TLHA honors individuals for outstanding ministry efforts
BLOOMINGTON, MINN. May 16, 2016 — Much of the success of The Lutheran Home Association’s ministry is due to supporters and volunteers in special ministries. TLHA recognizes this service through its “Care of the Soul Leadership Award.” Due to these volunteers’ contributions, three nominees were recognized this year at TLHA’s annual board and leadership retreat May 16 in Bloomington, Minn.
Nadiya Borshch, Mankato, Minn.
Nadiya Borshch volunteered her time each week during the school year to visit with Vasiliy, a resident at The Lutheran Home: Cedar Haven who speaks only Russian. Nadiya is a junior at nearby Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) in Mankato, Minn. “She has a heart for service. Not too many college students would take the time to do this,” said Rev. Roger Woller, chaplain at Cedar Haven and another regular visitor. Vasiliy is originally from Russia. Nadiya came to the United States from Ukraine as a high school exchange student nearly seven years ago and now studies business and religion at BLC. With Nadiya visiting, team members at Cedar Haven said Vasiliy seemed much happier and more content.
Dr. Sharon Burow, Milwaukee, Wis.
Dr. Sharon Burow is an Associate Professor of Education at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC). More than 17 years ago, Dr. Burow began New Friends at WLC to get her students involved in working with people with special needs. New Friends connects teens and young adults in high school and college with special needs children and their families. Dr. Burow was involved with work at Bethesda Lutheran Communities and wanted to give her students similar opportunities. She has been a true pioneer in this ministry.
Noah Metro, River Falls, Wis.
Noah Metro celebrated his seventh birthday with a unique party: His friends brought donations instead of gifts. The Metros collected $71 for The Lutheran Home: River Falls. Noah’s mom, Heidi, said Noah chose The Lutheran Home because his kindergarten class sang for the residents there over the holidays last year. “It made a really big impact on him,” Heidi said. “He asked if he could give the money to them.” “It’s just a neat thing, and great parenting,” said The Lutheran Home’s Recreation Therapy Assistant Dave Noack. “It’s fostering that kind of attitude that makes the world a better place.”
The awards were presented by Michael Klatt, President and Chief Executive Officer. The purpose of the Care of the Soul Leadership Award is to recognize men and women who faithfully serve the Lord and provide leadership in the area of special ministries with an emphasis on:
- Creating public awareness about these ministries in congregations and individuals.
- Sharing the Gospel with those populations often forgotten.
“The Care of the Soul Leadership Award provides an opportunity for TLHA to show appreciation to individuals and to thank God for providing faithful servants in the work of His Kingdom,” Klatt said. “We acknowledge these gifts of time, talents and treasure are blessings from our Lord.”
Several TLHA team members also celebrated milestone anniversaries with the nonprofit. Serving for 25 years were Sue Perkins at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine and Janet Schuneman at Hope Residence, also in Belle Plaine. Serving for 30 years were Ann Johnson at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine and Karen Lambrecht at Boessling Lutheran Village Apartments in Belle Plaine. And serving for 35 years were Lynn Karels at The Lutheran Home and Robyn Mellgren at Hope Residence.
“These women have provided hope to our residents, families and others whose lives they touch through the work they do every day. Their commitment to our ministry is inspiring,” said Arvid Schwartz, Chairman of the Board for The Lutheran Home Association.
Rev. Mark O. Bartsch was recognized for his 35 years in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). He graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1981. Rev. Bartsch served at the following locations: St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rising City, Neb.; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, Neb.; Nebraska Lutheran High School, in Waco, Neb.; St. John’s Lutheran Church in Renville, Minn.; and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson, Wis. He currently serves as chaplain at Heritage Homes, a TLHA community, in Watertown, Wis.
“Pastor Bartsch has shared God’s saving grace with individuals for more than 35 years,” said Rev. Joel Gaertner, VP of Ministry for TLHA. “We are blessed the Lord called him to serve within our ministry. At Heritage Homes, he inspires eternal hope for our residents, family members, team members and community members.”
About The Lutheran Home Association
The Lutheran Home Association is a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to providing for the spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional needs of people entrusted to our care and others whose lives we touch. We offer a wide variety of health care, housing, and spiritual outreach services with campuses in several states and congregational programs serving seniors and individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities nationwide. Services and programs include senior living, skilled nursing care, memory care, disability services, rehabilitative therapies, chaplaincy, Bible classes, worship services, and property management services. Learn more at www.tlha.org, follow @TLHAword on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.
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