Class of 1953 Reunites
at the
RLDS Professional Nurses Association (PNA) Fall Brunch

Members of the class of 1953

On October 7, twenty-two nurses and friends of nursing gathered at the Old Country Buffet restaurant in Independence, Missouri, to reunite with old friends, make new ones, and rekindle our commitments to serve Jesus Christ. A highlight of the gathering was the presence of five members of the former Independence Sanitarium Hospital’s 1953 graduating class: Jerry Fivler Brewer, Marilyn Wisner Kettlewell, Ada Rogers McDole, Iloe Tester Quinn, and Mary Bruns Maxwell. Margie Yates Knapp and Shirley Ratcliffe Marlowe were unable to attend the brunch, but the other five were able to visit with them during their time in Independence.

Susan Naylor (right) spoke at the brunch.

Susan Naylor, World Church Public Relations coordinator, helped us "recharge our batteries" and rekindle our commitments to serve Jesus Christ through an uplifting presentation: "Life Balance—Making a Difference." Susan reminded everyone that we can make a difference when we listen to the inner voice that nudges us into performing daily acts of kindness. She said that even as we fulfill many roles each day, we must not forget that each of us is a child of God. We must take the time to do the things we really want to do, and remember that doing things faster is no way to do the right and important things. We need to concern ourselves with being, and not always doing. Finally, as nurses and friends, we need to take care of ourselves and remember to make deposits into our "emotional bank accounts" if we are to continue to care for and bring ministry to others.

Reflecting back on our fall brunch, I see that I did reconnect with old friends, my batteries were recharged, and my commitment to Christ was rekindled. I hope this was true for all who attended. PNA members are invited to attend the Nelle Morgan Leadership Seminar on May 5, 2001, and the 2001 Fall Brunch. Visit the PNA Web site at http://www.CofChrist.org/pna/index.htm.

—Joyce Shireman