Creating a rich life for those who call Wesley Woods of Newnan home — as well as those who live in the surrounding community — is the passion of everyone who works at Wesley Woods of Newnan…and especially so for Sharon Edgar. As Director of Pastoral Care & Resident Life, Sharon says that her mission is to provide opportunities and experiences that bring to life the Wesley Woods ideal of providing “gracious living.”
“The word ‘gracious’ has many connotations, one of which — in the Christian and Jewish traditions — is ‘all are welcome,’” explains Sharon, who is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and has a background in pastoral education and chaplaincy. “We embrace the meaning of ‘gracious’ here at Wesley Woods of Newnan.”
Gracious living encompasses all facets of life, including intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual. To that end, Sharon and Activities Assistants Jean Barrow and Erica Stefani are constantly fashioning new opportunities to engage mind, body and spirit of all who live and work at Wesley Woods of Newnan, as well as residents in the nearby area.
Sharon says that spiritual care is an integral and important aspect of gracious living.
“We are blessed with many volunteers from the Newnan and Coweta County community, including local pastors and hospice chaplains of different faiths, who come to Wesley Woods of Newnan to lead services, prayer groups, Bible studies and hymn singings,” Sharon says. “And these events are not just for Wesley Woods residents. Their families, our staff and the public are always welcome to attend.”
Community outreach is another important aspect of gracious living — one that extends beyond the walls of Wesley Woods of Newnan. Wesley Woods participates in a variety of activities and events, such as hosting a monthly community-wide support group for those who care for people with dementia and supporting annual events like the Alzheimer’s Association Walk and the Cancer Relay for Life. Residents and employees of Wesley Woods contribute to many charity drives, including Better Way Ministries’ thrift shop, the One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach food pantry and others.
Additionally, the public is invited to take part in one of WWN’s hidden gems — the Labyrinth, a circuitous walking path that provides an opportunity for prayer, meditation and quiet introspection.
“The Labyrinth is open to everyone and is handicapped-accessible,” Sharon states. “Friends, family and neighbors are invited to come and enjoy it.”
Education is also part of Wesley Wood’s commitment to community service and, therefore, a part of gracious living. Through initiatives like Wesley Woods Academy — a series of seminars on topics of interest to seniors — and iPad workshops that teach older adults how to use current technology, Wesley Woods strives to provide fun and engaging lifelong learning opportunities.
“It’s so important that we create a life-enriching environment for all who live in or near Wesley Woods. We can accomplish this with our spiritual care, education and community outreach programs,” explains Sharon. “Through these efforts, we can carry out our mission of ‘gracious living.’”