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Shepherd's Center of Topeka
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Our mission is to support the aging population by providing spiritual, physical, social and intellectual programs that make a difference in the quality of their life.
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Monday Weekly News & Updates
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Good Monday Afternoon,
This past week has been difficult for our country, and if you feel inclined, I would like to begin today’s email with a moment of silence and prayer for the family and friends of Mr. George Floyd who died during an arrest made last week. I would also like to include in this prayer the people who have been harmed and affected by the chaos and looting of businesses. I pray that we find our foothold in something greater than what we have here on earth, and that peace will come quickly.
I have tried not to watch too much news over the past month, but I do get updates on my phone and computer as to what is happening in our country and around the world. Last night I was up late thinking about the events happening in our country and I feel saddened and overwhelmed, and I ask myself “what can I do”? What I have decided and what I believe, for me, to be the most important thing I can do right now is pray. So, I went to bed last night praying for the people of our country and our leaders in these anxious and painful times. I prayed for all of you, and our aging and vulnerable population across the world, who are at high risk for Covid-19, and I prayed for peace in our country.
Today, it seems like there is no end in sight for the turmoil, and I wonder how much pain and chaos we as a country can endure? But, what I do know is this, I will be on my knees, in my chair, at my table or my desk praying, whenever it is brought to my mind, for all that is happening, because that is what I can do. My faith and prayer is what gives me hope for a better day. Hope is what fills my heart with love which gets me through another day. And love is what I can pass on to others that may help give them hope for a better day.
Please, if you find yourself struggling with the current situation in your life or the events in the world, reach out and talk to someone about what is going on. We need each other more than ever, to care, to support and to hear each other. I am here for you and I know so are others. We are just an email, text, or phone call away.
We are working on the modified
Adventures in Learning for August
. I will be emailing a survey to you this week regarding AiL and would appreciate you filling it out as your feedback is especially important.
Shirley's SMS Exercise for Stability, Mobility and Strength
will begin when Countryside and Grace UMC churches open for small groups. She will be limiting the groups to 10 as both venues are very spacious and you can spread out easily and safely. Shirley will set two times so she can separate classes, but stay with the regular schedules of Tuesday and Thursday. She will post on her Facebook page when classes will be starting and on SCT. Other classes will begin at Rose Hill and Lexington Park when they determine it is safe to open to outside visitors.
Until next time let’s count our blessings, continue to take care of yourself and be safe.
Blessings,
Karen
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Spiritual Book Group Meeting
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Today the Spiritual Book Group
met via Zoom at 2:00 pm. This is a great way to get together while social distancing and stay connected. The group is starting a new book "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri J.M. Nouwen, and met on June 1 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, online via Zoom, for discussion. The reading assignment is Part 1 pages 1 through 58. Even if you have not previously participated in the Spiritual Book Group please feel free to join them in this leader-led discussion. Email me at
sherpherdstopeka@yahoo.com
if you would like to join this group, and Mike will email the zoom information to you just before the meeting. If you need help getting connected to Zoom please email or call me or Mike and we will help you get set up.
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Jane Fleeker has been in rehab a little over a week.
Jane's address: Lexington Park Rehab, 1031 SW Fleming Ct., Rm 313, Topeka KS 66604
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It is important to take care of yourself during this pandemic. Self-care, connecting with others, having fun, and choosing your perspective are some areas to consider.
Self-Care
We may sometimes think of self-care as selfishness, but it is not and it is especially important for our physical and emotional health. We need to remember that when we take care of our self we can fully take care of or help someone else. Self-care consists of getting enough sleep, regular exercise, relaxation, or meditation, having fun (laughter) and eating healthy. Check your habits and see what you are missing in your self-care list, and how you can improve your self-care by adding something in your weekly schedule. Maybe it’s just taking 10 minutes a day to exercise or sitting in silence for 10 minutes every morning before you get your day started. Eating healthy can also mean drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause confusion and weakness or fatigue.
Social Connections
Staying in touch with loved ones and friends are especially important. It’s more difficult during this time but ask your kids or grand kids if they can help you set up Zoom or Face-time on your computer or phone so you can visit with family and friends. Staying connected with your place of worship can also help you to feel less isolated. If you need help connecting, please contact me and I will try and help. It is important to stay connected.
Fun
When was the last time you had fun? What were you doing and who were you with? Family or friend fun time is important for our mental health. Maybe you could pick up that fun hobby you had at one time, and set it aside for some reason. I think it would be fun to learn how to play the guitar so it's on my bucket list. As children we had fun and played more active games like hide and seek, and today we still play hide and seek, but through bridge or canasta. We may not play tennis or racquetball any longer, but we have fun playing pickleball. Maybe during this pandemic time, we have rekindled our love and creativity for cooking, baking, sewing, music, bird watching or painting. And don’t forget about dancing which can be fun, relaxing and beneficial for exercise. Fun may be getting together on Zoom or talking on the phone and discussing a good book or a new recipe. I know life looks a little different for now, but it doesn’t mean we can't have fun. We may need to re-think what we do for fun, at this time, and figure out what we can do to make our stay at home more enjoyable.
Choose your Attitude and Perspective
We have heard the stories of the abusive family situations in our country due to the quarantine, but I have also heard that this quarantine has brought some families together. I talked to my cousin, Jeannie, on Saturday, who lives in Los Angeles, and she told me that her family has spent more time together and become closer. Her husband who is an agent in the entertainment industry is working from home, and she now has two of her adult daughters living at home. Jeannie said that her husband was never home from work by 6:00 pm before the pandemic, but now since he is working from home, he is doing the cooking and they eat by 6:00 pm, and are ready for a family movie by 7:00 pm. Of course, she has lost some things; solitude, her art group at her home once a week, her housekeeper, freedom to shop without a mask or with her own bags. But she chooses her attitude and perspective, it is her choice to make the most of what is happening. Jeannie can see that she has gained more than what she has given up for this short time (in perspective). I think it's good to look at what we have control over verses what we do not have control over and make the best of the situation. Some of us have a spouse and some of us live alone, and some of us live close to family and some of us don't, but maybe what well-being comes down to is our perspective, attitude, and choices? Will we choose joy, peace, and patience or anger, resentment and worry? We can reach out and connect with others in this difficult time, or we can stay to ourselves. We do get to make a choice. How will you choose to weather this storm?
Maintaining positive mental health can be difficult during Covid-19. If you are feeling prolonged stressed, or if you want to talk to someone: Text Kansas to 741741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (English) or 888-628-9454 (Español) For Behavioral Health Locations click on the following link:
SAMHSA Behavioral Health
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Exercises for Everyone by SilverSneakers
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The links below are classes that are free to view on your computer or tablet. Many of you may know about SilverSneakers, but haven't accessed their website which has many wonderful exercise programs and great information.
You may be eligible for SilverSneakers through your insurance company or Medicare. Click on the SilverSneakers link below for more information and to check eligibility.
To access more live virtual classes and hundreds of on-demand videos, create your account in just 4 steps. Non-members can still access program details, tailored fitness content, and the vibrant SilverSneakers community.
Please consult your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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Kansas Reopen Phase 2 by Executive Order
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Governor Kelly adds New Phase to “Ad Astra” Plan
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A website has been set up dedicated to Kansas COVID-19 Response and Recovery. Below are links to the Kansas reopen plan.
Phase 1.5 May 18 Stay at home order is lifted. Mass gatherings still limited to 10 or less, unless able to retain 6 feet social distancing. Masks are strongly encouraged in public settings. Continue reading about the all phases by clicking on the links below. The links have been updated.
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Grocery and Restaurant Tips
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Grocery pick up
is a great way for social distancing. You can order online and pick up your groceries at the following stores:
Walmart – All Walmart Stores in Topeka are offering free grocery pick up.
Sam’s Club – Offers grocery pick up with no minimum order.
Dillons –
Pick up is now free
. Order groceries online. delivery $9.95.
Hy-Vee – Pick up is free with a minimum $30 purchase. Delivery is $9.95 with a minimum $30 purchase.
Please let us know if you need help with ordering online.
Medication pick up
– Check your pharmacy for drive through hours or delivery. Or check to see if your medication can be mail ordered.
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Lowman United Methodist Church is closed until further notice.
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
- ALL SCT GROUP ACTIVITIES BELOW HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH MAY OR UNTIL OTHERWISE ADVISED
Pickleball
Mondays, 3 – 5:00, Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka
Wednesdays, 1 – 3:00, First Baptist, 3033 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka (New Players)
SMS Exercise Group
Tuesdays, 10:00, Countryside UMC, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka
Thursdays, 10:00, Grace UMC, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka
Hand and Foot Canasta
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 2 - 4:00 pm, St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St, Topeka
Bridge
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 1 - 3:30 pm, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2021 SW 29th St, Topeka
Line Dancing
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 1:30 - 3:30 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka
MAP Group (Memoirs, Ancestry, Photos)
4th Wednesday of the Month, 10:00 – 11:30, First Presbyterian, 817 SW Harrison St, Topeka
Spiritual Book Club - Meeting via Zoom
1st Monday of the Month, 2:00 – 4:00, First Congregational, 1701 SW Collins Ave, Topeka
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Due to the current situation with the Coronavirus some travel has been cancelled. At this time, we are going to be optimistic and keep the following future trips on our schedule. The cost for these trips will be posted as soon as we receive the information.
Wednesday, September 9
– Spirit of Brownsville Riverboat Cruise with Lunch in Brownsville, Nebraska - SCT Members have until August 1st to secure seat on this trip.
Wednesday, December 9
— Quality Hill Playhouse Christmas Program with lunch in Kansas City.
Make checks payable to Great Adventure Tours and mail to P.O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604. Make checks payable to Great Adventure Tours and mail to P.O. Box 4126, Topeka, KS 66604. Contact Oneta with GAT at 633-8761 with questions, enrollment, cancellations.
GAT does not accept credit cards.
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Prevention - Please Stay Safe
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Please CALL your Doctor if You have the Following Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
Prevention:
- Stay home - the less people you are in contact with the less likely you are exposed to the virus.
- Quarantine, for at least 14 days, if you are sick.
- If you have to leave your home - distance yourself between people you are in contact with within about 6 feet.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues (throw tissue away).
- Cough/sneeze into elbow.
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water (Sing the Happy Birthday Song Twice).
- Use alcohol-based (60%) hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- No touching.
We ask that everyone take appropriate precautions to stay safe. The link below has a lot of great information.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Covid-19, please see the following links:
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Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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