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
Friday, October 9, 2026
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- October 8 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district