FAITH-BASED CARE
The Christian/Mennonite values of our Society are expressed daily through the attitudes and actions of staff, and in the work of our chaplains who attend to residents’ spiritual needs and coordinate ministry from churches in the community. Residents of other faiths (or no faith affiliation) are respected and supported as well.
Our campus includes chapels at Menno Hospital and Menno Home, meeting rooms for Bible studies, and a closed-circuit TV system that allows chapel services, music programs and special events to be viewed in every lounge and resident room.
The motivating faith of MBS is summed up in two themes found in Titus 3:8… “trusting in God” and “devoted to good works.”
More information on Mennonite faith and ministries can be found at: www.mennonitechurch.ca, www.mbconf.ca and Church of God in Christ, Mennonite
Our Faith Connections
The Mennonite Benevolent Society and its facilities are part of a network of over 50 Mennonite-related healthcare organizations across Canada. Our annual conference, called the Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly (CMHA) rotates among several provinces and regions.
Our Society is also a founding member of the Denominational Health Association, formed in 1995 to strengthen understanding and cooperation between faith-based healthcare facilities and the provincial government. DHA members—including Anglican, Baptist, Hope Reform, Jewish, Lutheran, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Plymouth Brethren, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist and United Church facilities—represent over 6,000 beds with a combined annual operating budget of more than $1 billion. More information is available at Denominational Health Association website.
Medical Assistance in Dying
Since 1953, Menno Place has been providing compassionate Christian care for the elderly in Abbotsford. We reflect God’s love by providing facilities and services that express our commitment to excellent care thereby enabling residents to live with hope and dignity. Governed by the Mennonite Benevolent Society we respect the sanctity of life and oppose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) which was legalized in Canada in 2016. As a faith-based organization, we have taken the position of a conscientious objector to the provision of MAiD.
Menno Home, Menno Hospital, and subsidized Assisted Living are funded through Fraser Health. In spite of our conscientious objections, we are required to ensure that assessments related to MAiD are available upon request. We also must facilitate an eligible resident’s transfer to an organization where MAiD is provided. To minimize distress on a resident at a difficult time in life, our care homes discourage moving here if a resident envisions MAiD as part of their future.
The mission and values of Menno Place reflect an enduring commitment to compassionate end-of-life care for residents from all backgrounds and faiths. End of Life care affirms life and regards dying as a normal process while supporting the resident and their family. Our palliative care approach recognizes the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each resident and is foundational to our legacy of compassionate Christian care and quality of life for seniors in our community.
