Heritage Homes hosts annual memorial service in new way
Each year, Pastor Mark Bartsch, chaplain at Heritage Homes, hosts a memorial service to remember and honor the community’s residents who have been called home to Heaven within the past year.
With consideration for the current COVID-19 restrictions, the team at Heritage opted to transition the service to a virtual event. Family members and loved ones were invited to watch the live stream of the service on Facebook.
Kristine Learman, daughter of Armin Schuetze, watched the service. Her father was honored as he passed away in 2020 at the age of 103.
“It was very nice that they could do that. It is so difficult at this time, but they did their best to honor everyone,” Kristine explained. “It was a very thoughtful service.”
Pastor Bartsch read the names of residents who are now in Heaven, in between verses of “Amazing Grace.” In anticipation of the service, Pastor Bartsch reached out to all of the loved ones of those who had passed away.
“I had some good conversations with families. I was able to get to know the families throughout their time at Heritage Homes, and they really appreciate the spiritual aspect of our work here,” explained Pastor Bartsch. “Many of them shared that they would have loved to come but understood they could not.”
During the past year, Pastor Bartsch continued to share God’s message of love and hope through hallway worship services and individual visits with residents.
“Our chaplains represent a special type of frontline worker. They put on their masks and face shields and complete the same entrance questionnaires and tests that nurses do,” said Mark Hayes, president of ministry at The Lutheran Homes Association. “And they visit with our lonely moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas. They assure them daily that God is here with them, loves them, and cares for them. They share the power of God’s promises and the assurance of his love.”