There is something sacred about the end of life—a time when presence, compassion, and peace matter most. Hospice care honors both the individual and the family, offering a space where love, dignity, and connection can take priority. At Wellspring Lutheran Services, the hospice team walks alongside individuals and their loved ones, offering comfort and support through one of life’s most tender transitions.
As people of faith, we believe life is a gift from God—from our first breath to our final one. Scripture reminds us that, even in death, we are held by God’s promises. Hospice care affirms this sacred truth by focusing on comfort, dignity, and being fully present in the time that remains.
“Hospice doesn’t mean it’s the end. It’s the beginning of a new stage where every moment matters. Having hospice meant we could still do the things we loved—take trips, attend special occasions, and make the most of our time together. Hospice made more possible,” shared one Wellspring Lutheran Services hospice family.
Hospice care is not about giving up—it’s about helping people live fully in the time they have left, surrounded by the people who matter most. Wellspring Lutheran Services focuses on quality of life by managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and easing the day-to-day pressures caregivers often face.
“Choosing hospice doesn’t mean giving up hope—it means shifting our focus to comfort, peace, and the relationships that matter,” said Dave Gehm, president and CEO of Wellspring Lutheran Services. “Our team considers it a sacred calling to walk with people during this time. We support the entire family—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
The Gift of Time
One message we hear time and again from families is this: “We wish we would have called sooner.” Choosing hospice earlier allows more time to build relationships, honor final wishes, and support loved ones during a meaningful and sacred season. With early hospice care, families can benefit from more days of connection, peace, and even joy—not just in the final hours, but throughout the final chapter.
The Wellspring hospice team includes a physician, nurses, social workers, chaplains, bereavement coordinators, aides, and trained volunteers. Together, they create a personalized care plan that reflects each person’s values and wishes, while also walking closely with the family through each step of the journey.
Grief support continues long after a loved one passes. In Frankenmuth, adult grief support groups offer a place to share, connect, and begin healing. For children and teens, Camp Hope provides a safe, supportive space to process loss, ask questions, and learn healthy ways to cope.
A Role for the Church
Churches and faith communities have always walked with people through illness, loss, and death. As Lutherans, we affirm that Christ is with us in suffering, and the community of believers is called to be Christ’s hands and feet in times of need. Here are a few ways your church can support families facing end-of-life transitions:
- Be present. Sit, listen, or pray—sometimes quiet companionship makes the biggest impact.
- Start conversations. Encourage openness around end-of-life care to reduce fear and stigma.
- Share resources. If someone in your church could benefit from hospice care, help connect them.
- Offer prayer. Lift up hospice families and caregivers in prayer as they walk through this sacred season.
- Involve your pastor. Spiritual care from a trusted church leader can offer deep peace and help affirm God’s promises, especially when paired with hospice chaplain support.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Hospice care is one way this rest can be made real—with compassion, presence and peace at the heart of each day.
Wellspring Lutheran Services serves individuals and families within a 50-mile radius of Frankenmuth, Mich. Care is provided wherever the individual calls home—in a private residence, assisted living, or other setting.
To learn more about the Wellspring hospice program, call 989.652.4663 or visit wellspringlutheran.com/hospice.
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