01/20/2026
A message from Jerry Letkeman, Executive Director
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
Isaiah 61:1-2
As we enter 2026 I want to extend deep gratitude for all the volunteers that we have at Bethany. They work in various departments; they enrich our community and help keep costs down!
Volunteering is a win-win situation, it offers residents a healthy blend of social, emotional, and physical benefits. When you volunteer you make new friends and expand your social networks. This is a great recipe for keeping loneliness away and strengthening your sense of belonging.
Volunteering stimulates the brain, as new tasks, problem-solving and fresh interactions keep you mentally active and may reduce cognitive decline.
Physically, many volunteer roles - such as helping to serve a meal, putting books on shelves in the library, distributing mail for the office, ushering for the church service, nurturing plants—encourage movement that supports mobility and overall health.
At the same time, giving your time, energy and experience provides a renewed sense of identity and self-worth.
It also reinforces the knowledge that your lifelong skills remain valuable.
Together, these advantages contribute to higher life satisfaction, improved mood, and a more vibrant, connected retirement. This understanding fits well with our Eden approach, creating vibrant communities to address loneliness, helplessness and boredom.
A quote from Topher Kearby... for our volunteers in particular.
“Once love is shared it doesn’t disappear. It becomes part of the fabric of life. It’s carried forward through moments, memories, and connections we can’t always see. When love is felt and exchanged it adds something real to the world. Something lasting. And each time we choose understanding, patience, or kindness, we add more of that energy into the mix - shaping life in ways that reach far beyond the moment itself. Nothing meaningful is ever wasted. That’s why even the smallest acts of love can last much longer than we do.”
As we enter 2026, please consider the many ways to volunteer at Bethany. Some are very unofficial, like helping with your floor’s activities. Bethany Manor is one large community made up of many smaller communities. Each floor is a community unto itself or has the potential to be so. Almost all floors intentionally celebrate their community in various ways.
Besides that, volunteers are deeply appreciated in helping to serve meals in the Dining Room, assist with ushering and other tasks for the worship service, delivering internal mail for the office, and many more. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact me and I’ll direct you.
Have a Happy New Year!