Recently, Pastor Rebecca Ebb-Speese (Pastor Becky), MapleCreek's director of pastoral care was approached by a journalist, G. Jeffrey MacDonald who was doing an article on the change of faith in seniors.

The article, titled "Soul Search," appears in the May's USA TODAY special publication, "The Best Years." Pastor Becky gives insight about what she's learned about senior faith from working at MapleCreek. She talks about how some seniors grow spiritually, even after moving into a retirement community.

She mentioned how seniors often have a hard time feeling comfortable with faith. 

From the article: "Ebb-Speese says many newcomers hesitate at first, worrying they don't have the right clothes for worship, lack the right knowledge for discussion, or can't spare a dollar for the offering ...  "But somehow when they're here, they mellow ... A lot of them enter into religious activity through personal one-on-one relationships.""

She also tried to break down some stereotypes about seniors:

""People have an assumption that seniors are very stuck in their ways, but they are not," Ebb-Speese says. "There's something about the senior years that enables them to blossom and be open to new things, much more so than middleaged people.""

MapleCreek resident, Jean Skiver, who was recently baptized by Pastor Becky, was quoted in the article as well. To read the full article click here, and to order a copy of the magazine, click here.

Fun was the goal at the dance party for the residents at The Lodge at MapleCreek, our skilled nursing and rehabilitation center at MapleCreek, on Wednesday evening, March 30.  Starting with a wedding reception favorite “The Chicken Dance,” staff and volunteers for the dance party got people moving. 

The gathering in the Great Room of the Lodge was hosted by the Kentwood Jaycees, who provided a DJ playing music from ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Kenyana “Kiki” Gary, Lodge activity director (dancing with Lodge resident Harold, right), explained how dancing works with nursing residents. “Some residents are able to stand and dance, and for the other residents who are in wheelchairs, we stand in front of them and dance with them.” 

Judging from the smiles on all the faces (like Pauline's, left), the dance party was a big hit. Thanks to the Kentwood Jaycees for bringing the party to The Lodge. Come back soon!