St. John’s United Church of Christ received the Diakonie Award, which is presented to congregations that have demonstrated faithfulness, generosity, compassion and encouragement in their support of the UCH mission and its communities.

The church has teamed up with Chapel Hill Community to host a variety of ministries and offers a meal and food pantry, serving between 60 and 110 people each month. The congregation has been giving to Chapel Hill since its records began in the early 1980s. Since then, congregants have given 760 gifts totaling more than $97,500.

Friends of Chapel Hill Auxiliary received the Spirit Award, which is presented to individuals who exemplify volunteerism, advocacy, inspiration and spirit for the residents of the UCH communities and their families.

The Friends is a group of volunteers, founded in 1964, just after Chapel Hill opened. The group meets monthly, and members share ideas for resident recreation and plan ways to raise money to help fulfill various resident needs.

John and Judy Kropf received the prestigious Ben M. Herbster Award. The award is presented to individuals who best exemplify the philosophy, leadership, philanthropic spirit and achievements of the late Dr. Ben M. Herbster. Herbster was the first president of the United Church of Christ after it formed in 1961.

The Kropfs have been devoted donors to Chapel Hill since the 1980s. Throughout these decades, they gave more than 40 gifts to support abundant aging for older adults served by United Church Homes.

Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, said he is thankful for St. John’s, the auxiliary and the Kropfs for their engagement.

“Your service allows us to continue our mission at United Church Homes and create abundant life at Chapel Hill,” Daniel said.

For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.

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About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, headquartered in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The faith-based nonprofit organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving nearly 5,000 residents of all faiths in 74 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.

Media Contact: Alissa Paolella, Communications Coordinator, 740.382.4885 or apaolella@uchinc.org