Building on a Strong Foundation - Elim Park

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Dear Friends, Over a century ago, the three Swedish Baptist Churches that founded Elim Park responded to God’s word and made it their mission to care for the elderly of their congregations. A humble twelve-room farmhouse became a refuge, a home for the “worn and weary.” Although the vision of Elim Park has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing needs of the older adult population, our mission is alive and evident in the lifestyle we provide, in the people we hire, and in the decisions we make. The apostle Paul advises us not to put our faith in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Aptly, our Board of Directors in 1956 made the decision to go forward with the move from Shelton to Cheshire, even though some Board members themselves would need to mortgage their own homes in order to purchase the property. The wisdom of men would have advised them otherwise, but God had a greater plan. The Elim Park that stands today, overflowing with active, independent residents, is a testimony of faith and determination. Our positive fiscal year, in a time of economic turbulence, only magnifies His wisdom at the root of our fortitude. None of us knows for sure what the future has in store for Elim Park. We can only be sure of our mission, and if we live that mission today, we are fulfilling our part of God’s plan – and building on the strongest foundation. Ron Dischinger President/CEO 2
Board of Directors 2009 Left to right: Terrence Brennan, Treasurer; Paul Hubley; Pastor David J. DeVries; J. Ray Adams; Mark Johnson, Vice Chair; Derek Mogck, Chair; Victor Visockis, Jr.; Nancy Butterfield, Immediate Past Chair; Ronald Larson, Secretary; Chris Nelson; Paul de Lacy Values To assist us in fulfilling our mission, we embrace and place into daily practice the following values: Honor God in all we do. Realizing that God has raised up this ministry and has sustained it since 1906, we seek to honor Him through our service and whatever we do, we “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col. 3:23). Encourage spiritual growth. Desiring that each resident grow spiritually throughout their life at Elim Park, opportunity is presented “to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) so that “though the outer man perish, yet the inner man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16), that “none should see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ,” (Luke 2:26). Respect the dignity of life. Each person is God’s creation. In God’s “hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10). The love God has for each of his children is enough reason for us to have a great respect for the dignity of life. Commit to excellence. It is important that our service be the best of which we are capable. Our work will be excellent if we truly are “doing service as to the Lord, and not to men,” (Eph. 6:7). Respect the individual. In I Thessalonians 5:12 we are told to “respect those who work hard among you.” And in Galatians 6:10 we 3 are admonished to “do good to all men especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Hire and retain highly competent staff that have a caring attitude and high moral character. The key to service excellence is the staff. We seek those like Daniel whom God favored, being “skillful in all wisdom and gifted in knowledge and understanding” (Dan. 1:4). Staff should also have the caring heart and high moral character of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35). While it is difficult to find all of these qualities in any one individual, they serve as a reliable guide for selecting staff. Employees are empowered to act in the best interests of the residents and the organization and become good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. Maintain open communication. In order to provide a harmonious environment for residents and staff, it is essential that communication flow freely. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” (Ps. 133:1). Be fiscally responsible. We must be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Every asset is a gift from God to be used for the residents who live at Elim Park, “for we aim at what is honorable in the Lord’s sight, but also in the sight of man,” (II Cor. 8:21). “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” (I Cor. 4:2).
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Page 5 and 6: Building Facts:
Page 7 and 8: The bags are packed, the car is run
Page 9 and 10: Returning From Grief Anissa & The B
Page 11 and 12: A Foundation for Generations Bernie
Page 13 and 14: Mr. Vincent Kaszeta Ms. Joy Kauper
Page 15 and 16: Consolidated Balance Sheet for Fisc

Building on a Strong Foundation - Elim Park

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