Faith in Caring June 16

www.concordialm.org | June 2016

A Concordia Lutheran Ministries Publication

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135 Years of Caring

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Like Having a Nurse in the Family

This issue we return to the last years in the history of the barn and CamPraise on the Cabot campus.

Couple experiences Concordia's continuum of care first hand.

The President’s Thoughts Health Care is Changing ~ Fast!

I’m sure that everybody with a TV or newspaper knows that our healthcare system is changing rapidly, but I think you have to be in the business to understand the speed and scope of the change. Government and insurance payers of all types are cutting reimbursement rates, reducing service times and coverage limits, adding more and more patient co-pay requirements and increasing outcome standards.

In order to survive and succeed, quality healthcare providers like Concordia will simply have to get stronger, smarter and faster. There will be no crying – get to work and get better, or go out of business.

At Concordia, our Mission and business are woven together. Our Mission simply cannot fail, so our business must succeed – we will “lead the field.”

Thankfully, from the Board of Directors on down, we have many hundreds of people committed to our organization's long-term success, service excellence, quality and ministry.

God has blessed Concordia over our 135 year history. We are well positioned to adapt, succeed and grow. Frankly, the more difficult the circumstances are, the more likely our growth will accelerate.

I am thankful for our committed staff members, and I am thankful for our patients and supporters, donors and congregations. Finally, I am thankful for those of you who remember this ministry that we all call “Concordia” in your prayers.

In His Service, Keith E. Frndak President and Chief Executive Officer

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Cover

On the

A collage of photos taken during the 1990s and 2000s at summer music camp at Concordia at Cabot, where hundreds of teens and tweens rehearsed all week to present a production of a musical based on a Bible story at the annual Festival.

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Contents A Concordia Lutheran Ministries Publication

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VISION STATEMENT Serving the Triune God by providing for the needs of His people.

MISSION STATEMENT To serve our aging community with a continuum of high quality caregiving options, provided in a Christian environment, and to serve those with limited funds to the best of our ability.

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Would you like to receive Concordia news and events via e-mail? Please let us know by e-mailing Shirley Freyer at sfreyer@concordialm.org. www.concordialm.org

Like Having a Nurse in the Family Clarence and Helen Betzler realized the full potential of Concordia’s continuum of care from rehab to home health care and both are singing our praises.

Shirley Freyer Director of Public Relations 134 Marwood Road Cabot, PA 16023 724-352-1571 ext. 8266 Toll-Free: 1-888-352-1571 Beth Wichrowski Frank Skrip Emily Bitting Public Relations Staff

135 Years of Caring Second in a series of features commemorating Concordia’s 135th Anniversary, the story of CamPraise and the role of the big red barn recalls the importance of intergenerational activities on our campuses.

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In Loving Tribute

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In Loving Memory

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News and Notes

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Looking Back on Part 2 of a series

CamPraise Attendees Remember Concordia's Red Barn The buildings that house an organization also house its history – and in Concordia’s case, there’s a lot to cover. Concordia’s story has played out in many places, from the original farm-turned-orphanage in 1881 to its 14 senior care locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and Ohio today. A red barn built in 1919 at the Cabot campus no longer stands in its original spot, but while it was with Concordia it played an important role in fostering the culture of caring and faith that still thrives today.

For many years, the barn was home to Concordia’s Annual Summer Festival, a tradition as old as Concordia itself. The barn and its kitchen would be scrubbed clean every year and used to make huge

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amounts of food for all the attendees. Later, the barn was used for a younger tradition that also became part of the Festival: CamPraise.

Originally started in 1979, CamPraise was a one-week camp for children ages 9 to 15 to join together in music and fellowship and ultimately perform at the Festival and in the Oertel personal care building.

CamPraise left the barn after 2004 when it was donated to Archie Black, a local farmer whose barn had burned down in a fire (CamPraise continued for five more years at different locations). The barn was beloved by campers, counselors and staff for the time they were there – and their love continues in the happy memories they have from

that time.

The barn looked very ordinary on the outside, but those wooden walls held all of the main areas for camp: a kitchen and dining area on the lower level, a stage with theatre seating on the second and rooms for female campers on the third (male campers stayed in nearby cabins).

“The barn was the hub of all activity during CamPraise,” said Marianne Wilson, who helped with the musicals for many years. “We did everything there: slept, ate, showered, rehearsed, prayed and held Bible study.”

Many campers who went to the barn left their own marks on their temporary home.

“One memory I have of the old barn is how all of the wooden bunk beds and railings were covered with signatures of campers from years past,” said Hannah Limbaugh, who went to CamPraise as a camper and counselor for nine years. “We would always search for signatures

135 Years of Caring we recognized – perhaps from our favorite counselors back when they were campers.”

The campers, counselors and staff joined together every day in the barn to prepare for their end of the week performance – without air conditioning.

“CamPraise at the barn was the most fun week of the summer,” recalls Hannah Duttenhoeffer, a CamPraiser for five years. “Even though it was usually also the hottest week of the summer (and the barn’s rooms were generally a solid 10 degrees warmer than it was outside), a sense of camaraderie formed from all the sweating and singing at choir practice together.”

The campers learned a different Christian musical every year, and whether the musical told the story of Noah and the ark, Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree, Daniel in the lions’ den, Jonah and the whale or one

of the many other Bible stories, they put plenty of work into the practices and performances.

“The musical rehearsals started Monday morning after breakfast, and it was ready to be performed by Thursday or Friday for Concordia residents,” Marianne Wilson said. “Finally, it was performed on Sunday at the festival for family, residents and attendees. We always sang our hearts out.”

The grounds outside the barn also added to the experience.

“One of the things I remember best about the barn is how it felt to be there,” said Meghan Harris, who went to CamPraise for seven years. “It was placed in a spot where you still felt calm and safe because Concordia was so close, but the only sounds nearby were the sounds of nature and the outdoors.”

There were always plenty of outdoor activities at CamPraise:

games, dances, the CamPraise Olympics and nightly campfires, just to name a few. Occasionally, however, nature came indoors.

“One of my favorite memories of the barn was staying up super late with my cousin Jenn – far later than we should have,” said Alyssa Hanna, who attended CamPraise for 10 years. “One night, we were literally in the middle of dancing the Macarena and peeked outside of our room and a bat flew right at us! We SCREAMED and ran into our beds, because it was way past our curfew… we might have gotten in a bit of trouble for it, but that was definitely my most memorable moment at the barn.”

“It was the most hilarious thing ever,” said Alyssa’s cousin Jenn Hanna, a camper and counselor for seven years.

Bat sightings aside, many campers and counselors remember the June 2016 - 5

barn best for all of the relationships that started there.

“My favorite memory of the barn is honestly all of the people I first met there, because the best part of CamPraise was the people,” said camper and counselor Chris Varisco. “It was great to see familiar faces every year, and I still talk to some of the campers I met there to this day.”

What started as a week-long camp became much more for some CamPraisers such as Laura Veatch, who was a camper, counselor and eventually head counselor.

“I was involved with camp since I was little because my family was there,” Laura said. “To be with them was amazing, but as the years went on, everyone that was at camp with me ultimately became like family.”

Two other former campers, Elizabeth and Rev. John Trembulak III, became family after meeting at camp – literally. Both heard about

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the camp through their churches and attended for about 12 years, and they eventually married.

“CamPraise was the place where my faith grew and I met very dear friends,” Elizabeth said. “It was exciting to go to a camp that brought Lutheran kids together from all over the Pittsburgh area.”

Rev. John, who later became a pastor, had many favorite activities at camp, one of which was performing the musical.

“I enjoyed going to the home to sing for the residents,” Rev. John

is a ‘time for everything under Heaven,’” Mark said. “I am glad I was part of the time that CamPraise was permitted to use that facility at Concordia at Cabot to praise God’s name in music and change the lives of hundreds of young men and women.”

The barn played a special part in Concordia’s long history, and it will not be forgotten. What may have looked like a simple red barn was really a hub of summer activities – a place for men and women to learn about God and His creation…and

said. “That time gave me a great feeling that visiting with the residents and hearing their stories was special and important to the residents and myself. Who knew that one day visiting seniors in retirement homes would be a regular part of my life as a pastor?”

Even as the CamPraise family grew up, followed their callings and changed over the years, the mission was always the same: to grow together in Christ. Mark McCoy served as CamPraise’s director from 1985 to 2005.

“Solomon once wrote that there

dodge the occasional bat.

Marianne Wilson put it best: “The barn was not anything special – but then again it really was.”

This year, Concordia’s Summer Festival will be held on Sunday, July 31. It features a worship service of thanksgiving at 3 p.m., a mass choir, delicious picnic-themed fare and entertainment for all ages. For more information about the Summer Festival, visit the Events & News page on our website at www.concordialm.org/events-news or contact Concordia’s Public Relations office at 724-352-1571, ext. 8266.

Like Having a Nurse in the Family Concordia's Continuum of Care Helps South Hills Resident Clarence Betzler has been married to his wife Helen for 62 years. For 55 of those years, the couple has lived in Mt. Lebanon and created enough memories together to fill a book.

Unfortunately, a few of those memories included Clarence battling prostate cancer and, now, at 87 years old, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). After several re-admissions to St. Clair Hospital due to a heart attack and ministroke, he spent last November and December in rehab at Concordia of the South Hills. “If you had to be sick, it’s a good place to go,” he said.

His discharge led him to home health care through Concordia Visiting Nurses.

Helen said, “It was so reassuring to have the wonderful nurses and therapists coming to check on him and encourage him to get into an exercise routine.” Clarence has been home since January, and until March, the nurses came several times a week. A physical therapist even helped Clarence with his balance. Helen noted that in the year prior to becoming a Concordia patient, he had fallen at least nine times.

Helen and Clarence were in the same class at South Hills High School and served on the senior high picnic committee, but it wasn’t until he returned from his military service years that he met her again on the trolley and they began dating.

Following high school graduation Clarence served in the US Air Force for four years during the occupation of Japan and Korean War. After leaving the service Clarence attended the University of Pittsburgh on the GI Bill and earned a degree in electrical engineering.

He worked for Bell Telephone Company until his retirement.

After being so busy, he’s happy

Besides the quality of care Clarence and Helen received, they marveled at the safety and security they felt with Clarence’s TeleHealth monitor. “I couldn’t be taking him to a doctor or to the hospital every day,” said Helen. The monitor reported his vital signs and weight directly to his health professionals at Concordia. If they noticed anything that was a little suspicious they knew exactly what to do.

The couple was so impressed with the competence and kindness of everyone who came into their home that Helen believes every person who goes to college should be required to have a course in caregiving. “Sometime in your life you or a loved one becomes ill,” she noted. “I didn’t know how to take a blood pressure or check a coumadin level,” until the nurses taught her.

“Concordia Visiting Nurses was like having a doctor or nurse in our family,” according to Helen. “They were on hand all the time.” to know he has a steady friend in Since March, Clarence has had Concordia. no swelling in his legs and feet and “My Concordia nurses (and is faithful to his exercise routine. His therapists) wouldn’t rush in and out. wife said she knows he won’t get They took their time, did their job fully better, but the CHF is under and answered ALL my questions” control, and “I know who to call if Clarence reported. we need help!”

The occupational therapist Visiting nurses and in-home aides checked and re-checked his activican help many people stay indepenties of daily living until she was sure dent in their homes longer. For more he could shower himself without information on how Concordia can fear of falling. And she taught him help, call 1-877-352-6200 or visit how to make life with a walker a www.ConcordiaVN.org. little easier.

June 2016 - 7

CONCORDIA AT REBECCA RESIDENCE RETIREMENT LIVING

Introducing Highpointe at Rebecca

After a June 18 groundbreaking ceremony, construction will officially begin on Concordia’s newest retirement community, which we’ve named Highpointe at Rebecca, a Concordia Community. We’re on track to officially open the building in August 2017, and are extremely pleased to announce that approximately 1/4 of the apartments have already been reserved.

The 2.5-story building will be 196,000 square feet. Architect R. W. Larson and Associates has designed a state-of-the-art life plan community for seniors age 68 or over. Each of the one, two and large two bedroom apartments will range in size from 840 square feet to 1,500 square feet and feature open concept living, a balcony or patio and in-apartment laundry units.

The expanded service package will include upscale transportation, deli lunches, chef-prepared dinners, a state-of-the-art security system, free WiFi, continental breakfasts and more. Common areas include a bistro lounge/deli with outdoor seating, circular drive/walkway around the building, restaurant-style dining room, library and computer center, beauty shop, wood shop, billiards room, pub, fitness center, guest apartment, several lounge areas and multi-purpose rooms and a chapel.

One of the most incredible aspects of the location is that the community will be situated on one of the highest points in Allegheny County, making for spectacular views in every direction.

Those who choose Highpointe at Rebecca are also choosing the assurance that comes with being a part 8 - Faith in Caring

of the Concordia family. President and CEO Keith Frndak said, “Concordia embraces aging in place, and we believe this concept allows our residents to remain in their retirement living apartments two to three years longer.”

To request to be on our V.I.P. list to receive updates on the project, visit us online at www.RebeccaRetirementLiving.org or call 724-444-1521. At the website, you will also find pricing, floor plans, 3-D walkthrough video of the building, testimonials and more.

FUTURE RESIDENTS Betty Germer, Glenshaw (and member of Bethel Lutheran Church) “I think of this place as going halfway to heaven.

I am just so thrilled with the location, the accommodations, the beauty of the surroundings and all the amenities. It’s so close to my current home and will be convenient for friends and family to come and visit.”

Dr. Jim and Donna Thompson, Hampton “We chose to come to Concordia out of faith, and because we know people at Concordia’s retirement community in Cabot. We are active Presbyterians, but like the faith-based aspect (of Highpointe at Rebecca), with the chapel at the center of the complex. We just have a good feeling about this place.”

Concordia Announces Leadership Changes Lisa Brooks, former Administrator at Concordia of Cranberry, has accepted the position as Assistant Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) of Harmony Rehabilitation Services at our Monroeville campus. She is currently pursuing her NHA license. Lisa began her career at Concordia at Cabot in 2006 as an admissions clerk. She has graduated with a BS in Human Service Management and earned her MS in Healthcare Administration from Ohio University.

Laura Thompson moved from Personal Care Administrator at Concordia at Rebecca Residence to the same position at Concordia of Monroeville. She marked a decade of service at Concordia, having graduated from Lenape School of Nursing and starting her career as a floor nurse at the Cabot campus until she was named interim director at The Orchard.

Amy Bailie, who has worked at the Cabot headquarters since 2004, was recently appointed Corporate Director of Admissions. A graduate of Slip-

pery Rock University with a BS/BA in Marketing, she provides quarterly training to admissions staff and manages daily census at all locations. In addition, she markets all service lines to the hospitals Concordia serves.

New Director of Marketing for Retirement Living at Concordia of the South Hills, Christie Wahlen graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2007 with a BA in Communications. She began as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Administrator at South Hills nearly two years ago.

Eric Peat stepped into the position of Administrator at Concordia of Cranberry, having been the Resident Care Coordinator at Concordia of Franklin Park.

A graduate of Shippensburg University with a BA in Geography and Land Use, he entered the field of nursing in 2008 as an LPN at the Cabot campus. Eric graduated from Lenape School of Nursing.

Shelly Bastin, RN, recently accepted the promotion of Transitional Nurse Liaison Supervisor with Concordia Visiting Nurses.

Shelly has been with CVN in the

role of Transitional Nurse Liaison for the past three years and has a long history with Concordia, starting in 1978 as a Nurse Aide.

Shelly brings a wealth of experience to this leadership role with 35 years experience as a Registered Nurse in various environments.

Laura McGraw, RN, recently moved into the Central Support Supervisor role with Concordia Visiting Nurses which includes the Scheduling, Intake, and Telehealth departments. Laura has been part of the Concordia family for ten years.

Laura most recently split duties as our campus field RN and assisted in our Intake department.

Misty Ingram, RN/BSN, was named Compliance and Ethics Manager for Concordia’s Home and Community Based companies. She began her career with Concordia Lutheran Ministries in 2003 and later transferred to Concordia Visiting Nurses as a Registered Nurse in 2007. Most recently, Misty was a Clinical Supervisor for CVN’s Cabot office.

June 2016 - 9

Legacy Giving Submitted by Scott Koskoski, CFRE, Chief Development Officer “Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.” Psalms 39:6 In the world of development, we talk a lot about the concept of stewardship. The word “stewardship” has a literal definition of management of someone else's property. For us Christians, the scripture proclaims that everything belongs to God, and consequently, we manage the property of our Lord. Since everything belongs to Christ, we should adopt and embrace an attitude that our things are His things, and that all we have now, all we’ve lost, and all we will ever have in the future is His. Think of our role as “renters” of the property, money, and even talents and time God gives us on earth.

I am fond of saying that we humans generally view time and money as our two greatest resources. It’s funny how God deals the hand, though! Each of us is blessed

by God with an equal amount of one resource (time) and an unequal amount of the other resource (money).

The truth is that all that we “have” is not really ours to begin with. The time, the money and our other resources belong to God. Our Christian duty is to learn how to become responsible stewards of our Lord's resources entrusted to our care. It means to manage everything to the best of our abilities for His glory … including our legacy.

In that light, then, what is the greatest act of stewardship we could ever commit? The answer is entrusting your life to Jesus Christ. Achieving this goal through legacy giving is one very important way we can accomplish this stewardship. This includes how we care for our family, our church and other ministry causes, such as Concordia.

No one wants to think about what may happen if they become unable to handle their own affairs, either for a short time or for a longer period. The reality of

this life, though, dictates that things like illness, incapacitation and infirmity are not only unpredictable, but likely. None of us quite know the Kingdom that our heavenly Creator has prepared for us or when we will be called into Glory with Him. Acknowledging our earthly mortality is even more difficult, and many of us avoid addressing the issue altogether, or at least do so superficially. Warren Burger, former chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, left only a 100-word will bequeathing his entire estate to his two children. He did not grant any power to his executors, and he failed to consider estate taxes – mistakes that probably left his children with only a vague, foggy idea as to how to carry out Dad’s wishes and likely cost them a fortune in unnecessary taxes.

Mr. Burger’s example is hardly unique. I bet you can think of a friend, neighbor or loved one right now who has struggled to sort out the financial, legal or personal records of someone who became sick and died (whether expectedly or not). It’s not uncommon for the handling of an estate to lead to family disagreements and outcomes that were never the desire of the deceased ... sound familiar?

I have presented charitable and estate giving seminars at each of Concordia’s retirement living facilities, and I am pleased at the high number of hands that shoot into the air when I ask “Who here has an estate plan?” Concordia notwithstanding, polls show that many Americans, including those with substantial wealth, have not made any plans. A surprisingly large number of people do not even have a simple will. The number one reason? Procrastination: “I mean to, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

My response when speaking with Christians is, “Why not? Remember that God hasn’t procrastinated.

He’s ‘gotten around’ to creating and preparing our Heavenly home for when He calls us. He will give you time to create a Christian legacy to honor Him, if only you’ll take the time!”

“Think of our role as “renters” of the property, money, and even talents and time God gives us on earth.”

continued on page 12 10 - Faith in Caring

The Concordia Mailbag Our mother, Evelyn B., had resided at the Lund Care Center for seven years before she passed away at the age of 100. During her time there she received outstanding care provided by wonderful and dedicated Christian caregivers who treated her like family.

We cannot say enough good things about the medical staff, her nurses, the aides, unit clerks, physical and speech therapists and others who cared for Mother throughout her time there. They were always considerate, keeping us informed of her ever-changing conditions and always willing to spend time answering all of our questions.

When she first arrived at Concordia she was able to participate in the many wonderful activities provided for the residents. She especially enjoyed the Wednesday afternoon church services where she loved to sing the old hymns. She also participated in bingo, bowling and especially enjoyed the musical programs and various outdoor celebrations.

In warmer months we would take her outside in her wheelchair into the garden areas and fish ponds.

She loved looking at the colorful flowers which reminded her of the flower gardens which she lovingly tended at her home. She loved sitting in the gazebo and singing, riding in the swing glider with us and being wheeled around the large pond in the warm breezes, always making sure that her straw hat didn't fly off.

We have such fond memories of Mother living at Concordia. We know she received the best possible care in the last seven years of her life. We will forever be thankful to all of those at Concordia who touched our mother's life with such loving kindness.

- Family member

Keep doing what you're doing. The staff are very happy here and go out of their way to make the experience the best it can be. The doctors, nurses, nurse aides, therapists, housekeepers and maintenance staff are all happy to work here. It makes for a very happy place for getting healthy.

- Former patient

Dear Concordia, my mother was at Concordia for five years going into the sixth year. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that my mother was accepted at Concordia. Not only did the staff care for my mother, they also took care of me. They loved my mother's smile. My mother came to Concordia following a stroke in 2009. They had a 50th Birthday party for me and placed a card in my mother's hand and party hat on her - just one small example. I visited my mother every day the past five years, I only missed a day when I had a surgery. Charlene, Natalie and Wendy always treated my concerns promptly and were always kind.

I am truly blessed my mother was at Concordia. Staff nurses and nursing assistants went out of their way for us. We had many laugh-filled days. My mother had a wonderful sense of humor. Thanks to social workers Dave, Susan and Barb (all have assisted me with kindness). I always speak highly of Concordia and being in the nursing field; it comes up often. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

- Family member June 2016 - 11

continued from page 10 At Concordia Lutheran Ministries, one of the missions of our Foundation office (besides raising money, of course) is to help those we serve create strong Christian gift plans. We want to see you honor your family and your home congregation, and we pray that you feel called to honor Concordia through your estate giving. In fact, something simple you might consider is to tithe (devote 10% of) your estate each to your home church and Concordia. This can take the form of cash, appreciated securities, land, property, a charitable gift annuity, a retirement plan or life insurance policy, and just about everything in between. And even if

Concordia isn’t within your current estate plans, we feel a responsibility to help you ensure your Christian gift plan is prepared and reflects your legacy.

We each have a wonderful opportunity to be wise stewards, both in life and in returning home to Jesus.

Consider how your legacy and estate plan can reflect your love for God and Concordia. Please reach our office (724) 352-1571, ext. 8291 if we may be of service to you.

We encourage you to give what’s right, not what’s left.

2016 CLM Golf Classic Treesdale Golf & Country Club • Monday, July 11, 2016

At Concordia Lutheran Ministries, we truly do put our Faith in Caring. For 135 years, Concordia has faithfully served and trusted God so that it may best serve others. We have grown from a single farmstead to care for the area’s orphaned and aged into a burgeoning senior care and health organization privileged to serve more than 22,000 residents, patients and families across 16 facilities, 13 campuses, and two states. Thanks to our home and community-based services, we also take care of patients in place, and after finalizing partnerships with several hospital systems in 2014, our Concordia Visiting Nurses network nearly spans the entire region.

This kind of remarkable growth requires celebrating! It also requires private fundraising, particularly for our Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, benevolent care fund at Concordia at Cabot which ensures our quality, faith-based care won’t stop even after a patient’s ability to pay does.

As part of our mission, we are honored and privileged to serve nearly 300 people at an average of $2,200/ month in fiscal year 2016 totaling $6.3 million in charitable care.

The 13th Annual CLM Golf Classic is a great way for Concordia’s families, friends, neighbors and business partners to celebrate and grow our mission while having fun in the process. This event celebrates the best of you and the best of Concordia.

8:30 a.m. - Registration, Breakfast, Gifts & Skill Contests 10:30 a.m. - Shot Gun Start (Scramble) 3:30 p.m. - Reception 4:15 p.m. - Banquet & Program Call the CLM Foundation Office at 724-352-1571 ext. 8291 for more information on sponsorship levels or to register today. You can also visit Give.ConcordiaLM.org to register.

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In Loving Tribute

Gifts from January 1, 2016 through February 29, 2016

Gratitude is our expression of thanks to the Lord for all His blessings. Our donors show their gratitude to God for His abundant blessings through their tribute to those they love. These gifts of gratitude touch so many lives and help us to fulfill our mission to serve God by providing for the needs of His people. Thank you for thinking of Concordia and all those who we serve.

IN MEMORY OF Raffelina Aiello Carole Montemurro Nicola Albanese Gail Eisenberg Allison Kabazie Daniel and Brenda McNeill John B. Alker Phyllis Alker Don R. Altman Potomac Air Lodge 1976 Elizabeth Bailey Jane Baierl Dorothy Barcikowski Karen Barr Robert Basehore Marie Basehore James Batykefer Judy Begenwald Joyce Kay John Beatty Jo-Linda Grillo Shirley Lauer Alberta Osborne Ruth Besong James and Betty Reynolds Robert and Janet Shafer Edith Bocchi James and Karen Eurich Anonymous Jeanne Bonidy Hal English & staff Dr. Charles Frye Dr. Joseph Quartuccio & staff William Humphries Rose Kristoff Lisa Lang Robert F. Leach and Dawn G. Marinzel Sam Saderosa Walter and Christine Scott Raymond and Michele Sinagra Vincenza and Louis Soller William Soo-Hoo John and Jolene Steinmetz James Wallisch & staff Charles D. Boyer Steve and Amy Meanor Joseph G. Boylan Ellen Morton William and Mary Catherine Peters W. Frank Brandon Peter and Kathy Rogerson Donna Jean Brandt Barbara Fernandez Heather Gordon and Bryan Long Jim and Jo Ann Lawson Marcella J. Brechel Sharon Brechel Val Brenzie Debra Corridoni The Chronowski’s Lori Gribschaw Raymond and Cindy Hoey

Daniel and Janet Hufton Margaret Kopke The Krohe’s The Maxwell’s Rose Brozewicz Janet Baker Don and Ruth Salera RoseAnn Sublinsky James Buck Elaine Baki Barry Borza Joseph and Cindy DeAngelis Marcus Fuller John and Dixie Garner Robert Hales Jessie Harden Nina Herwig Rodger and Elizabeth Iben Intermedix Corporation Sharon Ann Jones Bryan Kaplan Jean Lloyd Norma McBride Michael and Margaret Morley Edwin and Ann Niemann Dorothy Patton Melanie Piddington Robin Scheffler Marjorie Spigler Stephen Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Patricia Stewart Diane Trushel Carol Yakish Bertha Yount John Cattley Anna Cattley Edith Harper Terrance Palitti Ronald Champe Donna Champe Garrett Chulack Gary Chulack Wes Cowan Earl Cowan Ella Crea Brian and Lynn Raithel Albert Croskey Anonymous Franklin M. Deemer Sara Deemer Kim Ekas Daniel and Karen Brose Lucy Fabry Carole Zagst Janice Farah Loretta Zerby Richard J. Farah Loretta Zerby Irma Fedrizzi Jeffrey and Rayna Cooper Douglas Dariano Galasso family Valetti family Claire Marvin Fennell

Dottie Jo Vogt Jean Christie Fennell Leighton Fennell Albert "Sonny" Geibel Raymond and Mandi Edwards Ronald M. Giallonardo Henry Posner Robert and Jo Ann Stiffler Stephen Gilbert Armstrong Robin Hasychak Gary and Karenlynn Rauschenberger Jay and Linda Sedwick Margaret Wick Beverly A. Gomersall Patricia Grim Leonard Gorsha John Smittle Joseph Gulotta Andrea DePaoli Charles Handlovic Alpine Pools, Inc. Doris M. Heller Barbara Frey Katherine E. Herlinger David Herlinger Richard Herman Carl and Donna Lou Hainley Frances Hewitt Samuel and Constance Oesterling Dean and Melva Hinchfield Terry McDonald Julia I. Huston Clara Harbison Joan Jacobs Gloria Mae Jacobs Loretta Kelley Dorothy Kelley Ruth Ann Kern Shannon Atkinson-Ganoe Viola Ketterer Phil and Shirley Bishop William and Dorothy Hinchliffe Joseph Kidda Dan and Marcia Evans Michael Baker Corp.

Gerald Kline, Sr. Innovation Exhibits, Inc. Ann Klukaszewski Harriet Hunter Eleanor Knis Jennifer Mihalik Thomas Knoch The family of Thomas Knoch Sylvia Windisch Gretchen E. Kudrna Calvin and Margaret Bennett Lee Carey Ada Davis Charlie and Joan DiPietro Judith Ehrenwerth Fred, Sharon, Michele and Heather Fittante Joan Gibson

The Cascade Group Inc Elaine Verrenti Scott and Kevin Wiley Joseph and Anna Lauer John and Joanna Skrzypek Francis Laux Stacie Schuler Richard J. Lewis John and Debra Bertoline Florence Crompton Angeline Pisera Martha Liller Roger Staving Pauline Lingenfelter Christopher and Michele DeCarlo Cecil A. Long Arlene Long David Lunifeld Joan Lunifeld Antoinette Malone Anonymous Lois Colley Jean M Grabow Albert Malone John and Lee Scott Martha Marshall Nancy Steve Forrest N. McCombs Melda McCombs Kay McLafferty American Legion Aux. 117 EV Products, Inc Robert McLafferty Betty P. Michener Dan and Leslie Geir Evelyn Miller Terry McDonald Dorothy B. Mitchell Chuck and Barbara Murray Roberta Morgan Wilbur Morgan William E. Nield Joseph and Jeanne LaPorte Linda Polaski Elliott Tipton Terry Weisenstein Marjorie O. Oesterling Samuel and Constance Oesterling Donna J. Orndoff Robert Devlin Mary Hill Raymond Orndoff Geraldine Zimak Our parents Anonymous Kathleen F. Reuter Carol Gilkey Chloe Rickel Rev. Mont Bowser Margaret E. Say Samuel and Constance Oesterling Martha Schoenthal Barry and Barbara Schoenthal Mary Alice Schoenthal

June 2016 - 13

In Loving Memory Glenna Adams 4/3/16 Terry L. Alberts 4/18/16 Cara Allman 3/18/16 John “Jack” Amend 1/27/16 Mary Andrews 3/8/16 Helen Andrejco 2/9/16 Rose Marie Aszkiniewicz 2/20/16 Ronald A. “Augie” Augustine 3/23/16 Samuel Bailich Jr. 3/12/16 Joan Barber 4/20/16 Angeline Bartek 4/16/16 Nancy Barnes 3/15/16 John Bartos 1/31/16 William Bauers 2/28/16 Beverly Beardmore 2/26/16 John W. Beatty Jr. 2/15/16 Jean Beglin 3/15/16 Melvin “Bootsie” Bell 1/31/16 James Bender 2/9/16 Charles “Chuck” Bevington II 1/27/16 Clair Biddle 3/22/16 Julia Black 3/20/16 Connie Blakemore 3/19/16 Carl Bloom 3/17/16 Arnold Blystone 3/3/16 Marilynn Bodensheim 4/20/16 Ann Boehm 3/19/16 Harry Bollinger 3/14/16 Robert Boncella 2/24/16 Charles Bono 2/28/16 Harry Bouch 3/25/16 Emmy Lou Bowser 3/21/16 Robert Bowser 2/18/16 Shirley Briller 4/4/16 Robert Britton 4/5/16 Valarie Brenzie 1/31/16 Joseph Brunner 3/19/16 John Brusick 2/7/16 Walter Budacki 2/7/16 Shirley F. Buell 4/13/16 Audrey L. Burchardt 4/15/16 Susan Butz 2/8/16 Ronald Byers 3/8/16 Lorraine Calabrese 3/21/16 Frank Carcaise 4/4/16 Michael Carrozza 3/13/16 Dolores Cerveny 2/10/16 Roy Chamberlain 2/23/16 Patricia C. Channels 4/14/16 William Christie 3/17/16 Elsie Ciaccia 3/17/16 Dorina Ciciarelli 3/5/16 Sylvia T. Clarke 4/6/16 Betty Clogan 3/19/16 Shirley Cochran 2/7/16

14 - Faith in Caring

Richard J. Cook 4/9/16 Janice Corbin 1/26/16 Sara L. Cotellese 4/10/16 Irene Cotter 2/10/16 Delores Cox 2/7/16 Dorothy Cox 2/23/16 William A. Cox 4/18/16 Arthur L. Crawford Sr. 4/11/16 Dennis Crawford 3/29/16 Dorothy Crocker 2/25/16 Shirley Dahlstrom 3/13/16 Darla Davis 2/3/16 Karen DeCampli 4/8/16 Andrew Dekker 3/6/16 Rocco DeMaiolo 3/3/16 Arlene DiCenzo 3/22/16 Liberata “Lily” DiDomenico 4/11/16 Harry Diesel 2/6/16 Shirley Diley 3/3/16 Ernest Doettlinger 3/20/16 Patricia A. Dombrowski 4/13/16 George Dopirak 2/13/16 Patricia B. Dubac 4/1/16 Anthony Duryea 2/20/16 Deborah Durbin 3/14/16 George Edling 3/6/16 Arthur Edmiston 3/12/16 Elizabeth Ehlinger 3/1/16 Robert Ernst Jr. 2/3/16 Tommy Lynn Eskridge 3/15/16 Kimberly Evans 3/5/16 Millard Evans 4/2/16 Veronica Faldowski 3/23/16 Clarice Falleroni 4/7/16 Mike N. Farah 4/5/16 Roy Ott Faulkner 3/14/16 Lucille Felton 1/29/16 Edith Ferretti 4/5/16 Theodore C. Field 4/17/16 John Patrick Finke 2/7/16 Edward Fischer 2/17/16 Leonard Fish 4/1/16 Ruth Frauen 2/13/16 William Freed 2/8/16 Patricia J. Frenz 4/15/16 Margaret Gallagher 2/2/16 Merideth Gehm 3/9/16 Mary George 3/9/16 Harry Gibson Jr. 2/19/16 Agnes Giel 3/29/16 Albert F. “Jocko” Giralico Sr. 4/12/16 Nello Giustini 2/29/16 Bernice Goddy 4/3/16 Beverly Gomersall 1/28/16 Georgia Gorrell 2/15/16

Concordia Lutheran Ministries wishes to extend its deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones. Thank you for trusting Concordia with their care. We feel privileged to have had them as residents. May God provide you with His special blessings of comfort and peace.

Timothy Gourley 4/4/16 James Gralish 4/15/16 Edward Grum 3/31/16 Rose Mary Grzybek 2/6/16 Tony Guerrera 1/26/16 Louise Habetler 1/31/16 Anna Mae Haglan 2/11/16 Charles J. Hardt 4/15/16 Barry C. Harris 4/16/16 Joyce Hart 3/5/16 Anna Hartle 3/2/16 Carol Hartzell 1/31/16 Bertha “Birdie” Hawrylak 2/24/16 Carol Heck 3/30/16 Stephanie Heckel 3/7/16 Brenda Held 2/20/16 Robert Hemley 2/22/16 Mary Herald 3/18/16 Margaret Hermann 3/14/16 Harriet Herskowitz 4/1/16 George Hodak Jr. 3/12/16 Ruth Honsperger 2/25/16 Marjorie Huffmyer 1/29/16 Wanda Huppenthal 2/27/16 Leo Iorio 3/11/16 Irene Jacks 4/20/16 Ida G. Jaencko 4/18/16 Walter Janczewski 4/12/16 James Jene 2/14/16 Carol S. Jodikinos 4/7/16 Earlene Jones 1/29/16 Madeline Jordan 3/9/16 Nancy Joswick 2/21/16 Joseph Jurges 1/31/16 Millie Kadilak 1/28/16 Gregory Kalidonis 2/24/16 Kurt Kann 3/23/16 Vincent Kaplack 3/8/16 Elizabeth Kapphan 3/19/16 Lois L. Kasperski 4/12/16 Ermania “Ermie” Kelly 3/28/16 Dr. Robert W. Kelly Sr. 3/11/16 Frank Kendralla 2/18/16 Lance Klein 2/25/16 Raenelle Klein 2/6/16 Anne Klukaszewski 2/9/16 Eleanor Knis 2/4/16 Mabel Koah 3/28/16 John Kopelic 2/11/16 Theodore Kordecki 1/29/16 Kevin Kovach 2/9/16 Paul Kramer 3/1/16 Mary Krivda 3/29/16 Russel Kromer 3/20/16 Gretchen Kudrna 2/2/16 John Edward Kuklinski 3/26/16 Joanne Kurvach 2/6/16

“My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

James Lagoon 1/31/16 Nofrey Lalama Jr. 3/10/16 William Lamb 4/15/16 Virginia Langford 3/26/16 Mary Jane Lani 4/2/16 Joan Lanz 2/10/16 Janice Lassinger 2/27/16 Robert Lawrence 3/5/16 Daniel Leda 2/17/16 Lillian Leddon 3/5/16 Sylvia Legge 2/8/16 Gary Lesh 3/29/16 August Letzelter Jr. 3/6/16 Florence Lever 2/19/16 Irene Lewis 4/4/16 Jennie Lewis 3/14/16 Richard Lewis 1/31/16 Anna Lionelli 3/4/16 Robert “BK” Littell 2/29/16 Carl Lloyd 3/29/16 Betty Logan 2/28/16 Lucy Longo 3/31/16 John Ludwig 2/19/16 Andrea Lynch 2/7/16 Daniel Mangine 3/26/16 Stanley Maniecki 1/30/16 Elizabeth Marchak 3/6/16 Mimmina A. “Mimi” Marta 2/22/16 Charles Martin 2/1/16 George Martin 1/27/16 Frank Marzano 3/21/16 Gilsa Massari 3/24/16 Richard Massironi 2/22/16 Joan Matarazzo 4/19/16 Alice Mattace 2/7/16 Loretta McClain 2/11/16 Marjorie McCool 2/17/16 Margie McCoy 2/11/16 James McCreary 2/9/16 Edward Regis McGrath 4/12/16 Sally McHenry 3/5/16 Audrey McLaughlin 4/5/16 Richard McMahon 3/27/16 James McNear Jr. 4/1/16 Patricia Merenick 2/26/16 Albert Messmer 2/22/16 Kathleen “Kathy”Metropoulos 3/20/16 Robert R. “Boots” Meyer 3/31/16 Esther Michael 2/28/16 Helen K. Michaels 4/13/16 Frances J. “Jane” Mihelich 3/3/16 Mark Miller 3/6/16 Thomas Miller 3/16/16 Eleanor Milligan 2/17/16

Mary Mincin 3/15/16 Carey Mitchell 1/29/16 Jean Mohney 4/1/16 Emma Montgomery 2/6/16 Paul Montgomery 1/26/16 Julia Moses 2/7/16 Rudolph Mosketti Sr. 2/27/16 Mary Mudron 3/15/16 Michael Musick 1/29/16 Lewis Naylor 1/26/16 Frances Elizabeth Neish 4/4/16 Francis K. Neely 4/5/16 Ford Newsome 2/4/16 Darius M. V. Nickerson 3/14/16 Edward S. “Sam” Nyga 3/24/16 Virginia O’Brien 4/1/16 Margaret E. Oesterling 4/16/16 Shirley Okunewick 3/19/16 Janice O’Masta 2/26/16 Anna Omogrosso 3/8/16 Ruth Ozimek 3/15/16 Sallie Packer 1/26/16 John E. “Buddy” Palinski 4/10/16 Samuel Leo Palumbo 4/11/16 Thomas Pander 2/14/16 Martha Paraska 2/21/16 Eileen Paul 2/4/16 James Pawlish 2/19/16 Josephine Perich 3/1/16 Louis “Lou” Perna Sr. 2/16/16 Donald “Dike” Perry 3/30/16 Josephine Perich 3/1/16 Clarence Phillips 2/27/16 Stanley “Chet” Piekut 4/2/16 Dorothy Pityk 4/19/16 Rudolph Plch 3/7/16 Emily Marie Porneluzi 4/16/16 Dominic Porpora 2/11/16 Myron Porter 3/16/16 Laura Poskus 3/12/16 Kenneth O. “KP” Precise

2/18/16 Margaret A. Pritchard 4/9/16 Margaret Pursh 4/4/16 Theresa J. “Terry” Putz 4/15/16 Richard Puzio 3/26/16 Marjorie Pusateri 3/1/16 Mamie Pyle 3/1/16 Paul Quinn 3/6/16 Richard Rager 3/21/16 Marie Rebholz 4/2/16 Patricia Rehner 4/5/16 Paul L. Reiber Jr. 4/7/16 Rita Reiland 2/22/16 Charles S. Reljac 2/11/16 Jeanne Rheam 2/18/16 Raymond Rieseck 2/17/16 Harold Riemer 3/4/16 Lois Riggle 3/6/16 Johnnie Roberts 2/28/16 Barbara A. Rohm 4/18/16 William Roser 2/23/16 Richard C. “Punxy” Ross 4/6/16 Miguel Roura 3/1/16 Paul Rowse 3/14/16 Carmen Romeo 2/5/16 Andrew Ross 1/31/16 Frank J. Rzewnicki 4/12/16 Walter Sadauskas 2/12/16 Maribel Santiago 4/10/16 Mary Sassic 3/17/16 Shirley Scherling 3/31/16 George Schlotter Jr. 2/11/16 Alexander Schmittle 2/25/16 Freda Schneider 2/1/16 Fred Schrecengost 3/2/16 Josephine Schroth 3/5/16 John Schulties 3/3/16 Marylou Schwartz 3/8/16 Mary Scott 3/20/16 Keith Sempkowski 2/22/16 Mildred Shaeffer 2/6/16 Daniel Shaffer 3/19/16 Allen Eugene “Al” Sheakley 2/19/16

In Loving Tribute Barry and Barbara Schoenthal Mary Shevlin Michael and Martina Finnegan Larry K. Smith Betty Smith Charles E. Steinmetz Sophie Russell Deborah Sechrist Patricia Stevens Friends at BDD Kenneth Stiefel James and Mercedes Belich Stephen and Donna Belich Stanley and Joyce Sheetz Hilda Sundermann Henry Sundermann Larry Talmadge John and Catherine Mazurek

Michael Shelestak 3/30/16 Claire Shephard 4/8/16 Claire Louise Shephard 4/8/16 Tillie Shields 3/20/16 Mark Shimrak 1/29/16 Lois Shindledecker 2/2/16 Wendi Shumaker 2/5/16 Harold Simpson 4/10/16 Elaine Skeba 1/29/16 Carol L. Fredericks Skrlac 4/18/16 Samuel Skufca 2/24/16 Helen Slaninka 3/22/16 Carl Smith 3/22/16 Dolores Smith 3/31/16 Harold E. “Bud” Smith 4/13/16 William Smith 2/29/16 Marie Smolensky 4/1/16 Rebecca Soulia 4/15/16 Mildred Spirko 2/10/16 Andrew Staursky 3/11/16 Ann Stover 2/7/16 Doris Straessley 3/9/16 Pauline Stump 2/4/16 Helen Subic 3/9/16 Edmund Sungala 3/29/16 Leon Sykes 2/17/16 William Tate 3/27/16 Timothy Temple 2/8/16 Terry Lee Tharp 3/24/16 Karl Thurber 2/3/16 David Tilton 2/11/16 Michael Tolliver 3/1/16 Florence Tommarello 2/15/16 Alfred R. “Dick” Torreyson 4/12/16 Lois Trevarrow 2/22/16 Lois Trimber 3/12/16 Rudolph “Rudy” Trombetta 3/11/16 Thelma Turansky 2/17/16 Betty Turley 3/26/16 Mabel Tyma 2/11/16 Mary Uhernik 2/15/16 John R. Uhrine 4/14/16

Ann Ulrich 3/6/16 Dorothy Valasek 4/13/16 Robert Vandyke 4/1/16 Jane Vaughn 3/3/16 Robert Veon 2/15/16 Dorothy Vernak 2/28/16 Sharon Vesnesky 2/27/16 George Villani 1/31/16 Beatrice Ann Viola 2/18/16 Emil Voelz Jr. 3/4/16 Walter Vogel Jr. 2/7/16 Helen Vrtacnik 2/6/16 Raymond Vukson 3/28/16 Dave Walborn 2/15/16 Elizabeth Wallace 2/22/16 Wade Wallace 4/1/16 Audrey Wallach 4/18/16 James Ward 2/8/16 Walter Ward 3/3/16 Ann Jennett Warne 4/16/16 James Werth 1/27/16 Marie Weser 3/12/16 Mercedes Wess 3/5/16 Dorothy Jean Wheeler 2/13/16 Elizabeth Wiegand 1/31/16 Willavene Wiley 3/6/16 Stephen Wilkowski 3/13/16 James Willgruber 3/29/16 John Williams 3/20/16 Helen Elizabeth Winters 2/10/16 Gladys Wolfe 3/6/16 Bertha Wright 2/20/16 Ruth Wright 3/23/16 Esther Wrisley 3/31/16 John Edward Yenick 4/2/16 Karen Yoko 2/3/16 Greta Yorke 2/19/16 Alvina Ziccardi 2/11/16 Jean Zimmermann 3/5/16 Catherine “Kay” Zychowski 2/12/16

Sandra Purucker Helen Vrtacnik John Abriola Virginia Mangialardi David Walborn Linda Corbin Grant R. Walborn Ruth Walborn Linda Corbin Patricia Walleck Anonymous Ervin R. Werner Jeffrey Johnson and Diane M. Falsetti Helen Zetz Dorothy Burzenski

IN HONOR OF Allen J. Knappenberger Judith Eshelman Maria Koester Mary Ellen Muth Isabelle Schrecker John and Sharon Connolly Eleanor Schwalm Mike and Diane Freeman

cont'd

Barbara Saylor Harbison Grace Thomas David Thomas Alan Thompson South Buffalo Township Recreation Association Jane Elizabeth Thompson Cliff and Judy Jones William Thomson ATI Flat Rolled Products William Tingler Jeff Allison Ralph McCurdy Susan Pigott Mary Uhernik Alan and Suzanne Carson Walter M. Vogel Anonymous

Great care has been taken to include all tributes throughout this period of benevolence. Please contact Scott Koskoski, Chief Development Officer, at 724-352-1571, ext. 8291 if your name has been inadvertently omitted from this list.

June 2016 - 15

NEWS / NOTES June 2016

Car Talk: Inside a Vehicle Donation Program Concordia Lutheran Ministries Foundation launched a Vehicle Donation Program through Cars Helping Charities. When a resident, patient, family or community member donates a vehicle to Concordia, they can rest assured knowing that Concordia will receive, on average, the highest cash value possible. In 2010, nearly 1.3 million Americans listed a vehicle donation on their itemized income tax deductions. A car doesn’t need to be a classic in mint condition. Anybody can easily provide an unwanted, unneeded or unrepaired car to Concordia, receive tax and donation credit as Concordia liquidates the vehicle AND know that these valuable funds are being used to advance Concordia’s mission of providing high-quality, faith-based care across our network. Of course, like any other gift, you can designate your support to a specific fund – such as our Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, which provides charitable care to residents who have outlived their resources. To learn more, check out our online vehicle donation page by visiting Give.ConcordiaLM. org or call the Foundation office at 724-352-1571, ext.

8291. You can also e-mail us at giving@concordialm. org.

Concordia Haven Hosts Open House, Ice Cream Social and Concert Concordia Haven Apartments will be open for public viewing and an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 10 from 1 – 4 p.m. with Concordia staff on hand to educate community members on retirement living. Guests will be able to ask questions and tour Concordia’s retirement living community and model apartments at Entrance 2A, 112 Marwood Road, Cabot. Representatives from Northwood Realty will be available for advice as it relates to the sale of your home and moving expenses.

Following the Open House and Ice Cream Social event, Haven residents will host a patio concert featuring River City Brass. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. behind Haven II, Entrance 5, 148 Marwood Road.

The public is invited. Registration is preferred, but not required. Contact Admissions Counselor

16 - Faith in Caring

Peggy Trettel at 724-352-5378 or register online at www.concordialm.org/events-news/havenjuly2016openhouse. For more information on retirement living at Concordia visit www.concordiahaven.org.

Lutheran Hour Speaker Featured at Summer Festival Concordia’s 135th Anniversary Summer Festival will be held on Sunday, July 31 from noon – 6:00 p.m. in the Lund Care Center back yard on the Cabot campus.

The 3 p.m. worship service will be led by The Rev. Kenneth R. Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® radio program heard in Pittsburgh on WJASAM 1320 Sunday morning at 7 a.m. Klaus served as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour from 2002 until his retirement from the position at the end of 2010. Pastor Klaus has 28 years experience as a parish pastor. A prolific writer, he has published many works, including volumes one and two of “Stories from The Lutheran Hour - A Changeless Christ in a Changing World” and two prayer books (one for use by people in the military and a companion book to be used by loved ones at home). Pastor Klaus holds a Master of Theology degree from Concordia Seminary in Springfield, IL, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-seminary studies from Concordia College in Fort Wayne, IN. He also was awarded an honorary title, Doctor of Divinity, by Concordia University Wisconsin in December 2005.

“We are blessed to host one of the most well-known voices of the LCMS,” said Keith E Frndak, President & CEO. “His story-telling provides a special brand of evangelism.”

Kids 12 and under are entitled to $3 worth of items in the quick tent and can enter a fishing derby. Other crafts and games will keep them busy in the gazebo.

Our chef has created a menu featuring popular summer picnic entrees – rotisserie style chicken leg quarter or breast, barbecue pulled pork sandwich, smoked brisket, hamburger or hot dog at $7 including two sides, dessert and a beverage. The Quick Tent items – burger, hot dog, chicken tenders and grilled chicken breast sandwich are $2. The event is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, call Public Relations at 724-352-1571, ext. 8266 or visit www.concordialm.org.

2016 EVENTS 2016 CLM Golf Classic

Annual Memorial Services Held On April 10 and 17, Concordia’s Good Samaritan Hospice (GSH) sponsored Memorial Services at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cabot and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freedom, respectively. The services were led

by Chaplain Paul Rist and included music and reflection.

July 11, 8:30 a.m. registration Treesdale Golf & Country Club

135th Anniversary Concordia Summer Festival July 31, Noon Cabot Campus

Good Samaritan Hospice Memorial Walk October 1, 1:00 p.m.

Saxony Farm

Concordia Oktoberfest October 1, 4:00 p.m.

Cabot Campus

Concordia Visiting Nurses and GSH Open South Hills Office On February 25, Concordia Visiting Nurses, along with Good Samaritan Hospice, hosted a grand opening for their new office location in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. The ribbon cutting ceremony included representatives from CVN, GSH and colleagues from St. Clair Hospital. (see story on page 7)

Good Samaritan Hospice Purse Gala November 10, 6:00 p.m.

PNC Park's Lexus Club

Concordia Annual Meeting November 13, 3:00 p.m.

Cabot Campus

Concordia's Fourth Annual Live Nativity December 11, 4:00 p.m.

Cabot Campus

Mail & Phone Fraud Seminar Provided for Residents and Community Members Concordia’s Haven I in Cabot hosted a mail and phone fraud seminar, led

by U.S. postal inspector Ian Ortega, to teach the community about the dangers of fraud. A follow-up article appeared in the Butler Eagle. Concordia of the South Hills repeated the presentation for residents and the public on May 19.

continued on page 19

For more information on any of these events, please contact the Public Relations Department at 724-352-1571, ext. 8266 or visit the Events & News page at www.concordialm.org.

Proof!

Submitted by Deaconess Jackie Duke

Many of us have heard about the well-known book and the following movie production of “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.” The author of this book, the boy’s pastorfather, claims that his three-year-old son experienced heaven during a near-death experience.

So what is it about this book and movie that created such a sensation?

Unfortunately, for many, it is the idea that this is the PROOF that there truly is a heaven.

Many people look to experiences of the here and now to satisfy their questions about the afterlife. They tend to gravitate to what they feel they know and can see. Perhaps it’s even an emotional tug on the heart strings that motivates many to rely on these miraculous experiences.

That is human nature. Take Jesus’ disciple Thomas, AKA Doubting Thomas, for example.

He was not present when the Risen Jesus came to the rest of the disciples who were hiding behind locked doors. Jesus had shown his disciples the proof that He was Jesus, the resurrected Jesus, the One they had just seen hanging dead on the Cross. We can only imagine the awe and the joy that the disciples experienced in this moment. But, poor Thomas! He missed the proof! No matter what the others had told him, he would not believe it! (John 20:25b) Well, just eight days later, Jesus reappeared to his disciples. This time Thomas was present. Jesus told him, “Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas then confessed, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas got the proof he needed. But this was not the end

of it. Jesus had one last word to say to Thomas.

“Have you believed because you have seen me?

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:26-29).

As Christians we have the REAL PROOF! We don’t need any outside signs, wonders or experiences to prove what is absolutely true. Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven just as His word tells us. Yes, heaven IS for real just as He told his disciples, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2) In other words, Jesus asks, “Would I lie to you?”

There is nothing in this world that can give us the assurance of heaven but God’s word alone (Hebrews 1:1). In fact, relying on anything other than God’s Word is foolish and actually quite dangerous (Matt 24:24).

The Holy Spirit has made certain that these words were recorded so that we might believe (John 20:30-31) and confidently confess with Job, “For I know that my Redeemer lives … And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God whom I shall see for myself... (Job19:2527). What more proof do we need? We have HIS WORD! Easter delivers this promise, as we confess with faith in this Easter anthem!

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”

Jesus lives! To Him the throne High above all things is given.

I shall go where He is gone, Live and reign with Him in heaven.

God is faithful; doubtings, hence!

This shall be my confidence.

(Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won, Stanza 1) Public domain

18 - Faith in Caring

Note: Deaconess Jackie Duke accepted a call to Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Office of International Mission effective June 13, 2016.

continued from page 17

Rebecca Hosts Retirement Sessions Concordia at Rebecca Residence hosted informational sessions in February, March, April and May to spread the word about the new Retirement Living community that will be built soon on the campus in Allison Park. To keep up with the project visit www.RebeccaRetirementLiving.org. (see page 8)

Concordia Lutheran Ministries Guide to Services *Concordia at Cabot 724-352-1571 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023 1-888-352-1571 Corporate Headquarters, Skilled Nursing/Short-Term Rehab, Licensed Personal Care, Independent Retirement Apartments, Adult Day Services, Rehabilitation Services, Child Care Center *Concordia of Cranberry 10 Adams Ridge Boulevard, Mars, PA 16046 Licensed Personal Care *Concordia of Fox Chapel 931 Route 910, Cheswick, PA 15024 Memory Care

724-779-4300

412-767-5808

*Concordia of Franklin Park 1600 Georgetowne Road, Sewickley, PA 15143 Licensed Personal Care Harmony Physical Rehabilitation 4365 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

724-935-1075

412-229-3960

Short-Term Rehab Concordia of Monroeville 4363 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

412-373-3900

Skilled Nursing, Short-Term Rehab, Licensed Personal Care *Concordia at the Orchard 104 Concordia Way, Butler, PA 16001

Volunteer Lunches Concordia once again honored its many volunteers with special events during April, National Volunteer Appreciation Month.

Volunteers were served by the same staff and residents they help every day.

724-285-4490

Licensed Personal Care *Concordia at Rebecca Residence 3746 Cedar Ridge Road, Allison Park, PA 15101 Skilled Nursing, Short-Term Rehab, Licensed Personal Care

724-444-0600

*Concordia at Ridgewood Place 1460 Renton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 Licensed Personal Care

412-798-1855

*Concordia of the South Hills 1300 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243

412-278-1300 1-877-220-7906

Independent Retirement Apartments, Skilled Nursing/Short-Term Rehab, Licensed Personal Care, Memory Care, Respite Care *Concordia at Sumner 330-664-1000 970 Sumner Parkway, Copley, OH 44321 Assisted Living, Retirement Apartments/Villas, Skilled Nursing/Short-term Rehab *Concordia of Wexford 125 Brown Road, Wexford, PA 15090 Licensed Personal Care *Good Samaritan Hospice 3500 Brooktree Road, Suite 320, Wexford, PA 15090 Administrative Offices, Home-Based Hospice Care 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023 1000 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver, PA 15009

724-935-1266

1-800-720-2557 724-940-9120 724-352-6018 724-933-9161

Hospice/Respite Care Inpatient Units *Concordia Visiting Nurses Main Office - 613 N. Pike Road, Cabot, PA 16023 Beaver County Branch - 1525 Beaver Road, Baden, PA 15005 Monroeville Office - 4363 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146 New Castle Office - 121 Enclave Dr., New Castle, PA 16105 South Office - 1082 Bower Hill Rd., Ste 145, Pittsburgh, PA 15243

1-877-352-6200 1-866-869-8669 1-877-219-1248 1-844-641-1613 1-844-942-9700

Professional Home Care Nursing, Rehabilitation Services, Private Duty Services *Concordia Medical Equipment, Inc. 724-352-1100 615 N. Pike Road, Cabot, PA 16023 1-866-432-1961 Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, Bathroom Safety, Oxygen/Respiratory, Mobility Products

January/February 2013 - 17 *CARF-accredited Aging Services Network participating provider

Concordia Lutheran Ministries 134 Marwood Road Cabot, PA 16023

135 Anniversary Summer Festival th

Sunday, July 31, 2016 Noon - 6 p.m.

Lund Care Center Backyard, 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023

Kid’s Fishing Derby & Activities Music Summer Picnic-Themed Menu Worship Service at 3 p.m. featuring Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Lutheran Hour Speaker