Christian Ministries

Ron Dischinger

Originally founded by Swedish Baptists, Elim Park has grown to include residents of many faiths. “Presently, our Christian Ministry Program is designed to address the needs of many denominations,” says Reverend Doctor Glenn B. Havumaki, Director of Christian Ministry.

“Our ministry is really an extension of our residents’ churches,” Reverend Havumaki, fondly known as Pastor Glenn, says. “Guided by our mission statement, Elim Park’s Christian Ministry encourages a strong spiritual dimension to help residents achieve optimum personal wellness while enjoying an unsurpassed retirement lifestyle. Christ and bible-centered Sunday morning worship services, a devotional broadcast Monday through Saturday on our closed-circuit television, plus chaplain-led bible studies in our Health Center Cafeteria help serve spiritual needs. And we work cooperatively with area churches, offer thoughtful programs, provide memorial services, and pastoral visitation at our health care center and area hospitals,” Pastor Glenn notes.

Several residents lead and participate in small group Bible studies, an outgrowth of “Faith Has Its Reasons,” a program started by Pastor Glenn and Richard Herskind. “When we began, few envisioned the impact it would have on our lives,” shared resident Ruth Dearborn. “We are living our faith, not just going to Chapel on Sundays.”

A special facet of the ministry is the Mary Melby Grant Fund, named in honor of the superintendent of the Rest and Old People’s Home in Elim Park from 1908 until 1921. Mary Melby encouraged Christian generosity to help others and served her people, her church and her God faithfully. She also inspired many to serve the needs of older adults, which she saw as a special work of God’s grace.

The Mary Melby Grant Fund honors the service of retired pastors, chaplains or missionaries residing and ministering at Elim Park by providing assistance towards housing expenses.

Following Mary Melby’s example, the Christian Ministry Chaplain Program at Elim Park serves the residents and the community while continuing her mission in a friendly, safe environment – the kind of environment where neighbors become family.