most thankful for in 2019. What are you most thankful for?

May you have good memories of those who cannot be with you. May you have appreciation for yourself, what you do for others, and what others do for you. May we treat each other with kind words and thoughts and always be fair. Kind wishes! Mary Grace

RESIDENTS November 12 - Juanita November 22 - Paula

STAFF November 12 - Jen November 20 - Tammy November 29 - Lois

Board of Trustees News The Rev. Rebecca Myers President, Board of Trustees

The Board meets on November 2nd. Among our business will be election of board members whose terms begin in 2020. Our new by-laws state we have six elected members of the Board. David Luo has been nominated for a 3-year term, beginning January of 2020. A budget for 2020 will be presented and adopted.  Immediately after the meeting, a luncheon will be held for Home Heroes and top donors from our most recent campaigns. We value everyone who contributes to the Home and also want to honor these major donors who especially help us meet our budget. The congregations of the Diocese will participate in our annual Thanksgiving fund drive this month. This is a major fund drive to support the expenses that allow the Home to support and to serve our residents.

November 4 & 18-11:00 Milan & Casey

November 7 - 8:00 Breakfast Out

November 9 - 11:00 Refreshments & Visit Women at the Well St. John's, Carlisle

November 9 & 30 - 2:00 Baking Club

November 21 - 2:00 Refreshments & Visit St. Mary's Guild All Saints, Selinsgrove

November 27 - 4:00 Wine & Cheese

Please Give So That Others Can Live

Look for information on how you, as an individual or as a congregation, can help to provide financial assistance to our residents who need it. Bulletin inserts and donation envelopes have been sent to your parish. Each parish is encouraged to select a Sunday in November or early December to include bulletin inserts and distribute donation envelopes. Additionally, you can donate online via our webpage or by clicking the online donation button further down in this newsletter. If possible, please note "Thanksgiving" on your online donation or check. As always, thank you for the love, prayers, and support you offer to our residents.

During this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, please remember our residents who count you among their blessings.

It's Quilt Raffle time again! Once again, the quilters at St. Andrew's (Ship) are piecing and stitching their latest masterpiece. They are selling chances to win a one-of-a-kind, queen sized quilt, and all proceeds benefit the residents of the Episcopal Home. Purchasing tickets is an easy and inexpensive way to help our residents. Tickets are only $1.00 each, and can be purchased from any quilter, or at the Episcopal Home. A winning ticket will be drawn on Dec. 2. Over the years, these dedicated quilters have raised thousands of dollars to benefit our residents, and we are so grateful for their support.

Around the House

BAKING CLUB Our Baking Club is always creating something delicious. This popular activity gives residents who enjoy preparing various food items a chance to provide treats for everyone to enjoy.

Gerri is a regular member of the club. She works diligently to prepare baked goods. . . . . .and sometimes enjoys sampling a bite of the leftover goodies!

Everyone is thankful for our resident bakers!

Just look at some of their recent creations - YUM!

SPA DAY

Residents were treated to manicures by Kylie, our student intern.

FRESH AIR & SUNSHINE

Residents have been spending time outdoors, enjoying beautiful autumn days before the snow flies.

Your Support is Vital to Our Residents

Donate by Mail or Online Your generous monetary donations help our residents who need financial assistance.  Donate Online Here Monetary gifts are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Episcopal Home and mailed to the address at the bottom of this newsletter Other Ways to Help We always appreciate receiving items from our current wish list: Postage Stamps 'Depend' Undergarments (L, XL,2XL) Tide Free & Gentle laundry detergent Unscented dryer sheets Large print word find books Sponsor a visit or special activity Bingo Prizes  Contact Mary Grace (717) 532-4612 episcopalhome@comcast.net

A resolution was passed at the 149th convention, urging all parishes within the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania to commit to supporting the Episcopal Home during 2020. This support could be in the form of establishing relationships with residents through visits or correspondence, by collecting and delivering specific personal care needs items, by visiting the Home to host a social activity, a work day to improve or restore the buildings and grounds, or by organizing a fundraiser to help support the Episcopal Home. Be creative! What are your ideas?

Following is a list of suggestions for activities that might be worth considering as ideas for visiting our residents: Holiday activities Cookie decorating Afternoon tea Coffee chat Movie trips Crafts Sharing knowledge of an interest or hobby (gardening, bird watching, local history, travel, etc.) Work Day Ideas: Outside cleanup Paint touch up Assisting with food prep Bingo caller Ways to correspond: email: episcopalhome@comcast.net phone: (717) 532-4612 snail mail: Episcopal Home, 206 E. Burd St, Shippensburg, PA 17257

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The Episcopal Home is a place where residents receive friendship, spiritual nurture, rest, recreation and excellent physical care in a peaceful setting which allows them to live in a place of safety, warmth and love. The Home is able to care for those with limited financial means because parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania support the facility. Through the ministry of the Episcopal Home, the Church is engaged in God's mission to value life and care for others.