EverTrue Recognizes All Faiths

The Rev. Nelson Quiñones, Manager of Mission Integration, East Region, Chaplain at EverTrue Lutheran Home at Topton

A common question I am asked is, “Are EverTrue communities only for Lutherans?” My short answer is: “No. EverTrue communities are not only for Lutherans. Everyone is welcome.”

My longer answer takes us to the heart of our faith-based organization’s belief in “Life according to YOU.”

As Manager of Mission Integration in EverTrue’s East Region, I’ve visited the four EverTrue communities throughout Pennsylvania. Their geographical locations in Lewisburg, Carlisle, Allentown and Topton each have their own personality – picturesque rural, suburban-urban, urban and suburban.

To better understand how we can best provide spiritual support to the people we serve, we conducted a Religious Demographic Census at each of the East Region Life Plan Communities. The results showed the many faith traditions living in these communities.

We found that when the word “Lutheran” is mentioned, it brings the understanding of a Pennsylvania German culture and its faith tradition.

The census data showed a high number of older adults of Lutheran faith living in these communities. No surprise there.

The data also reflected that our residents follow a rich tapestry of spiritual traditions. Christians from Protestant and Catholic backgrounds live alongside those in ecumenical traditions such as Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal, Russian Orthodox, Episcopalian, and Baptist, as well as mainline denominations including United, Mennonite, Reformed, Moravian, Brethren, Non-Denominational and Quaker. Our communities also include people of interfaith and diverse religious identities – Jewish, Buddhist, Mormon, Agnostic, Unitarian and Seventh-day Adventist – each finding their own meaningful way to remain EverTrue to their beliefs.

I also found from the census that a large percentage of residents did not respond to a religious affiliation, identified as none or wanted to remain unknown in the census report.

To support all of our residents and their faith journey, our communities offer Meditation Rooms, accessible to religious leaders, residents, families and staff of all faiths. Altars can be found in Meditation Rooms with scriptures like the Tanakh, Bible and Quran to use for worship and study.

Inside Topton’s Meditation Room, one can find a kippah, a prayer rug, a Tibetan Singing Bowl and a Dreamcatcher to further enhance one’s spiritual experience.

For some residents, spiritual nourishment and connection is found in nature. The Topton Watershed Trail is 3.2 miles long and connects to smaller trails. The trail reaches an elevation of 1,195 feet and forms part of EverTrue Lutheran Home at Topton.

The findings from the Religious Demographic study have enabled me to establish several objectives. First, to extend an invitation to our local rabbi, imam, priests, monks and nuns to share their faith traditions. Second, being mindful of religious festivals and acknowledge them during meetings, resident gatherings and on EverTrue social media outlets. Third, provide a comparative religious approach when studying each sacred scripture.

As older adults continue to explore their spirituality, I want to encourage all faiths to voice their traditions in worship services, scripture studies and prayer.

EverTrue Communities recognizes all faith for a richer and fuller life.

I believe all of this underscores the importance of providing spiritual support in a way that welcomes all faith traditions and is led by how YOU wish to share that spirituality – or not. Our spiritual support is EverTrue to Life According to YOU!