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One of the joys of living at Newton Village Retirement Community is the benefit of having a full-time chaplain. At Newton Village, Pastor Dan Jordan fills this role wonderfully, offering residents comfort, support and friendship.
“I’m native to southern Wisconsin, and dairy farming is my heritage,” explained Pastor Dan. “After Bible College, I pastored in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Iowa, just off I-80 in each state. I met my wife, Deb, in college and we’ve been married 29 years. We have three adult children and one grandchild. Along the way, I earned a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in north Chicago.”
In the summer of 2020, Pastor Dan was between ministries and a pastor friend recommended him for the Newton Village chaplain opening. “My interviews confirmed it would be a good opportunity,” he said. “My role here includes listening to, praying for, and sharing life with our residents and staff. Each person I meet becomes a new friend; I enjoy learning their life story and meeting their family so they trust me and know I care for them.”
Pastor Dan acknowledges that the pandemic has been difficult, and while reducing risk within various guidelines has been good for our physical health, it’s been very challenging to our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. “I needed to be a regular touchpoint in people’s lives, since we couldn’t congregate for meals or activities for some time,” he added. “Staying hopeful and following guidelines was something to focus on to protect ourselves and others. We’re thankful for vaccinations and reduced Covid rates in Jasper County; everyone is glad that regulations have been relaxed and we can gather together again.”
Pastor Dan feels privileged to serve as Newton Village’s chaplain. “I hope to love them as well as Jesus has loved me,” he said. “Each person grows my heart as I share life with them.”
Newton Village
110 N. 5th Avenue W
Newton, Iowa 50208
Ph: 641-792-0115
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