(posted March 12) Please join us for our Spring Open House at Frederick Living on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm. Take a tour of select cottages and apartments, gather pricing info, speak to resident hosts and enjoy a complimentary sticky bun. RSVP to Lisa McCartin at 610-754-7878 ext. 1290.
Frederick Living
Anabaptism at 500: What Anabaptism Means to Me – December 2025
As Mosaic Mennonite Conference commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025, here is the final installation of a variety of Mosaic voices reflecting on the question, “What does Anabaptism mean to me?”
Submission from
Pastor Ertell Whigham, Mosaic Conference Leadership Minister
As a Christian who was a Marine combat veteran, focusing on what it means to be Anabaptist demands serious reflection on both the call (designation) and conviction.
I am moved to think deeply about both peace and nonresistance. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I have a responsibility to examine my views on Just War theology.
Aside from the most obvious values of Anabaptism such as community, discipleship, service, and my personal challenge for deeper, transformative intercultural connection, being Anabaptist convicts me to surrender to the teachings of Jesus.
Despite what I’ve lived and experienced in various battlegrounds of bias and cultural exclusion within the Anabaptist community, the tenets of Anabaptism continue to influence and encourage me to reflect on the life of Jesus and what he calls and enables me to be.
In the simplest terms, Anabaptism calls and convicts me for peace and nonresistance no matter the battleground. It invites the Holy Spirit to help me be authentic in my expression that Jesus is indeed the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Submission from
Pastora Dania Hernández, Peña de Horeb (Philadelphia, PA)
En mis propias palabras, el anbautismo significa amor rotundo. Rebautizados era como se llamaba aquellos cristianos que durante la Reforma rechazaron el bautizo de niños. Demostraron valentía y amor hacia el Evangelio porque sabían que tendrían que pagar con sus propias vidas y familias. También creemos en un solo Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Creemos que la salvación es por gracia y que podemos aprender de los demás si somos amables y tratamos de seguir a Jesús. Para mí, el anabaptismo es el amor que practicamos. Amo esta comunidad de fe, como Jesús es el centro de nuestra vida. Esta comunidad me abrió los ojos hacia otras culturas, razas e idiomas. Hoy, como anabaptista, me siento comprometida a seguir honrando a Dios y a todos nuestros mártires.
English translation: In my own words Anabaptism means absolute love. Rebaptized was what the Christians were called who during the Reformation rejected baptizing children. It showed courage and a love of the Gospel because they knew they would have to pay with their own lives and family. We also believe in one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that salvation is by grace, and that we can learn from others as we are kind try to follow Jesus. For me Anabaptism is love that we practice. I love this community of faith with Jesus is the center of our life. This community opened my eyes to other cultures, races, and languages. Today as an Anabaptist I feel committed to continue honoring God and all our martyrs.
Submission from
Steve Lindsey, CEO of Garden Spot Communities, affiliated with Conference-Related Ministry Frederick Living (Zieglerville, PA).
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.
Conference Related Ministries (CRM) Profile: Frederick Living
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.”
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.
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.