THREE SISTERS HONORED FOR THEIR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
By Ashley Wiehe
Director of Advancement
With prayer and compassion, they assemble each care package. For a veteran, a red, white, and blue tissue holder. For a widow, a devotional written for times of grief. For a caregiver, a cross to hold in times of stress.
From the start of the Care Ministry in 2023, Diane, Ruth, and Eloise Hartmann are sisters who have been faithfully serving the ministry at Worship Anew. Before their time with the Care Ministry, they served by helping with mailings and other needs in the ministry.
This year, they are being honored with the Rev. Oswald Bertram Award. They were recognized at the Appreciation Luncheon on June 9.
This award is named in honor of the Rev. Oswald Bertram who conceived the idea of “Worship Anew” (then known as “Worship for Shut-Ins”) in 1965, when he was pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. He continued the television ministry in Toledo until his death from cancer in 1979. This award recognizes volunteers who serve their Lord by devoting their time, talents, and energy to Worship Anew’s ministry.
“Diane, Ruth, and Eloise Hartmann have served faithfully since the launch of our Care Ministry in 2023,” said Matthew Leighty, executive director. “Their service is a beautiful picture of Christ’s love made tangible.”
They know how important the Care Ministry is to people because it is supporting them at some of the lowest times in their lives. With each package, they reflect on that person’s needs and fill the box with items chosen just for them.
“We know how much it means to people. We had a brother who passed away and his wife received it,” Diane said. “We know she really appreciated it.”
They take care with each package — noting a favorite Bible verse or a favorite color — to find items, such as a mug or journal, that perfectly suit that person.
“We try to coordinate colors,” said Ruth, adding that they take special care with the snacks for any health issues.
In these past three years, nearly 800 care packages have been sent out to aging adults and caregivers in need — many packed by these three sisters.
“I know that it helps people that have lost their husband or wife or that have a lot of sicknesses or illnesses,” Eloise said.
“I think, too, it makes us realize how blessed we are personally — that we can help with the care packages and volunteer,” Diane added.
Pictured above: Three sisters, Ruth, Diane, and Eloise Hartmann, serve together in the Care Ministry at Worship Anew. They are all being honored this year with the Bertram Award.