Twenty area pastors and 58  parishioners, who reside at Maple Crest, gathered for a banquet on Oct. 16.

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“This annual banquet is provided to honor the ministries of area pastors who visit and minister to their parishioners not only in the church, but in whatever places their parishioners call home,” according to Doug Luginbill, Director of Church Relations. 

The ecumenical gathering produced an energetic spirit with lots of laughter, good conversation and food. The meal was provided by Trish Arendorf, Food Service Coordinator, and the dining staff of Maple Crest.

Not only was the gathering ecumenical with 13 congregations represented, it also highlighted the various lengths of ministry provided by the pastors. 

The youngest pastor, Jeremy Mann from Emmanuel United Church of Christ, had been ordained just four days prior to the event. The longest serving pastor was Pastor Charles Warren from Ebenezer Mennonite Church, who has served in ministry for over 70 years.  Pastors from the communities of Ada, Pandora, Mt. Cory, Findlay and Bluffton were represented.

The annual event is held during October, which is National Pastor Appreciation Month.  Corinne Lee, Facilities Coordinator at Maple Crest, said the event has been going on for nearly 10 years at Maple Crest. 

The last four years the event has been held alternately on the Maple Crest and Mennonite Memorial Home campuses, allowing elders from each community an opportunity to share a meal with their pastors.

Laura Voth, CEO, made the connection to an earlier time when parishioners often invited their pastors to their home for a meal. 

“We want to keep that tradition alive and are glad you can share a meal around the table with your parishioners in their home,” said Voth.

An added bonus to this year’s banquet was special music provided by the MapleAires.  This new ensemble is made up of men, most whom live at Maple Crest or in one of the villas of Maple Crest. Jean Ann Szabo accompanied the ensemble.

The ensemble came together when Bob Daft (apartment resident) and Rich Bucher (villa resident) were reminiscing about how much they enjoyed singing and wished there were opportunities to keep doing this hobby at Maple Crest.  Eight to 10 men now gather weekly to sing gospel, barbershop and favorite hymns.

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MapleAires: Rich Bucher, Dick Boehr, Charlie Wood, Neil Kehler, Luther Shetler, Oliver Lugibihl, John Amstutz, Bob Daft.  

Pastor Charles Warren, (center)  with other Ebenezer Mennonite Church pastors and parshioners, has served in ministry for 70 years.

Pastor Jeremy Mann is being served a drink at the pastor appreciation banquet by Administrator Rhonda Wolpert.  Mann is the new pastor of Emmanuel United Church of Christ and was ordained on Sunday, Oct. 12.  To the left of Rhonda, Laura Voth, CEO talks with Bob Daft.