Dear Wartburg Colleagues, Residents, Families, and Friends,

It is a new year, 2021, and we are grateful that the azaleas have followed the forsythia, daffodils, redbuds, magnolias, dogwoods, and tulips into blooming up a gorgeous spring on the Wartburg campus.  Many of our residents are outside listening to music on the patio and walking around the meadow.  They sit in the sun and talk with friends they have not seen for some time, because the COVID winter kept them apart.

The Chapel is open for worship on Sunday mornings, and the United Lutheran service at 10:30 am is being televised to the nursing home, rehab center, and assisted living.  Mass is being said for all communities during the week.  “Scripture, Song and Prayer” brings together residents in the nursing home who enjoy gathering in Jesus’ name and hearing the lectionary read more intimately in the dining rooms.

I give thanks for the ministry of Father Paul Fagan and Rev. David Jarvis who joined me in keeping religious services alive at Wartburg during a most challenging time.  We teamed up to provide Ash Wednesday observance throughout campus, and we all led worship services during Holy Week. 

Though we wait to welcome volunteers and pastoral care interns back onto campus, we are happily breathing in spring and feeling the relief that is in the air, even if we find ourselves covered in pollen here and there.  Life is potent this spring!

Peace be with you,

Pastor Kim

Rev. Kimberli Lile

Director of Spiritual Care