Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, MHCO, Bluffton, celebrated its annual pastor appreciation banquet at Mennonite Memorial Home on Oct. 15. 

This event enables elders to invite their pastor to their home for a meal and fellowship. Seventeen pastors and church staff sat around tables with 30 MMH.

The activities and leadership staff of MHCO served the meal.

As a faith-based, not-for-profit community, MHCO staff expressed gratitude to the pastors and the congregations they represent for providing visitation, worship and Bible studies to persons living at Hilty Home, Maple Crest, Willow Ridge and MMH.

Laura Voth, CEO, said, “By being present in the lives of your residents who live here, you help Mennonite Home Communities in our ministry to the whole person.”

Chaplain Bill Herr, in his 19th year of ministry at MHCO, expressed his appreciation, adding, “This community is extremely blessed with faithful ministers who show up and visit their members living here. Thank you!”

Clergy present ranged from have served in ministry for over 60 years to those serving two years and less. Wanda Stopher of First Mennonite, Bluffton, in attendance, started her third week of ministry in Bluffton this month.

Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio provides medical and support services to persons in their own homes, as well as residential independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation services and long term nursing care.  The Hilty Home campus in Pandora also includes Hilty Preschool and Childcare.

As a commitment to holistic care, MHCO provides for worship services and Bible studies on each campus. 

Local pastors, lay leaders and chaplains Bill Herr (Bluffton) and Rick Hart (Pandora) provide leadership for these services.

PHOTOS

Pastor John Morris of Harrod United Methodist Church introduces himself at the annual pastor appreciation banquet.

Pastor Wanda Stopher began her ministry at First Mennonite Church on Oct. 1.  She enjoyed getting acquainted with nine of her parishioners.