Additional photos below -
For a moment, 101.3 FM became Bluffton’s most listened to radio station Friday morning.
That frequency, broadcasting for a range of about a half mile from The Centre, aired a prayer and meditation service focusing on Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio and specifically Mennonite Memorial Home.
An estimated audience easily reaching 150 people or more participated as over 75 vehicles were parked in The Centre’s north lot during the 11 a.m. community service.
Speakers represented Bluffton Ministerial Association’s congregations and several additional congregations in the Bluffton, Pandora and Lima faith communities. Those speakers stood at safe distances from one another under the canopy of The Centre as they addresses persons attending, who listened through their radios from inside their vehicles.
Each speaker provided a brief meditation and prayer. Speakers made references to several Bible verses offering hope in the immediate moment that has affected MHCO staff, volunteers and residents.
One pastor said that her own mother is a resident of MMH and that the two are unable to see each other. Another mentioned Job of the Old Testament and his friends who stayed with him during his biblical ordeal of pain and suffering. Several readings from the Psalms were also presented.
Speakers included:
Rev. Jeremy Mann, Emmanuel UCC, Bluffton
Bob Fett, English Lutheran Church, Bluffton
Nancy Yeager, St. John’s UCC, Bluffton
Sandra Leichte, Lima Mennonite Church, Lima
Father John McLoughlin, St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor Paul Perkins, St. John Mennonite Church
Pastor Jim King, Ebenezer Mennonite Church
Pastor Theda Good, First Mennonite Church
Pastor Matthew Yoder, Grace Mennonite Church
Interim Pastor Tom Holmes, First United Methodist Church
Rev. Karol Farris Schilling, Bluffton Presbyterian Church
Bill Herr, Mennonite Memorial Home Chaplain
Chris Moser, Director of Church Relations at Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio
