TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW May 16, 2008
1. Foundation to Future—McKendree Remains Focused on Enhancing its Services and Ministry
2. Pastoral Care at McKendree Village2
3. Remembering McKendree Village’s History in Middle Age
4. McKendree Village Celebrates 45 Years!
5. 40th Anniversary --Volunteers Help Further McKendree’s Mission
6. McKendree Plays Key Role in the Nashville Clinical Pastoral Education Partnership
7. “Let me count the ways” that McKendree Village is the place to be!
8. Advance Planning for retirement living
9. Wellness and Leisure Activities Enhance Senior Living
10. McKendree Hosts 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
11. McKendree Shares Because we Care
12. Residents participate in a Tai Chi class offered weekly at McKendree Village
13. Affordable Housing Communities Sponsored by McKendree Village
14. Marching to Zion
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Foundation to Future—McKendree Remains Focused on Enhancing its Services and Ministry
This year McKendree Village (“McKendree”) celebrates 45 years of providing retirement living options to senior adults in a secure Christian environment. McKendree is proud to offer a continuum of care from independent living in apartments and cottages, to assisted living and nursing home care. We maintain a covenant relationship with the United Methodist Church and an Affiliation Agreement with Vanderbilt University.
McKendree Village campus
McKendree achieved accreditation from two national organizations with stringent evaluation criteria in its recent history and historically achieved good scores from government surveys. Countless people have shared stories of gratitude for the care that they or their loved ones received at McKendree. Against this backdrop, the events of the last quarter of 2007 were especially challenging.
As you may know, McKendree has faced significant challenges and undergone some changes in recent months. Late last year, the nursing facility at McKendree received a disappointing review by the state agency that regulates nursing homes. Though the administrators at McKendree did everything they could to meet the expectations of the regulators, the nursing facility was required to temporarily suspend admissions and its contract with the federal government for Medicare and Medicaid nursing home payment coverage was terminated forcing the relocation of some residents. Most of the residents did not want to leave their home because they loved McKendree and the care they received there. This was a time of pain and grieving for many.
The McKendree Board of Directors tried to halt the forced eviction in the federal district court in Nashville but the Court ruled it did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter. With such a dramatic reduction in the number of residents and the commensurate loss of revenue, McKendree was forced to reduce its staff significantly. This reduction in force crossed every department. All told, thousands of individuals were affected by this dramatic sequence of events: residents and their families; staff members and their families; contract vendors, and many elected officials and other people who love and support McKendree in its mission. Members on the Foundation Board, the Senior Care Board, and the McKendree Village, Inc. Board devoted countless uncompensated hours, and staff members worked long and hard to make the transitions as smooth as possible.
The long planned transition of President and CEO Mary Anna Womeldorf at the end of 2007 was recognized at a meaningful service and reception, where her devotion and passion for older adults were commemorated. Board member Luke Gregory stepped up as interim CEO to guide the efforts to regain nursing home admission capability, achieve re-certification, and to guide the appeal process decisions. (McKendree was also hit with a fine exceeding $500,000 which ranks among the harshest fines levied by the federal government in 2007 in this area.)
Effective February 1, 2008, McKendree entered into a management contract with National Healthcare Corporation and McKendree welcomed Todd Moore as Executive Director of the campus.
Though it was a difficult time, McKendree Village received tremendous support throughout Middle Tennessee and the Annual Conference. Residents, family members, employees and advocates from across the community were vocal and passionately supportive. Legislators from across the state became involved in the dialogue in support of McKendree Village, and ultimately, several legislative initiatives regarding long term care have resulted.
McKendree Village remains focused on enhancing its services and ministry, and on delivering its mission to provide quality retirement living and health care services for senior adults in a secure, Christian environment. It continues to provide independent living, assisted living and nursing home services on its campus in Hermitage.
Though some administrative hurdles remain, McKendree Village is again accepting new admissions and is operationally stronger than ever before. It is home for approximately 400 individuals, and it continues to be a vital, loving, supportive community and an important ministry for the Tennessee Annual Conference.
As we move forward, the strong support of our residents and staff encourages us. We are working together to restore the well earned reputation that McKendree has enjoyed. We need support from each of you. Our commitment through Golden Cross to provide financial assistance to our residents who can no longer afford to pay remains paramount. Our trust in God remains staunch. Our faith that God holds our future endures. We invite you to walk closely with us as we continue our legacy and advance toward our Golden Anniversary!
Additional information about McKendree Village is available on the McKendree website, http://www.mckendree.com/.
Pastoral Care at McKendree Village
McKendree Village Pastoral Care staff (L-R) Rev. Anna Tews, Rev. Carmen Lile-Henley, Rev. Jim Robinson
Caring. Convenience. Community. For the last couple of years, these words have been the tag line for our marketing materials. They have been used to accurately describe McKendree Village and its many amenities. However, for the moment, let us focus on how these words describe our pastoral care services.
Caring.
At McKendree Village we subscribe to the philosophy of Quality Loving Care (QLC). This concept has been described as a full step beyond kindness and a quantum leap beyond customer service. This level of focus is necessary to support wellness of body, mind and spirit. Pastoral care professionals deliver QLC in a variety of settings.
In addition to individual visits, counseling and prayer sessions, we facilitate grief, care givers and other support groups. QLC means that our ministry is available to residents and family members in their time of deepest need when the end of life is near or has occurred. Some of our most meaningful spiritual moments are experienced during the loss of our McKendree family members. Yes, our residents and staff are family. We celebrate the good times and share the sad times together. Residents, staff and family members come together at Quarterly Memorial Services to celebrate the lives of residents who are no longer with us. It is a time of sharing and healing for all.
Convenience.
When new residents arrive at McKendree Village we actively encourage them to remain involved in their home church as long as that is practical. We believe that is good for the resident, good for the local church, and good for McKendree! When the weather is a little too icy or getting out is no longer possible, we want them to know that their spiritual needs will be met through services provided at McKendree Village. For residents who are looking for spiritual services, we lead three community worship services each week, teach Sunday School, lead a weekly prayer group and lead weekly devotions.
Community.
There are many aspects of community life at McKendree Village. We live together, eat together, worship together and study the Bible together. One of our special community blessings is to interact daily with the many retired ministers, retired missionaries, and widows of Tennessee Conference ministers. They are not only a source of support and encouragement but a wealth of experience and knowledge about the ministry.
Caring. Convenience Community. Our mission to provide quality retirement living and health care services for senior adults in a secure, Christian environment sets us apart. Our pastoral care services delivered by QLC professionals support joy in sharing, reverence for spirituality and life-long learning to instill each day with purpose.
McKendree Village’s pastoral care staff includes Chaplain Rev. Dr. Carmen Lile-Henley, Rev. Anna Robbins and Rev. Jim Robinson, Director of Pastoral Care. Anna is serving a one year residency with McKendree through the Nashville CPE Partnership. In addition, we occasionally have short term interns from local seminaries.
If you would like more information about our pastoral care services, please call 615-871-8200.
Remembering McKendree Village’s History in Middle Age
By Kent McNish*
Like many of you, the calendar says I am at the upper end of my middle age years. Changes come to most of us with middle age. I am a proud member of AARP and the discount benefits given to members. One of the changes I have noticed is that I have more interest in history now than previously in my life.
Contemplating history, I am reminded that 2008 is a significant in the history of McKendree Village.
McKendree Village celebrates its 45th Birthday and officially moves into “middle age.”
At the McKendree Village Foundation, I am made aware almost daily of the history that so many people have with the Village. The history of persons connected to the Village is filled with stories of personal commitment, sacrifice and generosity.
In those early years, the leadership of the Tennessee Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church had a dream of a home for the retired. Bishop Roy Short, the spouse of our beloved Louise, worked with a dedicated group of lay people and pastors to purchase the 42 acres here in Hermitage, where the Village stands today 45 years later. In 1963, the first building was opened. The Founders included an Executive Committee composed of outstanding Methodist lay persons and clergy: Mr. Herschel Greer; Mr. Hunter Short; Mr. Lane Abernathy; Mr. H.O. Balls; Dr. H. Thornton Fowler; Rev. Jeff Fryer; Rev. Paul Lanius; Rev. Vernon McGhee; Mr. Bill Weaver; and Bishop Roy Short. The construction was overseen by a Building Committee whose members were Mr. H.O. Balls; Mr. H.H. Burrum; Mr. W.H. Criswell; Mr. E.R. Dismukes; Dr. Howard Farrar; Rev. Dean Stroud; and Rev. Vernon McGhee
Those early executive directors were pastors appointed by the bishop to serve “McKendree Manor.” One of those early directors was Rev. Lexie Freeman. Lexie was an outstanding pastor, but knew that he needed help with the business side of McKendree Manor. He called his friend Roscoe Buttrey, an active Methodist layman and a banker at Third National. Roscoe agreed to come out to McKendree to look at the books after work one afternoon. He didn’t leave until late that night. He discovered what Lexie Freeman suspected that McKendree was in serious financial difficulties. Roscoe reported this situation to two other prominent Methodist laymen—Webster Johnston and Bill Criswell. Both agreed to put up the money for payroll at McKendree while Roscoe went around middle Tennessee raising money to secure current operations. Indeed we glimpse the future from standing on the shoulders of giants. One of those giants was a young Methodist pastor. In 1967, the Tennessee Annual Conference was concerned about the financial condition of McKendree Village. So the bishop appointed a young energetic pastor to go to every church in the Tennessee Conference to raise money. The goal was $2 million dollars. In 1967, this was a huge amount of money. Nevertheless this young pastor worked diligently and met the goal. In 1968, this pastor was appointed as the president of McKendree Village. 
Dr. W.C. Link served at McKendree from 1968 to his retirement in 1989.
Dr. W.C. Link
This president stayed for twenty two years. During his tenure all the buildings that presently exist at the Village were constructed. Yet he never lost the touch of a pastor. I know this fact from personal experience. You see my grandmother spent her last years here. On a Sunday afternoon in January, 1977, she died. There to comfort our family was the McKendree chaplain and the president of McKendree, W.C. Link. Now I am sure there are many more persons and many more details that made those early years possible. I cite these stories as examples of many, which I know we will share during this important year in our history.
Fast forward to 2008, where at age 45, McKendree faces serious issues related to our present and our future once again. At the beginning of McKendree’s middle age, we are faced with the usual questions we all face in middle age—what do we want do for the rest of lives? Can we face the future with the resources we have? How can we leave something for those who follow after us? To help McKendree Village with its “middle age” crisis, we have been blessed by persons with deep personal commitment, sacrifice and generosity. Even now, the commitment of our various Boards, our partners, our staff, our residents, our churches and our friends are making possible a new and improved future right smack dab in the middle of our 45th year.
I see the sacrifice and generosity when I open the mail and see the gifts and donations made to McKendree Village. And I see it in page after page of the Tennessee Conference report of churches who have remitted 100% of their McKendree Village apportionment in 2007 and the vast list of churches who have supported the Golden Cross offering.
I see it especially in the story of Ed and Bernice Johnson, whose careful planning and generosity are helping finance the rebirth of McKendree Village in 2008. Ed and Bernice Johnson ran a neighborhood gas station on Belmont Boulevard. During the Depression, the couple often helped Herman Lay keep his potato chip trucks on the road by allowing him to pay on credit. In 1948, Lay offered the Johnsons a chance to buy stock in his new company—Lay’s Potato Chips. The couple's initial investment of $8,000 grew exponentially with the company, which is now part of Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Co Inc. In their wills, the Johnsons designated their estate for Belmont University, the Salvation Army and McKendree Village. Following Bernice Johnson’s death in January 1998 (her husband died in 1994), a very generous gift from the Johnson estate was given to McKendree Village. In 1998, additional funds from the Johnson estate were placed in a 10-year charitable remainder annuity trust, and McKendree Village’s portion of those accumulated monies has now come to McKendree Village. The Boards of Directors of McKendree Village, Inc. and the McKendree Village Foundation are using this generous gift to assist McKendree Village during this period of challenge and its return to its position of prominence as a continuing care retirement community.
The generosity of the Johnsons reminds us all that we all can participate in a new and improved future for McKendree Village through a planned gift. There are ways to protect your current income and make a generous gift to McKendree Village. If you would like more information about a planned gift to McKendree Village, contact the McKendree Foundation at 871-8598 or visit us on the web at http://www.mckendreefoundation.org/ .And finally and most importantly is goodness and graciousness of God. At every point of success and every point of challenge during the past 45 years, God has been faithful and good to this mission and ministry. Let us give thanks to God for this wonderful place. Let us remember our history, remember the faith, commitment, sacrifice and generosity of those who made it possible, and embrace the new thing God is doing here at McKendree right now in our middle age.
It’s worth remembering!
*Kent McNish is Executive Director, McKendree Village Foundation
McKendree Village Celebrates 45 Years!
April, 15, 2008 marks the 45th Anniversary of services at McKendree Village. In honor of the Anniversary, here is a brief timeline of events in McKendree’s history:
+ 1957—Study begins to establish a home for older people by the Tennessee Annual Conference.
+ 1960—February begins the charter for what would later become McKendree Village, Inc.
+ 1960—The Reverend Vernon McGhee was appointed as the first administrator by Bishop Roy Short.
+ 1963, April 15th—The official opening of the Facility with six residents.
+ 1963—The first residential cottage was built.
+ 1966—The Reverend Ralph Lexie Freeman was appointed administrator.
+ 1968—The third Administrator/President, Dr. Winfrey C. Link, was appointed. He was named President Emeritus upon his retirement on October 17, 1989.
+ 1970-1973—12 additional cottages were built.
+ 1972—The South Building of the Health Center was constructed.
+ 1974, December—The North building was completed.
+ 1978—McKendree Towers, a sixteen story building was opened.
+ 1984, February 9th—The name was officially changed to McKendree Village, Inc.
+ 1987, March—The East building of the Health Center was opened.
+ 1987, July—The new Manor was constructed on the original site of the original Manor. McKendree had become the largest private retirement community in the state of Tennessee providing all levels of care for seniors.
+ 1987—The swimming pool and fitness center were built.
+ 1988—The Link building (In honor of President Winfrey C. Link) and connector, as well as the Willard Harris Blue Chapel were opened.
+ 1989—By this time a total of 40 independent cottages were built.
+ 1989—The fourth President/CEO, Dr. Robert F. Willner was appointed.
+ 1991—The Woodlands Walkway project was completed by the residents.
+ 1998—McKendree Village Foundation and McKendree Village Senior Care Corporation were created.
+ 1998—McKendree Village, Inc. and Vanderbilt University Medical Center signed an affiliation agreement which includes Vanderbilt representation on the board.
+ 1999—Mary Anna Womeldorf became President/CEO of McKendree Village, Inc.
+ 2000, July 9th—The pavilion was completed in the Woodlands and dedicated to Jane Batts, along with 560 linear feet of paved walkway.
+ 2005—The McKendree Vanderbilt Clinic opens in the Towers serving both residents and staff.
+ 2006, April—McKendree Village receives CCAC accreditation.
+ 2007—We celebrated the legacy of W.C. Link
+ 2007—Mary Anna Womeldorf retires.
+ 2008—National Healthcare Corporation begins to manage the operations of McKendree Village, Inc. Todd Moore is appointed Executive Director.
+ 2008, April 15th—WE CELEBRATE 45 YEARS OF SERVING SENIORS.
40th Anniversary --Volunteers Help Further McKendree’s Mission
By Trish Tyda*
In 1968, The Volunteer Auxiliary of McKendree Village, consisting of sixteen charter members, was organized for the purpose of advancing the mission and objectives of McKendree Village. The Mission is to provide quality retirement living and health care services for senior adults in a secure, Christian environment. The Auxiliary helps McKendree support the Mission by making life more pleasant for all of the residents, through additional services designed to promote renewed spirit and interest in life. To achieve this, the Auxiliary participates in a minimum of 34 different areas of service. These include: helping the activities department with games, crafts and parties, assisting the pastoral care department with worship services, music and devotions, making personal visits to many of our assisted living and health center residents and helping with horticulture projects to make our campus more beautiful.
Volunteers (L-R) Ann Carrigan, Beulah Griffith, and Margaret Colby prepare Golden Cross Materials for Tennessee Conference churches.
The volunteers for McKendree Village have given in excess of 10,000 hours of time in the past year to better the lives of the residents. The Auxiliary also promotes intergenerational programs that are exemplified by the “Adopt a Grandparent” program and by school groups who come to perform for our residents. This year, there were 15 seniors from McGavock High School and 28 students from Pope John Paul II high school, volunteering both during school hours and after school. The volunteers’ service goes beyond the Village, with their strong support of the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. Many of the volunteers are also active in their faith-based communities and other service organizations throughout the Metro Nashville area.
The Volunteer Auxiliary of McKendree Village, 180 members strong, consists of residents, staff and community members, who often have needs themselves. They are role models to us all in the fact that they fill those needs by serving others. In 2002, the Auxiliary was named national “Group of the Year” and Health Care resident, Jo Netherton, was named national “Volunteer of the Year”, by the United Methodist Association.
Our volunteers are extraordinary people who demonstrate their commitment to making McKendree Village a special place for our residents everyday. We are grateful for their dedication. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at McKendree Village, please call 615-871-8238 for more information.
*Trish Tyda is Director of Volunteer Services at McKendree Village
McKendree Plays Key Role in the Nashville Clinical Pastoral Education Partnership
By the Rev. Jim Robinson*
Around the year 2000, a group of leaders in the Nashville religious and health care community gathered to talk about ways to expand high quality training for chaplains in Nashville. Chaplains have long recognized Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) as one of the most effective advanced training programs for chaplaincy. After many hours of planning McKendree Village, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Baptist Hospital and St. Thomas Hospital founded the Nashville CPE Partnership. During the last two years we successfully moved the program to St. Thomas Hospital and received accreditation from the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). The Nashville CPE Partnership now includes Alive Hospice.
The CPE program provides a unique training opportunity for chaplains and local church pastors who want to hone their pastoral care skills. The program offers full year residencies, full time summer internships and part time extended units ideal for local church pastors wishing to improve their counseling and pastoral care skills. CPE training includes both onsite chaplaincy work in one of the partner institutions as well as small group and individual guidance with a certified CPE Supervisor.
Our CPE Supervisor is the Rev. David Nowlin. David has earned the respect of successive CPE groups for his keen pastoral insight and gentle spirit. The Board that guides the Nashville CPE Partnership includes chaplains and administrators from each partner institution as well as community professionals who bring a rich diversity to the program.
The lives of McKendree Village residents and staff have been enriched by our participation in the CPE program because the residents and interns become part of our family. If you are interested in learning more about CPE or want to participate in a CPE unit call Rev. David Nowlin at 615-222-6604.
*Jim Robinson is Director of Pastoral Care
Choosing the Right Retirement Community
“Let me count the ways” that McKendree Village is the place to be!
In early 2007, Bishop and Ellen Holliman made a monumental decision. They decided to sell the homes they owned in Woodburn, Indiana and Cookeville, Tennessee. Keeping up two houses, which involved summers in Indiana and winters in Tennessee, had become a burden. It was time to look at options for a more supportive lifestyle as they approached their later years.
The Hollimans had long known about McKendree Village through their church. Their next step was to visit McKendree and investigate the living options available to them. Betty Holder, the Marketing Counselor at the Village, provided the Hollimans with a tour, lunch and introductions to many of the current residents. In Bishop’s words, “We liked what we saw and heard, and we went back to Cookeville with a good feeling about McKendree.” A second visit confirmed their conviction that McKendree would be a good fit for them. They looked forward to making the move while they were still active and they were eager to make new friendships.
Divesting themselves of years of accumulated possessions, selling their home and leaving friends was admittedly difficult. Once this was accomplished, the Hollimans set forth in May 2007 and moved into their spacious 12th floor, newly renovated, two bedrooms, two bath apartment with spectacular aerial views of the greater Nashville area.
The Hollimans state that McKendree Village has definitely met their expectations, and thus the phrase: “Let Me Count the Ways”. The residents and staff at the Village are at the top of their list for the many positive aspects of their move. The residents, who come from all over the country, have many interesting life stories to tell. Friendships are easy to make, and socializing becomes a new and interesting experience on a daily basis. The staff gets high marks from the Hollimans for their courtesy and timely response to resident needs. There is always a happy smile on the faces of the staff, and residents are known by name. Finally, there is the peace of mind that a staff member is always nearby to come to the aid of the residents, should assistance be needed.
Making a life change in your later years can be daunting but invigorating! Just ask the Hollimans. For more information about the Village and to schedule a tour, please call the Marketing Office at: (615) 871-8200.
Note: Thanks to Mr. Bishop Holliman, one of our new McKendree residents, for providing the material for this article.
McKendree Couple Plans Well in Advance for Retirement
Thinking about retirement living a decade or more in advance, is a unique approach for many seniors. The when, where and how as it relates to a desired retirement lifestyle is often put off, or is never thought about in advance. Many people tend to wait until a medical crisis occurs or a spouse dies, before considering a move to a retirement community.
What are some of the characteristics of advance planners as opposed to those who don’t make alternate residential plans for their later years? Research has shown that many of the advance planners had to care for aging parents who had not planned appropriately for their retirement. Caring for their aging parents was often burdensome and traumatic, along with having to deal with great resistance on the part of the parents about leaving their home in order to receive adequate care. The adult children who assumed the task of caring for the parent(s) made a conscious choice not to subject their own children to this same situation.
Other advance planners had a completely opposite experience. Their aging parents spent their later years in a continuing care retirement community; moving in when they were still healthy and active and where they had the security of knowing that care was available if needed. In addition, activities, socialization, transportation, nutritious meals, wellness programs and immediate response to emergency situations were readily accessible. Thus, these parents served as a role model for their adult children as they began to contemplate the kind of lifestyle they would choose as senior adults.
It was about 20 years ago, when Bob and Anne were in their mid fifties, that they began thinking about where they wanted to live in their later years. The Carrigans are what is known in the retirement industry as ADVANCE PLANNERS. Both Bob and Anne are Methodists, and they have known about McKendree Village since it was on the drawing board. McKendree has a covenant relationship with the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Bob and Anne met on the tennis courts while attending the Tennessee Conference Methodist of Youth Camp in Beersheba Springs near McMinnville. Anne was 15 and Bob was 17 at the time. Now, many years later, with three daughters, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, they look forward to this new phase in their life.
As the Carrigans reflect on their move to McKendree, they feel without a doubt that this was an extremely positive change in their life. They wanted a more relaxed and carefree lifestyle while they are still active and healthy. No longer do lawns have to be cut; repairs to a home have to be considered; or meals have to be prepared! Although downsizing has been a challenge, as it is for most seniors who make a residential change, their advice is to downsize gradually. Being forced to move without advance planning is definitely to be avoided, according to the Carrigans.
If you would like to know more about the retirement options available at McKendree Village, call the Marketing Office at (615) 871-8200. Our Marketing Representative will be happy to provide you with information and a tour of our community.
Wellness and Leisure Activities Enhance Senior Living
Leisure and physical activities can contribute to an individual’s overall well being. Having the opportunity to walk in a park-like area, work out in a fitness room, swim in a pool, engage in social interactions, and participate in a variety of planned games, music programs, and special events, opens the way for an individual to preserve or develop an active lifestyle. At McKendree Village we offer both the amenities and the staff support to encourage continued participation in a variety of leisure pursuits that promote overall wellness.
McKendree Village offers activity programming for all individuals from independent living to assisted living and health care residents. Programs are tailored specifically for appropriate levels of interest and abilities. Residents are encouraged to take an active leadership role in favorite hobbies such as sewing, woodworking, gardening, painting, and creative writing and in serving in various leadership councils on campus.
Our supportive staff identifies and creates opportunities for residents to maintain the active lifestyle that they enjoyed before coming to our facility. They also look to provide new and meaningful opportunities for involvement in our community here at McKendree Village by offering special classes in a variety of topics to promote life-long learning.
We have a full-time Resident Services Coordinator for independent living and an Activity Department which serves the Manor, assisted living facility and the health care center. Whether or not you have enjoyed an active lifestyle in the past, McKendree Village offers the resources to engender a sense of belonging and wellness through leisure pursuits and activities of daily living.
McKendree Hosts 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
High Five for the BunnyMcKendree Village hosted its 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in March for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of McKendree staff and residents. More than 2,000 eggs were filled with candy and small toys for the children to find and there was a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Prizes were awarded to children in four age categories and included plush toys, prize baskets, giant chocolate bunnies and a grand prize ‘Family Fun Pak’ to Nashville Shores.
Kohl’s Department Store provided a small grant supporting this event and donated the plush toys for prizes. Nashville Shores donated the grand prize and the Donelson Hermitage Exchange Club provided gift baskets for each age group. We appreciate their support for this annual event.
This multi-generational event is a tradition at McKendree and one greatly enjoyed by the residents, staff and children alike.
George Carlton helps move furniture for Macon County tornado victims.In the spirit of helping others, McKendree staff met in March to gather furniture for transport to tornado ravaged Macon County. We were pleased to offer our support in cooperation with the relief effort and we are grateful for the generosity of our residents who are so willing to share.
Trish Tyda, Volunteer Coordinator; Todd Moore, Executive Director McKendree Village; Kent McNish, Director of McKendree Village Foundation.
This effort was coordinated by Kent McNish, Director of McKendree Village Foundation, and provided an opportunity for staff and residents to give to the community—following in the great American spirit of volunteerism and helping our neighbor.
Residents participate in a Tai Chi class offered weekly at McKendree Village
Affordable Housing Communities Sponsored by McKendree Village
By The Rev Jim Robinson*
Responding to the ministry priorities of the Tennessee Conference at the time, the McKendree Village Board voted in 1998 to expand our ministry to serve low income seniors needing quality, affordable independent living. The Board agreed to sponsor affordable housing communities by providing the initial funding required prior to the receipt of federal funding through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Four HUD grants totaling over 11 million dollars were used to build McKendree Oaks in Savannah, TN, McKendree Arbors in Springfield, TN and McKendree Lambuth in Gallatin, TN. Current members of the governing Board of these communities include Will Wells, Jan van Eys, Suzanne Shults, Richard Wesley, Gene Martino, William Dobbins, Roland Scruggs, Jim Gary, Bill Gamble, Jason Brock, Carlton Thackston and Jim Robinson.
These independent living communities serve over 160 low income seniors, who would not otherwise be able to afford decent housing. At these communities, residents pay rent and utilities on a sliding scale depending on their income. The balance of their rent is subsidized by HUD.
For several years, the properties were managed by McKendree Management Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of McKendree Village, Inc., but in 2006, management was transitioned to National Church Residences (NCR). NCR’s core values are mission, compassion, professionalism and leadership. They are driven by a deep sense that their work should serve God and always produce good for others so they are an asset to the residents of the communities.
At a recent board meeting held at one of our communities, I was visiting with the residents and asking how they liked living there. I will always remember the response of one of the ladies who said “O Honey, It’s like I died and went to heaven”.
*The Rev. Jim Robinson is Director of Pastoral Care at McKendree Village
Marching to Zion
By Bishop Holliman
Say what you will, we Methodists love to sing, and we are good at what we do! Just hear us when we open Sunday morning services with “Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing,” or “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” If that doesn’t convince you, attend the opening session of an Annual Conference and hear the preachers lift their voices in “And Are We Yet Alive.” You’ll think you’re hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!
One of the features that attracted Ellen and me to McKendree was the Sunday night hymn sing. Those old songs remind us of our “Church in the Wildwood” heritage, of summer revivals, youth assemblies and church suppers. I’m sure there are many folks here who have such events stored in their memory banks, and when they sing “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go, Dear Lord, I’ll Say What You Want Me to Say,” they’re ready to answer the call again.
It was Fred Waring, a big-band leader in the days when radio was king, who said, “The old songs are the best or they wouldn’t have lived to become old.” So come with me one more time for a stroll down memory lane for a visit with three old hymns that have played a big role in my quest for “Higher Ground.” Songs I still remember when and where I first heard them, and whose message resonates with me to this day.
Our first stop is in Memphis, Tennessee, the week after Christmas in 1935. Young Methodists from all over the South gathered for five days to hear the giants of Methodism proclaim the faith. I stayed at the famous Peabody Hotel, and I still remember how dazzled I was by the tall, lighted Christmas tree that stood in the lobby.
One of our speakers was the noted Japanese Christian, Kagawa, who ranked high in Methodist circles at the time. The theme song for this youth conference had not yet made its way into our old Cokesbury song book, but it was one that would become a classic: “ARE YE ABLE” We sang it every day, and we still sing it with gusto! It’s an “old” hymn now, but its message is always new and challenging.
Now, it’s five years later, 1941, and I’m at Lake Junaluska at another youth meeting. I am now 20 years old and have three years of college behind me. War drums are being heard throughout the land and much of our attention is focused on world peace. But before the year is out, this rose-colored summer of my youth will be just a memory, as I will be waging war instead of peace.
But sustaining us that summer at the Lake was a new hymn that many of us were hearing for the first time: “GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY, ON THY PEOPLE POUR THY POWER.” What a powerful message those words conveyed, and they gave us young folks hope and encouragement that our “warring madness” could still be cured. It would be alright with me if we sang that song every Sunday.
It’s now two years past that golden summer of 1941, and I’m on a U.S. Naval vessel, heading for New York after taking part in the invasion of Sicily in WWII. It’s a bright Sunday morning and we’re still several days from home. Our ship doesn’t carry a chaplain so one of our officers conducts a Protestant service, the first semblance of worship we’ve heard since the Captain’s prayer the night of the invasion.
Ordinarily, sailors are not given to reciting prayers and singing hymns, but this Sunday morning was different. We had escaped unscathed enemy bombs and U-boats and we were thankful.
The hymn we sang was one that was new to most of us, but yet was a very old one, and would become an American anthem: “AMAZING GRACE.” It was the third verse that touched our hearts and brought tears to some eyes: “Through many dangers, Toils and Snares, I have Already Come, ‘Tis Grace Hath Brought Me Safe Thus Far, And Grace Will Lead Me Home.”
That’s a time and place—and a song—you never forget, no matter how old you are.
Yes, we Methodist love to sing, and we can thank John and Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby and all the other saints who’ve inspired us to stay the course in our march to ZION.
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 5:15 AM
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