Featuring

Being Your Mom Employee Milestones Our Mission On the Road to Recovery Dining and Activity Happenings My Garden of Prayer Summertime Memories 100th Birthday Celebration Gifts of Love Spiritual Corner

Although Mother’s Day is over it is appropriate to continue honoring them throughout the year.

Being ‘mom’ was the best job I could have ever had. Even though I often wished I could just be your dad. Because dad had it easy, and don’t ask me why… But if he couldn’t fix it, then I had to try. And I had to make sure I figured it out, Because after me there was no alternative route. And being your mom- it was harder than it looked. It took things I could never learn from a book. Being ‘mom’ required me to learn very fast. And I had to put on and wear many hats. I was the best doctor that you children knew. I could bandage your cuts and cure your flu. I was a great counselor, there was never a doubt. With a look I could silence your angry shouts. I was a better chef than any you’ll see on TV. I cooked for an army! ‘Cause you kids could eat! I was a master seamstress fixing rips and tears. Smiling when you brought me more jeans to repair. As you grew up, I became a chauffeur. Taking you to every event that occurred. And then there were the awful middle school years. When I became your enemy, and shed many tears. I was your personal banker when you hit high school, And I bought you that prom dress, like a silly fool. But it was worth it to see that look in your eye. You looked like an angel, and oh how I cried. When you graduated high school I became your advisor. Encouraging college to make you all the more wiser. And then in a blink your wedding day came, You were out of our house, and it was never the same. Being ‘mom’ didn’t require many hats anymore, You were a grown woman setting sail from my shore. You laughed as you brushed away my tears. “I’ll be fine mom,” you said to calm my fears. And I whispered through my tears as he walked you away, “Trust me my darling you’ll understand some day.” And now you’re a mother, and I watch you wear your hats I close my old eyes and flash back to the past. For a second I remember you as a tiny little girl. Now you’re being a mom and it happened in a whirl. No one said it would be easy- but the job is the best. You know that now as you hold your baby to your chest. Now that you’re a mother you know the whole truth. For now you know the depths of the love I gave you.

Being Your Mom Inspired by the Vinton Lutheran Home Residents

Written by: Sarah Smith, Activity Director

2 Being Your Mom

Employee Milestones 3

Our Mission 4

On The Road to Recovery 5

Dining & Activity Happenings 6

My Garden of Prayer Summertime Memories

7 100th Birthday Celebration

Gifts of Love Back Cover

Spiritual Corner

Congratulations to:

Holly Rahija, RN, Vinton 5 year anniversary (May 2, 2010)

April Mangels, CNA, Davenport 5 year anniversary (June 10, 2010)

Wanda Trafford, Housekeeping/Laundry Service, Davenport 5 year anniversary (August 5, 2010)

Tammy Surface, Dining Services, Vinton 5 year anniversary (August 6, 2010)

Aurora Eddington, CNA, Vinton 5 year anniversary (September 29, 2010)

Shauna Taylor, Dietary Service, Davenport 5 year anniversary (September 30, 2010)

Diana DeMoss, Community Services, Vinton 10 year anniversary (May 10, 2005)

Jessica Newburry, Community Services, Vinton 10 year anniversary (July 5, 2005)

Erica McMahon, Home Health Aide, Davenport 10 year anniversary (August 31, 2005)

EMPLOYEE MILESTONES (Anniversary Date from May 01, 2015, to September 30, 2015)

IN THIS ISSUE

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From the moment you enter our Lutheran Home Campuses in Vinton and Davenport, you will notice a difference. Similar to other senior living facilities we feature a variety of room sizes, tastefully decorated common areas filled with natural light which provide a homelike atmosphere, as well as outdoor living spaces that by design bring the beauty of nature indoors. Yet, when you cross the threshold, one can’t help but no-tice that the Lutheran Home is more. What is it that sets us apart…… It is the simple smile of acceptance, the human contact of a gentle touch, it is the extra time spent listening, praying and singing with our residents. Simply said, it is the unconditional love for our resi-dents, tenants, their families and friends, not unlike that love our Lord, Jesus Christ has for us. “Our mission and philosophy of Christian Service is based

upon the teaching and actions of our Lord, Jesus Christ,

whose unconditional love for His creation and concern for

all humanity is a model for all to follow. The Lutheran

Home for the Aged Association-East is committed to

providing essential services to our residents to satisfy their

special housing needs and to provide quality programs

designed to promote their physical, mental, social and

spiritual health. We believe, consistent with our Lord’s

teachings, that each person is entitled to be treated with

dignity, courtesy, understanding and love. It is our contin-

uing mission to treat and provide care to our residents

consistent with His teachings.”

This fundamental concept provides the foundation for care provided to those elders entrusted to us. Our mission in action is evident as each member of the Lutheran Home Team is encouraged and empowered to live and work consistent with the Lord’s teachings beginning with their first day of employment. Our mission in action is observed when caretakers offer the gift of prayer to a resident, tenant or client; when care-takers provide extra attention and encouragement when someone is scared, discouraged or sad; or when those same caretakers spend extra moments with a resident, or their family during the final hours and moments as they journey home to be with their Lord and Savior. Our staff’s belief and understanding of the mission embraced by our Lutheran Homes has been reflected through shared comments; “We treat others with

respect, in God’s image,” “We are committed to do God’s Work,” “We are here to give our residents qual-ity of life, value them and treat them with respect.” How blessed we are by the reassurance that our mis-sion is fundamental to the care provided by these amazing caretakers, caretakers who understand the importance of their influence and acknowledge that they are “holding the lives of our elders in the palms of their hands.” This commitment to our mission and philosophy of Christian Service is further supported and enhanced by the availability of our Campus Chaplains. Like Shepherds who lead their flocks, these gentlemen are able to provide the word of God to residents, ten-ants and staff on a regular basis through faith strengthening events including regular Bible Study, hymn singing, worship service, individual visits, counseling and prayer. It is our privilege and we are honored that you have entrusted the staff at our Lutheran Homes to care for and be a part of your loved ones’ lives as we fulfill our mission to provide quality Christian Care. You make it possible for the Lutheran Home to be an exceptional place to live and work.

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Our Mission Commitment to Quality Christian Care and Service………….

June Salerno, VAL Tenant & Pastor Larry Schmidt, VLH Chaplain.

Some People Come Into Our Lives………………… By Tessa Derrickson, LPN, DLH Admissions Coordinator

“Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same” by Flavia Weedin. Ralph Schneider is one of those people. I felt an instant bond with a gentleman I did a home evaluation on in December 2014. It was during this visit, I learned how special his wife of 68 years, his three children, and their cat, Kitty were. He shared the cherished memories of their travels to Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Ralph had some medical issues and was going to need intense therapy in a nursing facility. I knew right away that we could help him. Ralph was admitted on December 24th, not exactly the Christmas they had anticipated. He immediately began working with therapy and nursing, and in a few short weeks he was ready to discharge home on January 13, 2015. We were sad to see him go, but so proud of his motivation and drive. Shortly after he returned home, Ralph and his wife decided that it was time to make a change. On March 28, 2015, they moved into our assisted living facility. It is an honor and privilege to have Ralph and Doris be a part of our “Lutheran Home Family.” Ralph describes his experience with his skilled stay as positive. He states that he got along well with every-one and really enjoyed therapy. Ralph was impressed in how quickly the staff had him up and walking around, feeling stronger and healthy. He has contin-ued therapy as an “out – patient”, coming from their apartment down the hall to our therapy department.

When Life Throws You a Curve Ball………….. By Kellie Van Ree, RN, Vinton DON Life events recently threw sixty year old Gary Christianson a curve ball. His normal active routine of walking several miles a day and playing racquetball at the local recreation center was unexpectedly inter-rupted. He was prompted to seek medical attention for significant leg pain which prevented him from sleeping and disrupted his day-to-day activities. Gary was hospitalized for extensive diagnostic testing and treatment. When hospitalization was no longer medically need-ed and discharge was pending, Gary was faced with some difficult care decisions. His social worker recommended the Vinton Lutheran Home for its skilled services and specifically the rehabilitative care. Though initially reluctant to be admitted to a nursing home because of his age and concerns about privacy, he knew that returning home in his weakened condition was risky. He also knew that without therapeutic rehabilitation to aid in regaining strength, he would not be able to resume his previous level of activity. His desire for a good recov-ery outweighed his fears and the decision was made to rehabilitate at the Lutheran Home. I recently interviewed Gary about his time spent at the Lutheran Home and he shared many positive aspects. He indicated that from the moment he arrived he did not feel too overwhelmed because of how carefully things were explained to him. While at the facility he noted that staff was friendly, respectful and paid careful attention to respecting his privacy. He complimented the meals, indicating that they were “better than mine.” From the moment he was admitted to the Lutheran Home, Gary felt positive about his goal to return home. Following a fourteen day course of recupera-tion, intensive rehabilitative therapy, and with the support of extensive discharge planning, Gary felt stronger, confident and well prepared to return home. Less than a month after being discharged from the Lutheran Home, Gary reports that he is back to walking several miles a day and has even resumed his racquetball games!

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On The Road To Recovery

Special Events in the Works at Vinton Lutheran Home:

May 7th Mother-Daughter Tea at 2:00 p.m. Special refreshment including fruit platter, chicken salad on crostini's, and mini strawberry short cakes were served. Entertainment was provided by Pam Whitmore who spoke on the Dysart orphan train.

May 11-15 National Nursing Home Week

The theme for this year’s National Nursing Home week was “Bring on the Fiesta”. We celebrated this theme with fun activities and

dress up days for each day of the week. A variety of Spanish food was also served each day for the staff and residents to enjoy!

June 18th

Father-Son Night at 6:30 p.m. A delicious meal of bratwursts, coleslaw, baked beans, potato chips, and brownie sundaes will be served. Entertainment will be provided by Gene Mealhow, owner of “Tiny but mighty Popcorn.” Door prizes will be given away.

August 2nd Ice Cream Social from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Please join us for our annu-al ice cream social featuring live outdoor entertainment, grab bags, donation drawings, kids’ area, and, of course, homemade pie & ice cream. The proceeds for this summer’s ice cream social will go toward the new garden areas at our nursing home and assisted living. Cookouts & Picnics: During the summer months we offer a monthly cookout for the residents of our memory care and our as-sisted living. We also take residents of our nursing facility on monthly picnics around the community. These events let our residents enjoy different food than what is offered on the Lutheran Home menus, and also allows them to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

A Volunteer Tea was held April 13th at the Vinton Lutheran

Home. The event allowed our residents and staff time to visit

and thank our volunteers. A special certificate and gift were

given to each volunteer. A delicious meal of chicken salad on

crostini, cucumber sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cupcakes were

enjoyed .

Special Events in the Works at Davenport Lutheran Home:

May 7th Mother’s Day Tea at 2:30 p.m. As the trees bud out and flowers bloom, we know it is time to embrace spring and honor those who gave us our beginnings. Those who nurture us as we grow and bloom. Our Mothers.

May 11-15 National Nursing Home Week, we celebrated each day with a theme that calls for dressing up, a special lunch for the residents, a cookout for everyone, and an afternoon event that ties it all together. We kicked off the week with our 3rd Annual Balloon launch! We sent off over 200 helium balloons with notes inside asking the finder to contact us as to where the balloon was found. We were entertained by TJ the Magician, and MJAM Karaoke. We wore crazy hats and ties, wore our clothes backwards and wore our favorite ball team’s shirts and caps! Staff and residents were treated to a cookout, cracker jacks and snow-cones through-out the week.

June 19th Father’s Day Celebration will begin with lunch including grilled steak, stuffed potato skins and roasted summer squash. The meal will be topped off with chocolate cherry cheesecake. The Celebra-tion will continue in the afternoon with a visit from the Quad Cities Cruisers. This classic automobile club is a favorite amongst our residents as they “cruise” the parking lot and reminisce. Be it a ‘55 or ‘57 Chevy, a Classic T-Bird, Buick Roadmaster or a Street Rod, every resident has a story centered around their favorite ride from the past. Fathers and their guests will be treated to light sweet treats, coffee and punch.

July 19th Ice Cream Social from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Dozens of desserts are donated and served with a variety of ice cream flavors. We have a cake walk, kids’ games, silent auction and door prizes. Cookouts: As nice weather arrives it is time to begin our monthly cookouts. Scheduled for this season are: July 2nd-Patriot’s Day Cookout August 14th-”Our Just Because We Can” Cookout September 18th-Our “Farewell to Summer” Cookout

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A special luncheon was

served featuring homemade

chicken salad on a croissant,

variety of fresh fruit and

finished with sweet crème

filled crepes kissed with

chocolate.

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear

that the gardener seems to be only one of the

instruments, not the composer."

- Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

Spring is in the air…..During this changing of the seasons we pause to enjoy warm breezes, cheerful songs of nesting birds, budding trees and blooming flowers. Memories of past springs fill our hearts and minds as the memories of cold winter winds fade into the distant past. Spring activities are in full bloom at the Vinton Lutheran Home. We are busy planting and revitaliz-ing our gardens as the journey into summer begins. The creation of a beautiful garden has brought joy to many of our residents in the past. Their input was inspirational as we established beautiful gardens throughout our campus. Our three gardens boast raised flower beds, patio seating, bench-es, bushes and many, many flowers. Located in a unique courtyard between the Memory Care Unit and our Nursing Facility is “The Garden of Memories.” “Amanda’s Garden” can be found just outside our Resident Lounge to the South. Our newest garden creation was constructed late last summer and is located at our assisted living complex. The construction of these outdoor living spaces allows residents and tenants to enjoy their personal bird feeders, hanging plants, squirrel feed-ers and outdoor ornaments. It has been said that "A garden isn’t meant to be useful. It’s for joy.” Rumer Godden…… Justin Ealy, our very own Chef, might disagree. He has been instrumental in heading up the planting of our herb garden for the past three years, as well as assisting in the selection of vegetables that have been tucked in among the flowers. Justin’s expertise in growing and using herbs is unending. He notes that herbs are great as a garnish. “You eat with your eyes first. If a plate is presented attractive-ly, with a bright, fresh, garnish, the whole meal will appear more appetizing even before taking the first bite.” Garden fresh salsa and guacamole top the list of our residents’ summertime favorites, espe-cially when he adds some chopped fresh cilantro to the mix! Basil is one of the most popular fresh herbs because it can be used in nearly every Italian dish. Sprigs of dill added to a pan of fish straight out of the oven will give the fish a nice little pop of freshness. Justin advises, “Don’t be afraid of using fresh herbs in your summer recipes. You will definitely notice the difference!”

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My Garden of Prayer

By: Liz Jansen, DLH Activity Director & Sarah Smith, VLH Activity Director

Summer days of old hold many memories for our resi-dents. From childhood to adolescence, and into years of maturity- our residents worked hard, but also knew how to have fun! As children, baseball, kick the can, hide & seek, and tree climbing were fun activities enjoyed during the day. At night, lightning bugs were caught and s’mores were made as they listened to the buzz of the locusts. When our residents became teenagers, they learned the value of hard work. Farming was difficult in the Iowa heat, but someone had to bale the hay and detassel the corn. Working in the garden took time and sweat, but excite-ment arose as tomatoes, green beans, peas, and water-melon grew. These fresh fruits and vegetables tasted all the more delicious knowing that they were created by their own hard working hands. The values our residents learned as children and teenag-ers carried into their adult lives as they began to raise their own families. Summer days were spent working on the farm, tending to the flowers, baking pies from fresh picked berries, and canning garden produce. But even as adults, our residents knew how to have fun. There was always time for a break from the summer heat. Fresh squeezed lemonade or a cold beer were often enjoyed in the shade on a hot July day. And when the summer sun set on Saturday nights, nothing was more fun than a neighborhood barn dance!

Our residents have taught us that Iowa summers have a lot to offer for people of any age, so get out there and en-joy it! Work hard and play hard, and maybe someday your summertime memories will be just as sweet as our residents’.

Summertime Memories

Contributions: Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc., Princeton, NJ Dennis & Joyce Andresen, Keystone Oliver Banks & Barbara Dalton-Banks, Bettendorf James & Carol Bayles, Bettendorf Martin & Claudia Beale, Davenport Linwood & Presentation Beckett, Jr., East Moline Barry & Janet Bilkey, Davenport Daniel & Jolene Blanchard, Belle Plaine Arthur Brown, Fort Madison Claire Butz, Clinton Evelyn Casserly, Coralville Ken & Sue Christenson, Davenport Carol Christiansen, Miles Kim Cook, Newhall Lois Cox, Davenport Trudy Crane, Davenport Patrick & Randi Creedon, Eldridge Beverly Curzydlo, Wichita, KS Davenport Trinity LWML, Davenport Jane Dierksen, Camanche Tom & Sandi Doering, LeClaire Earthtone Solutions, INC, Woodstock, GA August & Marilyn Erling, Jr., Eldridge Frank & Jan Espinoza, Clinton James & Rhonda Felton, Davenport Lawrence & Margaret Fogg, Clinton Larry & Maggie Fogg, Clinton Randy & Cindy Forsyth, Vinton Sharon Fortney, Davenport Duane Geronzin, Clinton Phyllis Gill, Davenport Diane Gloede, Vinton Stuart & Nancy Goldsmith, Davenport Jody & Richard Green Jr., Fulton, IL Darrell & Cheryl Gruntorad, Clinton Roger Haerther, Shellsburg Vernon Happel, Cedar Rapids Lester & Alma Happel, Cedar Rapids Thomas & June Hardersen, Clinton James & Lou Ann Harmsen, Davenport Bryce & Betty Harthoorn, Princeton Audrey Harwood, Vinton Craig & Jane Heesch, Bettendorf George & Jean Hendley, Davenport Joe & Laura Hesse, Christina & Stephanie, Bettendorf Cheryl, Hesse, Bettendorf Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, Davenport Robert & Sonja Housenga & Family, Clinton Dan & Julee Housenga & Family, Brent & Stacey Housenga & Family Kurt & Jill Housenga & Family Roger & Joanne Hurt, Moline, IL Bruce & Amy Hunt, Coal Valley, IL

Immanuel Lutheran Church Dorcas Society, Waterloo Lucille Ingwersen, Clinton Cynthia Irwin, Eldridge Marvin Jensen, Andover Scott & Ann Jevyak, Davenport Doris Johnson, Andover Dan Johnson, Charlotte Jeanne Johnson, Andover Mark & Katherine Kilmer, Davenport Edward & Marlene King, Cedar Rapids Rev. David Likeness, Dunlap, IL Jerry & Jean Lindstrom, Davenport Barbara Lynch, Bettendorf Helen Manning, Clinton Doris Mauer, Cedar Falls Alison McCrary, Davenport Scott & Mary Meumann, Bettendorf Steven & Phyllis Meyer, Davenport Jacque Michealsen & Family, Clinton Mary Michl, Davenport Lita Miller, Clinton Dorae Miller, Davenport Michael & Patricia Moritz, Bettendorf Ruth & William Mund, Cedar Rapids Brian & Sherry Nauman, Eldridge Carl Neverman, Sierra Madre, CA Dan & Carrie Newton, Blairstown Richard Norem, Marion Our Savior Lutheran Church, Davenport Mike Peters Davenport Janet Peters, Clinton Errol & Alice Peters, Clinton Mark & Helen Peters, Clinton Dina Petersen, Clinton Mark & Carolyn Phippen, Vinton Sylvia Plambeck, Davenport Rev. Donald Pohlers, Statesboro, GA Kenneth Popenhagen, Atkins Christopher & Rhonda Porter, Eldridge Beverly Quigley, Davenport Todd & Barb Randolph, Goose Lake Rick & Sue Rector, Davenport Larry & Leah Rae Reiling, Davenport Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Davenport Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids Carol Roes, Cedar Rapids Kay Runge, Davenport Norm & Zelda Sackett, Center Point Susan Sargent, Fraser, CO Eleanor Schaefer, Bettendorf Georgine Schinckel, Eldridge Janice Schirm, Vinton Donald Schlesselman, Williamsburg Rev. Lawrence Schmidt, Cedar Rapids Ellen Schuster, Davenport

Ron & Sue Schwartz, Maquoketa Douglas & Jo Ann Scovil, Davenport Donna Severtsgaard, Vinton Dianna Shirley, Camanche Carol & Leo Smith, Camanche Clifford & Vivian Smith, Davenport St. John's Lutheran Church, Center Point Dan Stahl, Davenport John & Mary Stavnes, Bettendorf Wanda Stender, Walcott James & Pamela Taschner, Luzerne The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Foundation, St. Louis MO Gene & Edith Thielen, Longmont, CO Wade Thompson, Low Moor Ron & Rosemary Thompson, Clinton Thrivent Choice Program, Appleton, WI Barbara & Jack Tietjens, Clinton Trinity Lutheran Church, Davenport Don Vance & Family, Princeton James & Janette Vance, Saint Paul, MN Joann & Richard Vesole, Bettendorf Stan VonThun, Andover Steve & Linda Wallace, Vinton David & Betty Walther, Davenport Fern Werning, Davenport Marjorie & Ralph Wessling, Vinton Robert & Marlene Westphal, Davenport Randy & Mary Ann Wicks, Bettendorf Ross & Shirley Wiley, Walker Pam Woolison, Vinton Jack & Lisa Zick, Bettendorf In Loving Memory of: Rita Barron Flora Creedon Lucille Dolan Lyle Emrich Elvis Forsyth Gina Michl Beverly Peters Ralph Plambeck David Smith Lucille Sonnenberg Bob Stahl Orville Stourt Dorothy Thomas-Vance Lucille Thomie Carol Timmer Ruby Wallace Harriett West Endowment: Loyal Liebsch

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Listed below are the names of persons or groups who have made a special gift, and the persons so remembered, from February 01, 2015, to April 30, 2015.

Howard Sand, Vinton Lutheran Home resident, turned 100 years old on March 14, 2015. His family, with

the help of staff, held a birthday open house to celebrate the special

occasion. Judy Mehlert provided musical entertainment.

100th Birthday

Celebration!

The Lutheran Home for the Aged Association-East P. O. Box 559 Vinton, IA 52349-0559

Nursing Facility Townhomes Assisted Living Apartments Home Health Agency

Phone: 319-472-4751 Vinton Lutheran Home Phone:319-472-2092 Vinton Community Services Phone: 563-391-5342 Davenport Lutheran Home Phone: 563-386-6933 Davenport Assisted Living Apartments Corporate Office: 319-472-4211

"Providing Quality Christian Care and Service”

We are on the Web!

www.lhaa-e.org

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #27 Vinton, IA

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

REFLECTIONS is the newsletter published by The Lutheran Home for the Aged Association-East, a not-for-profit organization, providing quality health care, housing and services for seniors. The Lutheran Home for the Aged Association-East does not discriminate in its employment practices or admissions to its facilities or programs of care because of a person’s race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, military duty, marital status, veteran status, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, or any other classification prohibited by law.

Music is a Big Part of our Residents’ Life! By Rev. Chris Neuendorf, Davenport Chaplain

Music is a big part of life at our Lutheran Homes. Our residents enjoy having musical guests come to provide entertainment. Beautiful piano music sometimes accom-panies our meals. On a few occasions I’ve even heard some of our residents singing old favorites in the halls and in the dining room for no other reason than they like to sing them! But of all the music we enjoy, none leaves more of an impression on me than our hymns. We sing hymns at our Sunday afternoon chapel services. We sing hymns together following our weekly Bible Study. The assisted living tenants sing hymns after lunch on Fridays. Resi-dents sing hymns with me when I visit them one on one, and hymns fill the rooms of those who are preparing to depart this life and be with their Lord. The hymns we sing together are a great source of joy and consolation. What is it about hymns that brings us such great benefit? It’s more than nostalgia. True, when you sing a hymn that you remember from your childhood, it can bring back fond memories about the “good old days,” but that’s true of

other kinds of music, too. What’s special about the hymns we sing is the message and the melody. The message of our best hymns is always Christ, both who He is and what He has done for us. He has bought us with His “blood so divine,” and “on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my Sin” (Can you tell which hymns those words come from?). No other subject matter compares! The melody of our hymns, too, brings great blessing. You can tell just by listening to the melody whether a song is about earthly matters, such as romantic love, or about heav-enly matters, such as the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake. The very music of our hymns reflects the fact that by singing about our Savior, we “offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

I thank God that at our Lutheran Homes, the Word of Christ dwells among us richly as together we “sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with thanksgiving in our hearts toward God!” (Colossians 3:16)