Handmade #PerryStrong prayer crosses delivered by Perry Lutheran Homes to families, schools, and first responders

Hand-crafted, #PerryStrong prayer crosses were made and delivered to share support, encouragement, and the love of Jesus to impacted families, Perry public schools, and Perry first responders on Thursday, February 15.

“While the January 4 school shooting may no longer be in the headlines, the heartbreaking reality remains in everyone’s’ hearts and minds. All of us at Perry Lutheran Homes want to convey our continued love and support to the families, students, and staff, as well as the heroes who responded. We continue to hold you all close in our prayers,” shares Perry Lutheran Homes Director of Marketing, Mollie Clark.

Together, simultaneously at all three Perry Lutheran Homes campuses, residents, staff, volunteers, as well as children and staff from Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy made around 1,500 royal blue and white, #PerryStrong prayer crosses.

Baskets full of crosses were then delivered to Perry Elementary, Middle, and High School. And, individual care baskets with blankets, activity books, prayer crosses, snacks, and more were made up and delivered to individuals/families of those wounded or killed.

“Wow, this is amazing. We will make sure that every student and staff that wants one will get one. Thank you for being a place of refuge for many of our students and staff the morning of (the shooting). I heard that everyone there was well taken care of. Thank you so much for your support,” expressed Perry Middle School Principal, Ned Menke.

Perry High School Delivery

Perry Middle School Delivery

Perry Elementary School Delivery

Prayer cross deliveries were also made to Perry first responders at the Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services.

“We really appreciate the support and are grateful to receive these crosses from everyone at Perry Lutheran Homes. The Perry Fire Department is made up of dedicated volunteers. And, to handle the large number of calls we receive, we could really use more help,” said Matt Hix, Perry Deputy Fire Chief.

Consider stepping up to volunteer for the Perry Fire Department to keep this crucial service going. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community of Perry and for residents of Dallas County. Those interested in volunteering for the Perry Fire Department can call 515-465-4285.

Perry Fire Department Delivery

Perry Police Department Delivery

The Perry Lutheran Homes resident prayer-cross ministry has brought blessings to numerous individuals over the last decade. Crosses have been distributed in various locations across Iowa, the nation, and even Haiti. Each cross is made from polymer clay. Two colors are combined and worked by hand to create unique swirls and markings, then rolled out into long cylinders, cut to size, formed into a cross, and baked. After baking, a glaze is applied along with a tag. Each cross bears fingerprints from its maker with no two crosses alike.

“We always have to remember that God is with us, even in times of trouble,” states Barb Ferguson, resident at Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley campus. Barb is just one of the many residents who were eager to serve the community by helping make prayer crosses.

Perry Lutheran Homes wants to recognize and thank its incredible residents, staff, partners, and volunteers for helping to make these special #PerryStrong crosses. In addition, thanks to Polyform for the donation of Sculpey clay, and to Wilcox Printing & Publishing in Madrid, IA for the custom #PerryStrong prayer cross tags. The front of the tags read “Jesus, I hold your cross in the palm of my hand. Trusting in you, but I don’t always understand. In troubled times when life is hard to bear, your cross gives me strength and comfort when I come to you in prayer.” It is the hope that these crosses bring strength and comfort in the weeks and months to come. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts. Psalm 28:7.

Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley campus tenant, Wilma Collins, holds up the prayer cross she is working on making

Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley campus tenants, staff and volunteers gather to make prayer crosses – Sue Finer (left) – Jackie Spellman (right)

Perry Lutheran Homes King’s Gardens campus residents, Nancy & Kathy, together with Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy children, make prayer crosses

Hundreds of glazed prayer crosses sit out to dry

Special handmade #PerryStrong prayer crosses

Back of tag prayer

Perry Middle School Delivery: L to R – Yneli Rios – PLH Eden Acres campus Activity Director, Santa “Nani” Soriano – Perry Middle School Administrative Assistant, Jennifer Rothfus – PLH Marketing & Admissions Coordinator, Mandi Balentine – Acorns & Oaks Director, Ned Menke – Perry Middle School Principal, Barb Ferguson – Spring Valley campus tenant, Elizaeth Laughridge – PLH Healthcare Aide, Juli Haberer – Spring Valley Campus Activity Director, and Mollie Clark – PLH Director of Marketing

Perry High School Delivery: L to R – Perry Lutheran Homes staffers Elizabeth Laughridge - Healthcare Aide, Mollie Clark – Director of Marketing, Jennifer Rothfus – Marketing & Admissions Coordinator, Yneli Rios – Eden Acres campus Activity Director, Perry High School staffers Lili Cortes, Heather Ketelsen, and Heidi Godwin, Acorns & Oaks Christian Academy Director - Mandi Ballentine, PLH Spring Valley campus Activity Director - Juli Haberer, and PLH Spring Valley campus tenant, Barb Ferguson

Perry Elementary School Delivery: L to R – Mandi Ballentine – Acorns & Oaks Director, Mollie Clark – PLH Director of Marketing, Chris Aggen – Perry Elementary Dean of Students, Perry Lutheran Homes staffers Yneli Rios – Eden Acres campus Activity Director, Jennifer Rothfus – Marketing & Admissions Coordinator, Juli Haberer – Spring Valley campus Activity Director, and Elizabeth Laughridge – Healthcare Aide

Perry Fire Department Delivery: L to R – Ben Brown – Firefighter, Perry Lutheran Homes staffers Mollie Clark – Director of Marketing, Elzabeth Laughridge – Healthcare Aide, Jennifer Rothfus – Marketing & Admissions Coordinator, Acorns & Oaks Director – Mandi Ballentine, Yneli Rios – Eden Acres campus Activity Director, Matt Hix - Deputy Fire Chief, Dave Barkley - Assistant Fire Chief, Barb Ferguson – PLH Spring Valley campus, and Juli Haberer – PLH Spring Valley campus Activity Director

Perry Police Department Delivery: L to R – Perry Lutheran Homes staffers Laura Nelson – Director of Ministry Growth, Elizabeth Laughridge – Healthcare Aide, Acorns & Oaks Director – Mandi Ballentine, Jennifer Rothfus – PLH Marketing & Admissions Coordinator, Perry Police Sergeant Alex Lott, Mollie Clark – PLH Director of Marketing, Barb Ferguson – PLH Spring Valley campus tenant, and Juli Haberer – PLH Spring Valley campus Activity Director

About Perry Lutheran Homes

Perry Lutheran Homes is your locally owned and managed, Christian Caring Community serving Perry and surrounding communities for over 65 years. Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered living and care at three campuses in Perry, IA – Spring Valley Campus, King’s Garden’s Campus and Eden Acres Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, award-winning memory care, respite care, skilled nursing care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care, end-of-life care and meals on wheels.