Cassia representatives recently gathered with ministry partners at the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) North Central District Conference to reconnect with one another and reaffirm a shared commitment to faith-based senior living.
This gathering reflected the longstanding partnership between Cassia and the North Central District (NCD), rooted in prayer, collaboration and a shared calling to serve older adults with compassion, dignity and faith. That relationship dates back to Cassia’s predecessor, Elim Care, which was also affiliated with the EFCA denomination.
Leadership, Prayer and Shared Encouragement
Cassia CEO Matthew Kern presented at the NCD Convention, sharing reflections on Cassia’s mission and the importance of partnership with local churches.
In his presentation, Matthew expressed gratitude for the enduring relationship between Cassia and the NCD:
“Cassia is deeply grateful for the longstanding partnership, prayers and shared ministry we hold with the North Central District,” Matthew said. “Your support strengthens our ability to serve older adults with compassion, dignity and faith, and we value the trust you place in Cassia as a faith-based ministry partner.”
Following the presentation, NCD Superintendent Brian Farone prayed for Matthew, offering encouragement and spiritual support on behalf of the district.
Deepening Partnerships between Churches and Cassia
The conference highlighted Cassia’s desire to continue growing and strengthening partnerships with churches across the NCD. Many Cassia communities partner with NCD churches as spiritual supporters and experience tangible support through volunteering and shared ministry.
Cassia hopes to further deepen these relational and missional ties, creating more opportunities for churches and Cassia communities to walk together in faith-filled service.
Cassia Representatives in Attendance
A wide range of current and former spiritual life leaders and chaplains represented Cassia at the conference, highlighting the organization’s deep commitment to spiritual care and collaborative ministry. Those who joined Matthew at the conference included:
David Juve, vice president of spiritual life
Jim Vogt, former chaplain with Elim Care
John Peterson, chaplain at Harmony Gardens
Peter Johannsen, chaplain at Elim Shores
Joel Pike, chaplain at Lake Ridge
Jonathon Richeson, chaplain at Cornerstone
Dave Kiel, former vice president of spiritual life
Jay Ludwig, chaplain at Redeemer Health Care Center
Greg Loomis, chaplain at Haven Homes
Ed Bender, former vice president of spiritual life
Dale Clifton, chaplain at Milaca Elim Meadows
Dwight Petersen, former chaplain with Elim Care and now with Trinity Hospice
Tom Sahlstrom, former chaplain with Elim Care
John Carlson, former chaplain with Elim Care
Jon Addington, Cassia board member and North Central District director for older adult ministry
Those in attendance showed the scope of Cassia’s ministry in independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, hospice care, rehabilitation and adult day services.
Gratitude for Ongoing Prayer and Partnership
Cassia extends sincere thanks to the NCD and its churches for their faithful partnership and continued prayers. As Matthew shared during the conference:
“Thank you for your faithful partnership and for walking with Cassia in this sacred work. We are grateful for your prayers and ask that you continue to lift up our residents, team members and leaders as we seek God’s wisdom and strength in serving older adults in Christ’s name.”
This gathering served as a meaningful reminder of the shared calling that unites Cassia and the NCD and the impact of walking together in faith and service.
For more information about Cassia’s faith-based senior living or our connection with the EFCA NCD, please contact us today.