Please Support Lutheran Home Chaplains This Christmas.
Your gift ensures older adults in our care receive compassionate, spiritual support, fostering hope, dignity and comfort. Whether sitting with someone in grief, celebrating joyful moments or guiding tough decisions, our chaplains profoundly impact lives every day.
As a non-profit organization that services seniors, Lutheran Home believes that care extends beyond simply physical and emotional needs. We employ a team of chaplains to provide vital spiritual guidance, offering prayers, companionship and comfort to residents, families and team members.
This Christmas, we need your help to sustain this ministry. See how each donation supports our chaplain’s salary, ensuring our spiritual care remains a cornerstone of our mission.
By giving today, you’re offering more than support—you are bringing light, peace and hope to those who need it most.
Meet the Lutheran Home Communities Chaplains.
Please Give to Sustain Our Chaplain Services.
100% of Your Donation is Used for the Chaplain’s Fund.
The Foundation will direct your gift to the ministry of our Lutheran Home community chaplains. Your support ensures that pastoral expenses are covered for Bibles, counseling materials, support groups and other related needs. One hundred percent of your contribution will be used in the Chaplain’s Fund with none going to overhead or administrative costs.
Meet Our Chaplains.
Rev. Paul Klopke, MDiv. LCMS
Rev. Paul Klopke serves as chaplain for Lutheran Home and associate pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights. A graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, he has over 30 years of experience in senior care ministry, including chaplaincy in nursing homes, hospitals and disability centers. Passionate about supporting older adults and their families, Rev. Klopke brings both compassion and dedication to his work. He and his wife, Julie, have two grown children and four grandsons, and he enjoys spending time with family, cheering on Chicago sports teams and staying active outdoors.
Rev. Charles Plummer, MDiv. ELCA
Rev. Charles Plummer, ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, serves as chaplain for Lutheran Home, supporting patients in MyRehab and long-term care. He joined Lutheran Home in 2023 after serving congregations in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Portsmouth, Ohio. A native of Ohio, which he calls the “Promised Land,” Rev. Plummer enjoys listening to residents’ stories, leading Bible studies and facilitating worship services. He lives in Arlington Heights with his wife, Sara, and their two sons, Parker and Andrew, who enjoy volunteering in the Chapel of Saint John the Beloved.
Lutheran Life Communities Chaplains.
Pleasant View
Rev. David Ufkes, MDiv. ELCA
Rev. David Ufkes, a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary, brings decades of pastoral experience to his role as chaplain for Pleasant View. Over his career, he has served parishes across Illinois and Wisconsin and contributed as dean of the South Conference of the Northern Illinois Synod. He also served 11 years on the Pleasant View Board of Directors, including five as president. Rev. Ufkes and his wife, Linda, live in Ottawa, Illinois, where they remain active in their community.
Wittenberg Village
Rev. Cory A. Wielert, LCMS
Rev. Cory A. Wielert, a 2006 graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, serves as the Corporate Director of Spiritual Care for Lutheran Life Communities, overseeing pastoral care across four communities, including his role as chaplain for Wittenberg Village. With a background in English and Criminal Justice, Rev. Wielert has contributed to publications like Hope-Full Living and the American Geriatrics Society. He lives in Crown Point, Indiana, with his wife and their four sons, enjoying family sports and community life.
Luther Oaks
Rev. Pete Wiedman, Masters of Arts in Spiritual Formation Non-Denominational/Christian
Rev. Pete Wiedman, a California native and U.S. Marine, serves as chaplain for Luther Oaks. A third-generation minister, he was ordained in 2013 after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois Springfield and completing seminary at Lincoln Christian Seminary. He was called to Luther Oaks in 2022 and enjoys serving its residents with warmth and compassion. Rev. Wiedman lives in Normal, Illinois, with his wife, Nicole, their three children, Layla, Kai, and Karis and their two beloved dogs.
In addition, we are blessed to have Rev. John Lang as a resident at Hearthstone in Arlington Heights. John is retired but is often called upon for chaplaincy duties on weekends or at night. Their mission is our mission.
As we celebrate Christmas, please support our ministry with a gift.
Our chaplaincy program depends on the gifts of many. Some can give much, some are able to only give a little. Whatever the size of the gift, Lutheran Life Communities honors the giver. Our historic mission began over 130 years ago with a gift of pennies. We ask that you give as you are able.
On behalf of the residents, team members and board of Lutheran Life Communities, we ask again for your support in our annual appeal. Please give with joy!
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas season.
“Now He who supplies seed to the Sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
– 2 Corinthians 9-10
Let’s connect.
We look forward to meeting you! Call (224) 312-3003 or use the form to schedule a tour or RSVP to an event.
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Lutheran Life Communities has been serving older adults and their families for more than 130 years. It is a legacy of always moving forward with intention, founded on the core value of our faith-based mission while being inclusive of people of all faiths, backgrounds and traditions. We enrich everyday experiences for residents, families and team members who believe life is better when lived together in the community.
