Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Conference Related Ministries

Penn Foundation Joins St. Luke’s

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The Loux Center of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, a CRM.
Photo provided by Penn Foundation.

Penn Foundation, a Mosaic Conference Related Ministry (CRM), and St. Luke’s University Health Network are pleased to announce the completion of their merger, effective July 1, 2021. Penn Foundation is now part of St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Penn Foundation will retain its affiliation with Mosaic Conference as a Conference Related Ministry (CRM). This connection to its Anabaptist faith heritage will continue to shape the ministry of Penn Foundation as it grows in its role and reach in partnership with St. Luke’s.

Headquartered in Sellersville, PA, Penn Foundation is a nonprofit, community-based behavioral health provider with 25 behavioral health and substance use treatment programs that serve approximately 20,000 individuals annually. St. Luke’s is a regional health network with 12 hospital campuses and more than 300 outpatient sites serving 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Wayne A. Mugrauer, who will remain President of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, said, “Penn Foundation is fortunate to be well-positioned to make this strategic change for the future health of our community. Joining St. Luke’s University Health Network assures continued regional access to high-quality behavioral healthcare that is fully integrated with general medicine.”

The St. Luke’s Penn Foundation partnership was unanimously approved last fall by the Board of Directors of Penn Foundation and the Board of Trustees of St. Luke’s. Securing regulatory approval from various agencies followed the votes and was completed this spring.

Now that Penn Foundation is part of St. Luke’s, St. Luke’s operates the largest nonprofit network of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services in eastern Pennsylvania. The Network’s combined services establish a comprehensive continuum of care to treat patients with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

“Mosaic Conference is grateful for the good work Penn Foundation has done since 1955,” says Margaret Zook, Director of Collaborative Ministries at Mosaic Conference. “Penn Foundation ‘quietly shone a light’ as a faith-based leader in creative initiatives as it pioneered responsive and innovative approaches in behavioral health. We trust that this new partnership will empower Penn Foundation in its support of local congregations, pastors, and their communities.”

Penn Foundation’s merger with St. Luke’s comes at a time when the demand for behavioral health services is rapidly rising. Rates of depression, anxiety, suicide and substance use disorder have surged because of the global pandemic.

Life and Work of the New CRM Committee

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As a new committee of Mosaic Conference, the Conference Related Ministries (CRM) committee met for the first time in January 2021. The committee acknowledged the past roles of CRMs in Eastern District and Franconia Conferences and reflected on the continuing importance of these ministries in the life and work of Mosaic Conference. 

Mosaic Conference Board has charged the CRM committee with the work of providing Conference presence and support for the work, staff, and clients of our CRM ministries. As a committee, we want to walk beside CRMs, providing resources, visibility, and foundational belonging while enhancing our relationships.  

Members of the CRM committee are: Lindy Backues (Providence (Collegeville, PA) congregation), Brandon Bergey (Bethany (Bridgewater Corners, VT) congregation), Missy Camilleri (Deep Run East (Perkasie, PA) congregation), Juanita Nyce (Salford (Harleysville, PA) congregation), Chairperson Herman Sagastume (Perkiomenville (PA) congregation), and Margaret Zook (Mosaic staff). These members joyfully participate in the shared work of the CRMs.

Members of the CRM committee. Top row, from left to right: Lindy Backues, Brandon Bergey, Missy Camilleri; Bottom row, from left to right: Juanita Nyce, Herman Sagatsume, Margaret Zook.

There are 25 CRMs within Mosaic Conference that offer varied resources and ministries to their communities.  Each CRM ministers to a special need, educational opportunity, or unique resource for the people and community it touches. A few examples are: Bike and Sol (East Greenville, PA), where volunteers repair bicycles in their intergenerational space as they mentor, train, and relate to youth, Bethany Birches Camp (Plymouth, VT) which offers camping experiences where life-long faith and friends connect, and Dock Academy (Lansdale, PA) and Quakertown (PA) Christian School, where academic and spiritual guidance offer a foundation for lives of faith.   

There are also CRMs, such as Indian Creek Foundation (Souderton, PA) and Peaceful Living (Harleysville, PA) who support individuals and families with intellectual disabilities and autism, and Penn Foundation (Sellersville, PA), which provides behavioral health and addiction support.  All of these 25 varied ministries, united in Mosaic Conference, embody the reconciling love of Jesus in our broken and beautiful work.   

Please join the committee with your prayers for the continuing work of the CRMs as they flourish and transform our communities through mutual relationships with God and one another. 

Conference Related Ministries (CRM) Profile: Living Branches

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Living Branches was created through an affiliation between Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community in 2008. This decision was made not only because of proximity to each other, but more importantly, because both organizations were ministries of the Mosaic Mennonite Conference and shared common beliefs and values.

A resident proudly poses for a photo in her new apartment at The Willows of Living Branches. Photo taken by Mike Landis, Mike Landis Photography.

These senior living communities had a longstanding history in the area. Souderton Mennonite Homes was established in 1917 as Eastern Mennonite Home of the Franconia District. Hatfield Mennonite Home, later renamed The Willows of Living Branches, was founded by the Mosaic Mennonite Conference in 1942. Dock Woods began in 1981 as an outgrowth of the Hatfield Mennonite Home. Today Living Branches employs more than 650 team members and offers a wide range of housing, support services, and engaging activities for more than 1,350 residents.

Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods are life plan communities offering the full range of care services: Residential Living for persons seeking retirement living and Supportive Living for persons needing Personal Care (Assisted Living), Memory Care, or Health Care (Skilled Nursing). The Willows of Living Branches offers Personal Care and residents have access to Memory Care or Health Care within Living Branches.

At Dock Woods, Living Branches also offers affordable housing for older adults and families who qualify for HUD housing rental assistance.

A creative arts therapy intern leads a physically-distanced group music therapy session. Photo taken by Mike Landis, Mike Landis Photography.

What began as a mission to provide a home for senior adults and care for their basic needs has evolved into a vibrant, life-giving community that cares for the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of every resident. Our mission to empower older adults and families to lead lives of purpose and joy guides all that we do. From pastoral care to social services, fitness, and dining, we truly care for the whole person.

In recent years, we have devoted ourselves to investing in care specifically for persons with dementia. The creative arts therapy program has brought so much life to our communities; the team of interns led by the creative arts therapy coordinator fill our hallways with music, art, and movement. The Music & Memory program provides personalized music playlists for persons with dementia to reawaken memories from their past. And our Montessori-based philosophy of care allows us to empower persons with dementia by focusing on what they still can do and would like to do, instead of what the disease has taken from them. We see these things making a difference and adding joy and purpose to the lives of residents each day.

Dock Woods residents enjoying a game of croquet. Photo taken by Mike Landis, Mike Landis Photography.

The mission also extends to Living Branches Foundation. At Living Branches we make a lifetime commitment to our residents and their care. Benevolent care is a ministry which provides grants to residents who, through no fault of their own, can no longer cover the full cost of their care. This is a vitally important ministry and serves over 100 residents each year.

Life at Living Branches changed in ways we never expected in 2020. In fact, it seems every aspect of what we do has changed in some way, but through it all, our residents and staff have been resilient. We look forward to getting to the other side of Covid-19 and know we will get there together.

Prayer Requests:

  • For our residents who are socially isolated due to Covid, pray for peace of mind and comfort for their spirits.
  • For our staff who have worked so hard under challenging circumstances, pray for strength and hope.
  • For our future, pray that our plans will meet the needs of our current and future residents.

Conference Related Ministries (CRM) Profile: Peaceful Living

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Peaceful Living is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that identifies and seeks to engage the gifts of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe that all individuals deserve to live with a sense of “belonging” within a faith and overall community where they can express their talents, interests, and capabilities.

Peaceful Living individuals serve in the community, such as delivering Meals on Wheels. Photo provided by Peaceful Living.

With careful planning, individual attention, and ongoing education of our staff, we provide services to over 200 families through three programs in a manner in which participants feel loved, respected, and valued in their community. The three programs are: 

• Day Programs: Provides our individuals a program during the workday. 
• Family Services: Provides our individuals home and community-based support. 
• Residential Services: Provides our individuals residential care in 12 family-style community homes. 

Peaceful Living’s Residential Program provides individuals with personalized care in community homes. Photo provided by Peaceful Living.

Peaceful Living is a conference-related ministry of Mosaic Mennonite Conference, a sponsored agency of Mennonite Health Services, and is committed to living its Anabaptist values and beliefs. 

For information on how you can support our mission of creating belonging, including volunteer opportunities, contact info@peacefulliving.org. 

Prayer requests from Peaceful Living

  • That the people whom Peaceful Living serves would experience true belonging in a welcoming community.
  • For protection from the COVID-19 virus.
  • That Peaceful Living would continue to thrive as they seek to serve more people.
  • For strength and good health for our dedicated Direct Care Professionals as they provide essential services and loving support every day.

How a Problem’s Solution Became a Bike Shop

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It was a simple problem without a simple solution. How do we train students to work when businesses do not hire them? 

Scott Roth, then director of the Upper Perk Community Life Center (UPCLC), mentored seniors from Upper Perkiomen High School in Pennsburg, PA. Roth would teach them how to swing a hammer, update a website, make phone calls, and order supplies from a vendor. Roth learned these “simple skills” while working in his family’s business early on. But most students wouldn’t have these experiences on their own. 

Bike & Sol Director, Scott Roth (left), works with 2 youth in the bike shop. Photo provided by Scott Roth.

Meanwhile, a $22 million YMCA was opening in the Upper Perkiomen school district. Roth began working as a consultant for the YMCA helping shape their youth programs while still working with UPCLC. Roth began to promote the idea of an “earn-A-bike program”: teach kids to work and they can earn a bike, fixed with their own hands. Roth just needed a bike mechanic, so he prayed and kept asking. 

An acquaintance of Roth’s, Dick Fox, felt called to be that mechanic and the program began. After a couple months in the garage of the UPCLC, with 15 kids in the program and more bicycles coming in for repairs, the demand for parts was exceeding the donated bicycles in need of repair. 

JBI, the largest bicycle parts distributor in the US, partnered with the program. However, the program needed to be in a traditional brick and mortar shop. Soon a banner was hung on the garage with the name, “Bike & Sol.” 

Director Scott Roth on the sales floor of Bike & Sol. Photo provided by Scott Roth.

Eventually, UPCLC programs diminished as YMCA programming increased. Bike & Sol became a student work program through the YMCA.  Weekly, ten students came to the shop to volunteer. When UPCLC closed, the entire building was now Bike & Sol. 

Five years later, Bike & Sol merged programs under the umbrella of ViaShalom, a ministry dedicated to creating missional experiments. Bike & Sol has serviced over 1500 bikes and touched many more lives. 

With the COVID pandemic, bicycling has become more popular than ever. This has forced Bike & Sol to become more than a student work program. Now it is a bicycle shop that happens to have a student program. More than ten adults regularly volunteer at the shop. Due to COVID, school programs are temporarily halted, however, there are still youth working to complete their court-required community service hours. 

Bike & Sol is now an intergenerational space for young and old to meet and share their love of life. Frequently tales are told of faith and encouragement. 

Youth volunteer and learn skills at Bike & Sol, earning a bike of their own as pay. Photo provided by Scott Roth.

Scott Roth often says, “Most people have learned to ride a bike. Most people smile as they ride and cry when they fall. The good news is that we get to be Jesus to most people since most people have a bike.” Jesus used fish and healing to bless others. Bike & Sol blesses and heals through bicycles. Helping people ride bicycles is one of the best things we can do for mental health and relationship building. 

Today Bike & Sol is a community non-profit bicycle shop that covers all biking needs, from a trash-picked bicycle to a high-end race bike. The volunteers, young and old, are continuing to improve their skills to keep people riding in all kinds of bikes.

The vision for 2021 is simple: Get the Kingdom of God out riding with others. Jesus interacted and loved people in all circumstances. Bike & Sol seeks to love all who come with their bikes. Bikes know no social structures, skin colors, or economic status. They just want a human to pedal them. 

Conference Related Ministries (CRM) Profile: Frederick Living

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Frederick Living was founded in 1896 by Rev. N.B. Grubb in Frederick, PA, located in western Montgomery County. It is the oldest Mennonite retirement community in North America.   Initially called “The Mennonite Home for the Aged and Infirmed,” the “home” was a ministry of Eastern District Conference of the Mennonite Church General Conference, who provided oversight and responsibility.  Early administrators were members of the clergy. Over time, professional administrators took the reins.  

From its earliest days, this “home” was led by Mennonite leaders and maintained Mennonite values. It was welcoming of residents of non-Mennonite faith traditions as well.  There have been many changes and expansions over the years. Next year Frederick Living, as it is now known, will be celebrating its 125th anniversary of ministry.  

Still rooted in its Mennonite heritage, their focus is on living well in every aspect of our lives…body, mind and spirit.  Their mission is, “In the spirit of Christian love, Frederick Living cares for and enriches the lives of older adults, while valuing the staff, volunteers and community that serve them.”  

Frederick Living resident, Hannah Carlson, 106 years old, moved to a Frederick Living cottage in 1986. Photo credit courtesy of Frederick Living.

The current Chief Executive Officer, John Hendrickson, who has served at Frederick Living since 2005, will be retiring in February 2021.  The board of directors has initiated a search committee assisted by Mennonite Health Services to ensure the continuity of leadership.  Warren Tyson, former Conference Minister for Eastern District Conference, is the chair of the Frederick Living board of directors.   

A continuing care retirement community, Frederick Living offers a full spectrum of services.  They have maintenance-free villas, cottages, and apartment living for those who want to live active, independent lives while taking advantage of all of the community’s amenities.  The Magnolia House personal care center serves those who need assistance with activities of daily living.  Magnolia House also provides temporary respite care.   

For those who need round-the-clock licensed nursing care, Cedarwood Health Center provides both short-term rehabilitation therapy and long-term care.  Cedarwood has consistently maintained a 5-star rating from Medicare.  

Finally, the Aspen Village memory support center serves those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or other diseases that impair memory.  Frederick Living has the  Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Accreditation for Excellence in Care and is a Dementia Care Program of Distinction.

Laurie Maher, RN serves in Frederick Living’s Cedarwood isolation unit. Photo credit courtesy of Frederick Living.

The global pandemic has made 2020 a very challenging year.  At the beginning of the pandemic, through many protective measures, continuous vigilance, and God’s help, no residents and very few staff members tested positive with the virus for many months.  They remain committed to protecting the residents, staff, vendors, and guests.  

Frederick Living has been adhering to the recommended control measures and guidelines of the Department of Health, the Center for Disease Control, and Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. With the recent uptick of COVID-19 positivity rates in Montgomery county, they immediately updated their control measures and are continually addressing protocols as any new information becomes available.  

Please visit their website, www.frederickliving.org, to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on positive COVID-19 cases and current policies and practices.

Conference Related Ministries (CRM) Profile: Spruce Lake & Pinebrook

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Born of Wind and Water

Staff member, Steve Landes (far right), and volunteers install goal nets for the new disc golf course at Pinebrook. Photo by Grace Nolt.

The wind blew, the rain came down, and the Pocono Mountains were drenched, receiving over 21 inches of rain.  It was the flood of 1955. God moved Norm Good and the people of Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite Church to minister to the thousands who were affected by the storms.  

Seven years later Mr. Dalton, who owned the land that would become Spruce Lake, was approached by Mennonites interested in purchasing his property to start a children’s camp. Moved by the compassion of these men representing those who had given of themselves during the flood, he offered them an incredibly low price for 276 acres!  God moved and Spruce Lake was born.

Dedicated to Pointing People Toward Christ

The Church of South India from Seaford, NY, represents guests from multiple diverse cultures and backgrounds at Spruce Lake/Pinebrook. Photo by Grace Nolt.

Nearly 700 people came to the first open house in May 1963 and dedicated their new mountain sanctuary to the Lord for His work on July 4, 1963. 

God’s people, excited by the possibilities of pointing people toward Christ, threw themselves into the work of Spruce Lake.  And oh, God has blessed the work and ministry.  Facilities grew and programs expanded, growing from 98 campers in the summer of 1963 to serving over 43,000 annual guests and campers today. 

Recent Developments

In 2017, through the generous gifts of God’s people, God choreographed the purchase of Spruce Mountain, giving Spruce Lake a total 888 acres of beautiful woods and hiking trails. In June 2018, a new Youth Activity Center was completed, making Wilderness Camp a truly year-round youth ministry hub. And in October 2018, Spruce Lake acquired Pinebrook Bible Conference, near Stroudsburg, PA, to steward the programs and operations of this facility for “the Glory of God.”

Core Ministries Change Lives

Summer Wilderness Camp and Day Camps, plus winter Ignite Youth Weekends, reach into the lives of hundreds of children and youth every year with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Countless young people have accepted Christ at Wilderness Camp. 

“Ignite” Winter Youth Weekends at Spruce Lake’s youth activity center. Photo by Josh Reichart.

Outdoor Education helps school students and adults discover the wonders of creation and our awesome God who made it all. For many, it is the highlight of their school year.

Programmed Family Retreats & Events at Spruce Lake/Pinebrook support the entire family with biblically grounded speakers and worship leaders, with plenty of fun and relaxed time together.

Church & Community Groups bring thousands of people each year to hear God’s voice through hospitable staff and the peaceful beauty of woodlands and waterfalls. 

Here, people of all ages from varying backgrounds can feel the Lord’s presence, focus on their relationship with Him, and experience the diversity of Christians interacting as friends.

Opportunities to Serve and Volunteer

At Spruce Lake/Pinebrook, approximately 150 year-round full-time and part-time staff serve the body of Christ and our communities. Over the summer, about 100 additional staff help us fulfill our call to ministry every day. Each avenue of service is of genuine value to God. 

Spruce Lake/Pinebrook also depend on the generous service of volunteers all year long. Many individuals and groups help keep the ministry flourishing. Contact us to offer talents and time.

Prayer Requests

  • Wisdom and direction for the Franconia Mennonite Camp Association (FMCA) board members and staff as we continue to point people toward Christ
  • That the Lord would protect the ministry – our guests, staff and properties — from the COVID-19 virus. 
  • Bring the campers, families, couples, and individuals back soon to experience what God has for them at Pinebrook and Spruce Lake. 
  • That FMCA would continue to thrive as we seek to point people toward Christ.

When Life is CANCELLED

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When the calendar said CANCELLED, George stepped in.

“George” (a “staff” member at Living Branches, a CRM) shares his adventures virtually with residents during the pandemic. Photo provided by Living Branches.

George, a 4-foot stuffed gorilla on “staff” at Living Branches (a Conference Related Ministry, CRM, retirement community in southeastern PA), stepped up when life shut down. Before the pandemic, George’s role was to bring a smile to those whom he met in person.  But now, George was on a mission.  

In March, retirement communities responded to Governor Wolf’s “stay at home” directive. Most of the daily activities that provided connections and community for residents were suddenly cancelled.   

When foot traffic and travel was cancelled, “Out and About with George” served to bring “community” back to the residents by bringing them along for the virtual journey through videos and photos that were shown on the in-house TV channel.  George enlisted others, including CEO Ed Brubaker, to share the story, pictures, humor, and conversation of their travels.  

Among George’s adventures was a 93-mile bike ride with Brubaker, a day at the beach, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and riding a John Deere tractor.  A highlight was George’s participation at the graduation of Nursing Assistants.

George was not alone sharing joy during challenging times. Volunteers at Frederick Living doubled their efforts as well. Supplies were provided to residents to continue individual participation in the Mennonite Resource Center (MRC) quilting project. Volunteers ensure care and food for the pair of swans that grace the pond at Frederick Living.  Other volunteers restack library bookshelves. Some work to ensure that worship is broadcasted live to residents.  

A staff member spreads joy with bubbles at Living Branches. Photo provided by Living Branches.

Because of the efforts of those who have stepped up, the quality of life is most certainly not cancelled.  Yet, the pandemic still has been difficult for residents. “It has been sooo long. We want to gather, visit, eat, and worship together,” a resident shares. “We miss hugs, family dinners, and singing.”  

Video visits and the chat room bring family and friends together.  Worship services, exercise classes, and movies through in-house channels fill those cancelled spots. “We have found that innovation, resilience, patience, and prayer keep our Life Communities together,” says CEO John Hendrickson of Frederick Living. 

CEOs continue to emphasize how staff team members are showing genuine love and care for the residents during this time.  Wearing PPE, staff members sweat as they protect our residents and have volunteered for the little extras that mean a lot. They continue to provide care in spite of anxiety surrounding their health. 

And, although the PA Department of Heath has eased visiting regulations, how those regulations will be implemented will be balanced with risk and safety. Finding the appropriate response is a daily challenge. 

Staff members at retirement communities work hard to find ways to bring fun to quarantine life. Photo provided by Living Branches.

Through it all, the universal longing for personal touch and connections is never cancelled.    “The wait [to hug my mother again] was hard, but we are very thankful that our community follows science and procedures that keeps my mom and other residents safe,” says Sharon Metzler-Ruth, whose mother is a resident at Souderton Mennonite Homes. “There is nothing more important than that.” 

“This is a challenging, frustrating, and maddening time,” says Ed Brubaker, CEO of Living Branches.  “But [it is] also inspiring as I have watched folks ‘step up’ and do their work in amazing ways.” 

We are community. We are hands and feet serving and creating a helpful, just, and Spirit-filled community.  Please pray for all of our Conference Related Ministries in this unprecedented year, as we live our faith together.