At Luthercare, Spiritual Care Week (October 19-25, 2025) is a special time to reflect on the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit – three elements that are deeply interconnected aspects of well-being. At both Luther Acres and St. John’s Herr Estate, we recognize that true wellness encompasses the whole person, and we are proud to offer spiritual care as a vital part of our commitment to holistic well-being.
Whether through worship, devotionals, meaningful conversation, educational programs, or compassionate companionship, our goal is to support residents in leading lives that are purposeful, connected, and fulfilling. Our holistic approach to well-being is designed to help residents flourish by supporting every dimension of their health:
- Mind: We support mental well-being by offering opportunities for intellectual engagement and cognitive stimulation. This can include activities like group discussions, classes, and new skill development, which challenge the brain and help residents maintain a sense of curiosity and purpose.
- Body: We support physical well-being through activities that promote movement and health. This ranges from gentle exercises and walking clubs to proper nutrition and rest. A healthy body is a foundation for a healthy mind and spirit.
- Spirit: We support spiritual well-being, which is about finding meaning and connection in life, whether through traditional religious practice or other pursuits. It can be found in a sense of community, a connection to nature, or an appreciation for the beauty in the world.
Our commitment to spiritual care is deeply rooted in our Lutheran heritage. As a social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we are called to humbly serve with compassion and walk together in faith as we embrace a spirit of inclusion, welcoming individuals from all faiths and traditions.
Spiritual Care Week has its roots in Pastoral Care Week, first observed in 1985 through the efforts of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and the College of Chaplains. What began as a national initiative grew into an international celebration of spiritual care in all its forms. Today, it serves as a time for chaplains and spiritual care providers around the world to share their stories, honor their ministries, and raise awareness about the essential role spiritual care plays in supporting individuals and families.
Honoring Our Chaplains
As we celebrate Spiritual Care Week, we also take this opportunity to recognize and honor our Church Relations and Spiritual Care Team for the essential and compassionate work they do every day.
Our dedicated team of chaplains provide spiritual guidance and pastoral care, lead worship, offer prayer and counsel, and are a steady, caring presence during life’s most joyful and challenging moments. Their work often happens quietly, but its impact is deeply felt across our communities.
During this special week, we invite residents, team members, and family members to join us in offering thanks, encouragement, and appreciation for our chaplains. Their dedication is a cornerstone of the care we provide.
Our Spiritual Care Team
Rev. Glenn A. Beard , Jr., Vice President of Church Relations & Pastoral Care
Glenn is an ELCA pastor who has been in the ministry since 1990. Pastor Beard achieved Board Certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains and served as chaplain with Hospice & Community Care, Lancaster, from 2002-2014. In October of 2014, Pastor Beard accepted his current call at Luthercare. He is deeply rooted in Luthercare’s faith-based mission, providing spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and fostering meaningful connections within our communities and beyond.
Pastor Beard has had a strong interest in and passion for disaster response ministry and critical incident stress management. He served on the Lancaster County Critical Incident Stress Management Team for 10 years, responding to serious traumatic events locally and nationally, including 9/11 and the Nickel Mines School Shooting. It was during his response to the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City that he felt called to chaplaincy. Pastor Beard has been serving as Coordinator of the Lower Susquehanna Synod’s Disaster Response Network since 2015. Since 2007, Pastor Beard has personally organized and participated in 25 disaster response mission trips with volunteers from across the Lower Susquehanna Synod and has trained and equipped others to do that same.
Pastor Beard is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and loves brass music as well. In his spare time, he manages the Heidelberg Brass Band, a small band begun by his father and two uncles in 1954. The band plays throughout the local region and is becoming increasingly popular for its “Polka Mass with the Heidelberg Brass Band.” Pastor Beard and his wife, Lisa, live in Ephrata.
Chaplain Mark Jeske – Luther Acres
Chaplain Mark began discerning his call to ministry at a young age, inspired by a formative conversation with his missionary grandfather. That moment helped shape his understanding that spiritual transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, not human effort, and this truth continues to guide his ministry today.
After earning a degree in German from Wittenberg University and completing seminary and graduate studies in both the U.S. and Germany, Chaplain Mark served two Lutheran congregations near York, Pa. It was there he discovered his deep love for people, for walking alongside them in both the messiness and beauty of life, especially during times of need.
In 2010, he answered God’s call to deepen his learning of providing spiritual care by completing a chaplain residency in Allentown before serving at Saint Luke’s (Episcopal) Hospital in Kansas City for over a decade. Board certified as a chaplain (BCC), Chaplain Mark is passionate about soul care, spiritual companionship, and mentoring others pursuing the chaplaincy path.
He returned to Pennsylvania in 2025 to join Luthercare, drawn by the opportunity to be closer to family and to reconnect with this region. He enjoys music, yoga, hiking, biking, cooking, entertaining, and spending time with loved ones. Each day, he wakes up eager to serve, inspired by the verse: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Chaplain Dione Klepetka – St. John’s Herr Estate
Chaplain Dione began her professional life in the corporate world after earning a degree in Organizational Management from the University of Colorado. While she initially believed God was calling her to witness through executive leadership, a period of deep discernment — with input from family, friends, and church members — led her to seminary and a new path in ministry. She left behind her career, packed up her car, and moved nearly 2,000 miles to follow that call.
After completing seminary, Dione was ordained and began serving as a solo pastor in York County, Pa., where her husband, Brad, also served as a pastor. Together, they raised two daughters. Her first call was to “an extremely conflicted congregation” (as described by her bishop), but through God’s grace, creative ministry, and collaborative leadership, the church experienced renewal and growth.
Although she loved many aspects of congregational ministry, Dione felt a strong pull toward more one-on-one spiritual care and visitation. In 2013, she answered that call by becoming a chaplain with Luthercare, serving St. John’s Herr Estate and Luthercare’s Childcare and Early Learning Centers. She became a Board-Certified Chaplain in 2020, following intensive training and preparation, and brought her gifts in creating intergenerational connections, leading worship, and nurturing holistic well-being.
At St. John’s Herr Estate, Chaplain Dione leads a wide variety of spiritual programs, from Bible studies, grief groups, and worship services to music ministries like the “Old Chimers” chime choir. Dione is active in the broader church, currently serving on the Lower Susquehanna Synod’s Transforming Ministry Leadership Team and chairing the Konde Committee, among other roles. In March, she was invited to participate in a Lutheran World Federation International Seminar for Pastors where she was one of 21 pastors from around the world, with whom she enjoys continuing connection.
Chaplain Dione’s mission is simple and powerful: to love God, love all people (especially those in need), and care for God’s creation. Her hobbies often double as spiritual practices, including crocheting, quilting, hiking, and even elk hunting. Rooted in faith, she finds great joy and purpose in chaplaincy and brings a deep sense of hope to her work and the world around her.
Honoring Spiritual Life, Every Day
At Luthercare, we celebrate the many ways spiritual life is expressed, nurtured, and honored in our communities — not just during Spiritual Care Week, but every day. Whether through worship, conversation, service, or quiet reflection, we are committed to supporting each resident’s spiritual well-being.
Historical background on Spiritual Care Week adapted with appreciation from content provided by The COMISS Network: The Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings at www.spiritualcareweek.org.