Faith Ties
While Samaritan Bethany is firmly nondenominational and provides loving care for people of any faith preference, our mission and values are inspired by our faith in God. We are committed to offering spiritual care through a full-time chaplain, and we maintain close ties to seven sponsoring churches.
Chaplain Services
At Samaritan Bethany, we know how important it is to support and honor the spiritual lives of all who make their home here.
Chaplain Cindy Singer performs ecumenical Sunday church services, as well as weekly Lenten and Advent services. She also holds weekly Bible studies in all of our communities, from our Independent Living apartments to our Assisted Living, Short Term Care and Long Term Care households. Our chaplain establishes relationships with residents during one-to-one visits. She also performs many memorial services for residents.
Chaplain Cindy can be contacted at 507-289-4031 or csinger@samaritanbethany.com.
Origins in Faith
Samaritan Bethany began operations in 1922 as The Samaritan Convalescent Hospital and Hotel of Rochester. The facility was established and operated by the Men’s Fellowship of Peace, United Church of Christ of Rochester, as an extension of the church to serve those in need.
In 1970, the Bethany Corporation, composed of representatives from five Olmsted County-area American Lutheran Churches that were interested in establishing a nursing home, began merger talks with what was by then the Samaritan Nursing Home board. In 1971, the Samaritan Bethany Corporation was formed and incorporated, and in 1973 Samaritan Bethany, Inc. took over the ownership and operation of the Samaritan Nursing Home and changed its name to Samaritan Bethany Home.
Continuing Connections
Today, we maintain a strong connection with seven sponsoring Christian churches – Peace United Church of Christ and six Lutheran congregations (all listed below). Representatives from these seven churches make up the majority of the Samaritan Bethany board of directors. There is no formal financial relationship between Samaritan Bethany and these congregations; they are free to contribute to the support of the organization as they see fit.
Through liaisons from each, we keep these churches aware of our mission, our needs for financial support and the volunteer opportunities available at Samaritan Bethany. Members of the congregations regularly volunteer as medical escorts, for hospice needs, as Sunday morning escorts for church services, and for the Home on Eighth Auxiliary and gift shop. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Ronnie Robertson at 507-289-5042 or rrobertson@samaritanbethany.com.
Samaritan Bethany, Inc. is affiliated with and supported by:
Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA)
810 3rd Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904
www.bethellutheran.com
Phone: 507-288-6430
Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA)
201 Frontage Road NW
Byron, MN 55920
www.clcbyron.org
Phone: 507-775-6646
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (ELCA)
1212 12th Avenue NW
Rochester, MN 55901
www.gloria-dei.com
Phone: 507-289-1841
Hosanna Lutheran Church (ELCA)
2815 57th Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
www.hosannalutheran.org
Phone: 507-285-0092
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (ELCA)
2124 Viola Road NE
Rochester, MN 55906
www.rochesteroslc.org
Phone: 507-289-3021
Peace United Church of Christ
1503 2nd Avenue NE
Rochester, MN 55906
www.peacechurchucc.org
Phone: 507-282-6117
Zumbro Lutheran Church (ELCA)
624 3rd Avenue SW
Rochester, MN 55902
www.zumbrolutheran.org
Phone: 507-288-2649