Highlights
JUNE 2000 - VOL. 8, NO. 2
The following are the articles that ran in the above issue of Highlights. This corporate newsletter provides news about Lutheran Homes of Michigan and related services.
Articles in this issue (just click on the article you'd like to see):
- CARE OF GOD’S CHILDREN IN
TIMES OF GREAT NEED
- VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
- THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS OF
THE YEAR
- NEWS FROM OUR HOMES
- INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS
- ANNUAL MEETING USHERS IN A NEW YEAR
- LHM PARTICIPATING IN ‘CHARITY
MOTORS’ FUNDRAISING
- 2000 GOLF OUTING LET’S GO GOLF!
- HOME FOR THE AGED HAS OPENINGS
- WE NEED REGISTERED NURSES
- FORMER MONROE ADMINISTRATOR HONORED
FOR HIS COMMITMENT
- AN AGE FOR ANGELS (Poem)
GOD’S WILL AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
As this article is written, it is graduation time across the land. From junior high to high school to vocational schools and universities, the future lies before countless graduates. Recently, I had a discussion with one such graduate who spoke of her future in terms of God’s will for her life; the difficulties of knowing it and subsequently, the difficulty in following it. What a refreshing view of the future, and one I am sure God will bless in this young person.
Reflecting on that attitude, I began to think about pursuing God’s will for Lutheran Homes of Michigan. As with individuals, organizations can choose to be in or out of God’s will, particularly a ministry like Lutheran Homes. It strikes me that in the context of Lutheran Homes, our strategic planning process has been established essentially for this purpose; seeking and following God’s will.
Why is this important? Simply this, while being in His will never assures us of an easy path, being outside of His will always creates frustration and hardship, even failure. So, as we plan, we are to be faithful to the future He has defined for us, not the whims of the moment or the pressures of the day.
At Lutheran Homes of Michigan, the process of strategic planning, of discerning His will, has lead us to a new vision of our future ministry. While quality, Christ-centered, nursing home care will always be a part of our ministry, we recognize that expansion into assisted living and senior housing, and growth in home care and hospice, also allows us to serve the elderly and their families. Serving new communities in Michigan which have yet to experience the joy of this ministry is a part of this vision, allowing for His healing love to come to others.
Like the graduate, the future stretches out before Lutheran Homes fresh and new each day. To be in His will, to follow His plan is not only our desire but also our goal. Knowing this, that "He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is to this we must be faithful, counting on God to make it successful.
Together in Service,
David M. Gehm
President & CEO
CARE OF GOD’S CHILDREN IN TIMES OF GREAT NEED
The Great Commission from our Lord is to carry the message of Christ’s unconditional and powerful love to all. A goal of Lutheran HOME CARE Agency services is to approach people with care for their physical needs and, perhaps more importantly, their spiritual needs. It is most touching when a patient or family member feels Christ’s love through the caregivers, or seeks God because they feel loved by us. The recent baptism of a dying patient and his caregiver by the hospice chaplain brought joy to staff.
Our statistics tell us that almost one quarter of our clients do not claim any religious belief system. Of those patients who claim a religious belief, 21 percent say they have no church affiliation. These statistics have been gathered at different times during the life of the Agency. Even though the patients change, the statistics do not.
Lutheran Home Care Agency staff is blessed to serve people at a time in their lives when the realization of their spiritual needs may have become more prominent because of their life’s experiences and situation. If you know of anyone in need of home care services, please offer them our care. We know that real health is dependent on physical, mental and spiritual wellness. The Lutheran HOME CARE Agency can be there to provide Christ-centered care in times of great need.
Monroe Ladies Guild
The Monroe Ladies' Guild had an ice cream social June 4 with homemade pie, cake, brownies and sundaes for the residents, their families and friends.
In other news, the Guild recently bought four beautiful religious pictures for the Family Room. The residents already are enjoying these works of art.
Frankenmuth Ladies Auxiliary
Valerie Thompson, who initiated the Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project, was the guest speaker for a recent meeting of the Frankenmuth Auxiliary. The Orphan Lighthouse Project provides orphans with a two week vacation in the United States. The children stay with Christian families where they receive medical and dental attention.
At the meeting, the Auxiliary also approved the purchase of the following items for the home: utility carts, a food warmer for the kitchen, upholstered chairs, new lobby furniture and a pulse oximeter.
The Arts & Crafts Chairwoman, Esther Hartwig, reported the need for polyester material, which is used to make clowns that are sold at the Frankenmuth Gift Shop on consignment. The ladies are currently working on items for the Christmas Bazaar that will be in December.
Kathy Sandor will speak on her ministry to prisoners at the next meeting of the Auxiliary on July 24 at the Frankenmuth home. There will be a bake and bakeless sale, with proceeds being matched by Aid Association for Lutherans Branch #3825, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Saginaw.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
Lela Zink was named Volunteer of the Year for the Lutheran Home Monroe. Lela has been a dedicated volunteer in Monroe for nine years. In 1999, she served our Home with a total of 1130 hours. Lela is an avid seamstress and can design and sew most anything the Home needs. Her other volunteer activities include serving food and cleaning up for special parties, helping to take residents to group activities and decorating the Home for the Christmas season.
Dottie Schroeder was named the Lutheran HOME CARE Agency Volunteer of the Year for 1999. Since 1995, Dottie has donated hundreds of hours of service to HOME CARE. There is no limit to what she will do to support the administrative and clinical aspects of agency work. Her primary jobs include preparation and assembly of admission charts, personnel files and educational materials for community education. She is known for her flexibility and her quiet, skilled dedication to even the most tedious of jobs!
Nancy Heinlein was named Volunteer of the Year for the Frankenmuth Home. She began her service 17 years ago, by doing one to one visits with the residents of the second floor. Today, she helps to pass the residents mail, and joins in resident outings, which is a great help to our Activities Department. Since 1997, Nancy has been assisting the Resident Sewing Circle, and in 1998, agreed to coordinate the Volunteer program. She has spent numerous hours organizing volunteers, job positions, and updating volunteer information.
As the Livonia Home Volunteer of the Year, Dorothy McGlohon is a Godsend to the Activities Department and to residents. She started as a volunteer in 1998, and shares her creative talents with the arts and crafts group that meets twice a week, writes letters for the residents, and assists with group exercises and sports games too. Dorothy is creative and witty, and has a terrific sense of humor. She also assists with cooking groups, in- house transportation to chapel services, taking residents to and from scheduled doctors appointments within the facility, and joining on field trips to various community events.
A heartfelt thank you from the board, staff and administration of LHM to our four Volunteers of the Year and all of the others who donate their time and talents to help make our house a home.
THE FRANKENMUTH HOME
The Frankenmuth Home has a new member in its family. Sadie, a white
lab mix, is now the resident pooch in Frankenmuth. Sadie is a gentle
and loving addition to our Home. She joins our resident cat, Fritz,
in welcoming guests and residents alike. Some new birds also were
recently added to the aviary and we are anticipating an increased
bird population soon. A number of people have asked how they can help
support our pets. We have installed a donation box next to the front
door in the lobby for contributions. We appreciate your assistance in
helping us maintain a home-like environment for these animals. They
play an important role in making our residents feel at home.
In other news:
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Please join us in congratulating our chaplain, the Rev. Joel Kaiser and his wife Pam, who are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. Grace Ann arrived early April 24, 2000 at 8:20 a.m. She weighed 7 lb. 5 oz. And is 19 inches long. Along with her parents, Grace joins her three brothers, Zachary, Riley and Andrew.
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The Frankenmuth Home honored the hard working men and women of our facility during Nursing Home Week May 15-19. We honored our employees with daily treats of doughnuts, sundae bar, pizza and a cookout. We are especially grateful to these dedicated employees who continue to serve God’s elderly children.
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Members and volounteers of our Eden Plant Committee were busy planting various flowers including petunias and impatients in the Home’s flower beds. The grounds of the facility look wonderful, thanks to them.
THE MONROE HOME
National Nursing Home Week in May proved a perfect opportunity to
honor our Monroe volunteers for their commitment and dedication. Monroe
Mayor Al Cappucilli visited the Home in honor of the event.
Mayor Cappucilli had lunch with residents and staff as Music
Director Mark Schultz, from Trinity Lutheran School, played some
"good old tunes" on the piano.
Throughout the week, residents and staff enjoyed banjo music, clowns, pets and a pie-eating contest. Our deepest appreciation goes out to our many volunteers, who offer more than 800 hours a month of service to our residents. Resident Council Chairwoman Eunice Hansen summed it up nicely when she said, "The volunteers are so wonderful, they are society’s unspoken heros."
THE LIVONIA HOME
Celebration of African American Month abounded at the Livonia Home
for an entire week as each day presented a new opportunity for
recognition of this special time.
Among the highlights were a potluck dinner with more than 50 people in attendance. Of particular interest at the dinner was the competition for the best sweet potato pie. Among the savory selections were beans, chicken fried "every way", Creole dishes and cornbread. On another occasion, employees dressed in ethnic clothing and residents enjoyed the informal fashion show. The highlight of the week was the concert of spirituals and gospel songs. By all acounts, our first African American week was a great success, and plans are already underway for the next years celebration.
Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. II Corinthians 5:17
Lutheran Homes of Michigan warmly welcomes the following members to its Board of Directors:
Oakley Lutes, representing Wayne and contiguous counties. Oakley is a member of St. Augustine Lutheran Church, Troy, where he serves in various positions. Having already served a three-year team as a director, he has served on the Operations Committee, the Christ Cares, We Share steering committee and chaired the 1999 Strategic Work Session. He is a retired executive of the K-Mart corporation and is currently self-employed. He and his wife, Karen, have two children.
Dale A. Kregel, representing Monroe and contiguous counties. Dale has been an educator for 32 years and Is a member of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Monroe. As a member of that church, he has served in a variety of capacities. He also is active in his community. He and his wife, Bonnie, have four children
Thomas A. Jaffke, representing Saginaw and contiguous counties. Thomas is s member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Richville. At his church, he has served in a variety of capacities. He also is currently a member of the Lutheran Home-Frankenmuth Ethics Committee. Thomas is a partner in a local law firm and is a former bank trust officer.
Roy A. Schmidt, representing Saginaw and contiguous counties. Roy is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bay City, where he ahs held a variety of volunteer positions. He also is actively involved in his community, and recently retired from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, where he was vice president for Advancement and Director of Development. He and his wife, Donna, have five children.
Michael J. Greve, at large throughout Michigan. Michael is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Utica, where he has served on several committees. He currently holds the position of Life Map and Financial Planner with Lutheran Brotherhood. He previously served as a high school teacher and principal in Milwaukee and Houston. He and his wife, Kay, have three children.
Althea Masterson, Ph.D., at large throughout Michigan. Althea is a member of Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit, where she has served in a number of capacities. She is principal a Stewart Elementary School in Detroit and was a teacher for 19 years before moving into a administrative role. She and her husband, J. Marvin, have three children.
ANNUAL MEETING USHERS IN A NEW YEAR
Representatives of more than 30 Lutheran congregations in Michigan were present for the 107th Annual Meeting of Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc. The meeting was May 13 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake.
Highlights of the meeting are as follows:
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The External/Community Relations Committee submitted a strategic work plan to address recognition, public relations, fundraising, friend raising and volunteer programs.
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The Planning and Business Development Committee submitted a report outline the issues of importance for strategic planning. The committee identified growth, fund development, capital and partners as their key areas of focus.
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The Board recognized five retiring members. (See related article.)
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Elected four new members to the board of directors. (See related article.)
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Offered special thanks to Marcia Stoddard, Executive Director of the Lutheran HOME CARE Agency, for her dedication and leadership. Marcia will soon leave Lutheran Homes to spend more time with her family.
1999 Highlights:
During 1999, Lutheran Homes of Michigan
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Provided more than 121,000 days of Christian care in residential homes
- Provided more than 13,000 home care visits through the Lutheran
Home Care Agency
- Offered about 61,000 hours of care in the homes of clients
through Home Care
- Services to 44 clients and their families through the Hospice of Hope
- Recorded more than 20,000 hours of volunteer time
WELCOME NEW MEMBER
We are pleased to announce the addition of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgeman, as our newest member congregation at Lutheran Homes of Michigan. Our membership is now 75 congregations and growing.
LHM PARTICIPATING IN ‘CHARITY MOTORS’ FUNDRAISING
Supporters can now donate their unwanted vehicles to Lutheran Homes
of Michigan through the Charity Motors Car Donation Program. Charity
Motors is licensed by the State of Michigan to receive and sell
donated vehicles. The organization returns 70 percent of the
vehicle’s selling price back to the designated charity.
Currently, Charity Motors distributes more than $40,000 a week to
designated organizations.
If you have an unwanted vehicle, consider donating it to Lutheran Homes of Michigan through Charity Motors. It is a great way to make a contribution to a worth cause. For more information contact Charity Motors directly at (313) 255-1000.
2000 GOLF OUTING LET’S GO GOLF!
Its time again for our annual Lutheran Homes of Michigan Golf Outing.
This years outing will be Friday, July 14 at Cracklewood Golf Club in
Macomb, Michigan. Register by July 1. Attendance is limited to 160
golfers, so dont wait. Sign up today by calling (734) 425-4818, ext. 3014
We also have hole and flag sponsorships available, and volunteer work for those of you who do not golf. Contact Claire Heise at the number above for more information.
Last year, the golf outing raised more than $12,000 for the Christ Cares, We Share fundraising campaign. Our goal is to at least match that this year.
HOME FOR THE AGED HAS OPENINGS
Each one of our Lutheran Homes also has a licensed Home for the Aged.
We currently have room available in these units.
Home for the Aged is categorized as a type of assisted living where residents function at a higher level than in our nursing unit. We offer two levels of assistance in the Home for the Aged, chapel services, meals, laundry, housekeeping, recreational activities, maintenance, transportation, 24-hour protective oversight, and medication monitoring in our clean, comfortable environment.
A major benefit for residents in our Home for the Aged is that they are readily transitioned and transferred to our nursing unit when their level of care changes. Because they are already residents in our facility, we give Home for the Aged residents priority to be admitted into our nursing units. If you would like information about our Home for the Aged services, contact any of our Lutheran Homes Admission Coordinators for further information.
Lutheran Home Monroe - 1-734-241-9533
Lutheran Home Frankenmuth - 1-517-652-9951
Lutheran Home Livonia - 1-734-425-6024
Would you like . . .
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An opportunity to live your faith in a very real way?
- Job security instead of fear of layoffs and cutbacks?
- To be part of a community-based service provider?
- Competitive wages?
- A respectful, supportive work environment?
- A chance to form relationships with co-workers and care recipients?
- Excellent benefits including health, dental, short-term
disability, employer matching retirement plan, educational
reimbursement, and more?
- Fun in your work?
Lutheran Homes of Michigan is searching for dedicated nurses to serve our older brothers and sisters in Christ in our home care/hospice agency and nursing facilities in Monroe, Frankenmuth, and Livonia.
If you or someone you care about meets this description we want to meet you!
For employment information contact or send your resume to:
Al Kaul, Human Resources Director
Lutheran Homes of Michigan
P.O. Box 329
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Ph. 517-652-3470
Fax 517-652-3480
E-mail: akaul@LHMINC.org
FORMER MONROE ADMINISTRATOR HONORED FOR HIS COMMITMENT
The Michigan Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (MAHSA) recently honored former Monroe Administrator Edward G. Kurtz for his dedication and commitment to nursing home residents.
Mr. Kurtz received the honor at the 32nd Annual MAHSA Conference, held recently in Lansing. Mr. Kurtz was administrator at the Monroe Home for 18 years, retiring on March 30, 1990. Since his retirement, he has volunteered at the Lutheran Home as a driver for shopping trips. He also supports his wife, Phyllis, in her numerous volunteer jobs at the home.
As an administrator, Mr. Kurtz was firm and courteous in any crisis, and he had a sincere interest in people. You realize that so many people have had more of a difficult time than youve ever had, he once said. To see how some of them face the problems they have, you understand that they are all wonderful people.
Since retirement, Mr. Kurtz has served on the Monroe Community Health Services Board of Directors and currently serves as secretary/treasurer. He also serves on the Monroe Ventures Board of Directors, which oversees the hospitals Macomb Pharmacy.
This quotation, by John Wesley from A Grateful Heart, summarizes Mr. Kurtzs philosophy: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, To all the people you can, As long as you can.
As life moves on from age to age
From youth to an older year
Then written on each memory page
Are names we hold as dear
Our parents as they love and guide
A sister bright and fair
A brother standing by our side
A family bond is there
The pastor in God’s house of prayer
The teacher in the school
The doctor, nurse and all who care
Each is a precious jewel
We come to know a trusted friend
We find a loving mate
Our children God to us does send
All make life truly great
At home, at work, in the neighborhood
The people who are there
They help to make life rich and good
They love, they give, they share.
And when our strength begins to fade
When arms and legs grow weak
We hunger for a special aide
A tender care we seek
We find it in the nursing home
From angels clothed in white
They are the angels of this poem
They serve through day and night
Their cheerful voices calm a fear
And soothe a troubled mind
The older ones to them are dear
Their love is firm and kind
They lift, they bathe, they feed
And of their own accord
They follow in our Savior’s lead
They do it for the Lord
With little recource of our own
We gain their priceless deeds
When others leave, we’re not alone
They meet our wants and needs
When in our fragile state of health
We view life’s western sun
We cannot give the proper wealth
But Christ will say, ‘well done.’
This poem was written by Dennis Hofts, Arvada Colorado, to honor the memory of his mother, Christina, and the many dedicated workers in nursing homes. His mother worked in a nursing home for two years prior to her death.
COMING SOON!
Mark your calender for this year’s Lutheran Homes Sunday, which is scheduled for September 24, 2000. Watch the next newsletter for more details.