MIM BOOK


WHY I SERVE F


orty-three individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column features a member of one of the boards and lists those who serve with the highlighted individual.


Mim Book, Landis Homes Board of Directors


Tell me a little about yourself… I grew up near Strasburg, PA, on a dairy farm that has been in the Book family for 120 years. I’m the youngest of six children. I’ve lived and worked in several places, including Indiana and Nebraska and traveled the world while doing pastoral and administrative work for Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM). I studied in the Philadelphia area and pastored in Harleysville as


well as interim pastorates in six congregations. Jim Lapp and I have been married for 25 years.


When did you first hear of Landis Homes? My grandmother and parents lived here and as a pastor, I visited people at Landis Homes. Before moving here 7 years ago, we were in the Souderton, PA, area, where Jim grew up. When we started talking about a retirement community, he suggested we move back to Lancaster. We never looked anywhere other than Landis Homes. Te guiding values, particularly the emphasis on Community, have made this a wonderful fit for us.


How did you come to serve on the Landis Homes Board? Board work is part of who I am. I appreciate understanding how an organization works and enjoy envisioning what may be next. Landis Homes is superb at remembering and acknowledging our history without living in the past. Te Board and Leadership keep the mission and vision in focus while planning for now and the future. Holding past, present and future together so well is rare. It was an honor to be invited to serve on this Board.


Enriching Lives, Together


What was the first thing you noticed when you joined the board? I noticed that leaders listen. Various communication channels exist for residents, including [monthly] Residents Council and [quarterly] Resident Association meetings. Communication is critical, and there is care to keep open lines with all leaders and among board members.


How has your role on the Landis Homes Board affected your life? I have a unique perspective as both a resident and a Board member. As I learn more on the Board, I am impressed with the authenticity and integrity of staff and volunteer leaders. Tere is genuine care and compassion. As a resident who will someday face end of life, it is comforting to know that this will be extended to me, when needed.


What dreams do you have for the organization? One of my greatest joys in pastoring was being present with persons at end of life. Now as a trained End of Life Doula, I hope Landis Homes keeps developing end of life ministries. I also encourage the continued focus on building a community of people with diverse faith backgrounds, interests and experiences while staying grounded in who we are.


Why do you serve on the Board of Landis Homes? I serve as a way to contribute insights from my past experience and to give back to the community where I live. I share a sacred trust with the other board members as we look to live out the vision for Landis Homes. Personally, this work gives me energy, stretches me and helps me to flourish.


LANDIS HOME BOARD MEMBERS


• Glen Moffett, Chair • Gerry Horst, Vice-Chair • Lisa Clark, Secretary • Kenneth Moore, Treasurer


• Mim Book • Bill Davis • Sherwood Lingenfelter • George Stoltzfus


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Summer 2025 • 19


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