Two years ago, Pres Homes went through a process to evaluate and change our mission statement. We also added a vision statement and clearly spelled out our values. In Stand-Up this week we will learn more about all three of these and why they are important to all of us.

Just what is a mission statement and why do we need to have one? A mission statement “defines the fundamental purpose of an organization, succinctly describing why it exists and what it does.” Simply said, it talks about the organizational objective and includes the broad goals for which we were formed.

Our previous mission statement had been in place for the better part of 50 years. We knew it was too long, was too much like others' mission statements, and just needed to be updated. We sought input from staff, residents and families. Then we created a number of options and took several months to get reactions from the Board of Directors, managers, staff and residents.

After that long process, the new mission statement was decided. Can anyone recite for me the new mission statement? [Facilitator: Give a few minutes to let staff answer the question.]  It is: “The mission of Presbyterian Homes & Services is to enrich the lives of older adults through services and communities that reflect the love of God.” As employees, why do we need to know and understand our mission statement? A good mission statement helps us understand the overall purpose of our job and what we should try to do each day. There are three specific parts of our statement that we all need to understand.

First, every day, we need to find ways to “enrich” the lives of our older adults, our residents. How can you do that today?  [Facilitator: Leave a few minutes for discussion and be ready with some answers for the group.]

Second, we have decided that we will enrich our residents' lives through “services and communities.” Some of our customers just receive the services we offer. These customers might get meals through Optage Senior Dining, or home health care through Optage, or project development services through Senior Housing Partners. Most of our customers, however, live in our communities. That is our primary way to deliver care and services to our customers.

Finally, we do all of this in a way that reflects the love of God. What does that mean for you today? How can you reflect the love of God to everyone you see today? [Facilitator: Leave a few minutes for discussion and be ready with some answers for the group.]

Heavenly Father, We are so grateful for all of the people who help support this ministry and our organization. Our donors and volunteers have given so much over the years and we recognize those gifts as blessings. When we think of how our residents' lives and our experience as employees has been enriched by the various gifts, we are thankful. And while each person has their reason for giving of their time, talent, or treasure, we know it often comes as a result of our service. Help us to remember that today and to give the very best we have to give.

We now lift up the joys and concerns that have been shared for prayer. (Name them or pause in silence.)

We can only do that in your strength. Amen.