You've seen this sign in town
“No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor."
It’s a simple message in three languages – printed on a sign that first appeared in October at the Immanuel Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The signs are now located in many communities around the country, including Bluffton.
According to Pastor Matthew Bucher of the Harrisonburg church, the message was a statement born out of Mennonite belief.
"This is a symbol of Jesus' command to love your neighbor," he says. "And as followers of Jesus, we follow someone who was himself a refugee."
The message has spread beyond their faith. In fact, the yard signs were intentionally designed not to specify a connection to the Mennonite church.
Local distribution of the signs began with Paula Snyder Belousek, pastor of Salem Mennonite Church, Elida, who first picked up a few of the signs at a Mennonite seminary in Elkhart, Ind.
Later, she and some friends in Bluffton decided to have more signs printed locally and organized distribution.
Stories Posted This Week
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Monday, August 3, 2026
- Bluffton Free or Reduced Lunch Program signup begins for 2026-2027
- Richland Township appoints new Zoning officials, hiring roads and zoning employees
- 2025-2026 BHS Athletic Boosters fundraiser goes digital
- Chicken BBQ tickets available for August 8, Bluffton History Day
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Amanda Rule, Dylan Spindler, Mason Ault and Piece of Mind
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026
- Gayla Sue Conaway worked for Marathon Oil Company
- TedFest '26 provides all-day fun in Pandora
- Drum Circle added to August 29 PorchFest
- Business Collective holds "War Room" on August 6
- Speed limit on State Route 103 reduced west of I-75
- Check out August 2026 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library