Finding Belonging, Purpose, and Peace: An Interview with Pastor Bob at Mission Grove at Stoneybrook

Moving to a senior living community is one of life’s biggest transitions. For Bob and his wife, the decision came with lots of questions, worries, and the weight of leaving decades of friendships behind. Today, they’re settled at Mission Grove at Stoneybrook, and their story is a powerful reminder of how important community is.

We sat down with Bob to talk about his journey, his fears, and the unexpected purpose he’s found since moving in.

“We were leaving 30 years of neighbors and 40 years of church friendships.”

Q: What were your biggest worries about moving to a senior living community? How have those feelings changed?

Bob:

“Leaving behind 30 years of neighbors and 40 years of church friendships gave us a lot of anxiety. These were people of all ages, people we’d shared life with. We wondered how we’d adjust to a place where everyone was new.”

But once they arrived at Mission Grove, something shifted.

“We realized we had one big thing in common with everyone here — we’re in the same stage of life. Our ages, our needs, our goals… they’re shared. That gave us comfort.”

Downsizing was another concern.

“We went from a house to a two‑bedroom apartment and wondered if it would work. But when we saw how beautiful and adequate it was, we felt at peace.”

And like many families, finances weighed heavily.

“We wanted to make sure we could afford to live in a beautiful place like this without running out of money. Our financial planners helped us create a plan that works. That gave us real peace.”

Finding Purpose Again

Q: Can you tell us about a friendship, activity, or experience that helped you feel like you belonged?

Bob:

“Coming from 40–50 years in pastoral ministry, I wondered if I’d still be needed. It didn’t take long to find out I was.”

Bob now leads a weekly Bible study and has created a prayer ministry where residents can submit requests, anonymously or with their names, and receive a confidential follow‑up.

“It’s exciting to serve again.”

He and his wife have also found meaningful friendships, including supporting a grieving widow after her husband passed away.

“We were able to encourage her and pray with her. It met a need for her, and it gave us a feeling that we were doing something helpful.”

His wife, a retired pastor’s wife, has also found her calling here.

“She’s reached out to women and widows who feel lonely or discouraged. She’s helping them figure out how to enjoy these last years of life. She’s giving them peace.”

“Life is filled with choices… and sometimes you have to take a step of faith.”

Q: What would you say to someone afraid of leaving their home or starting over?

Bob:

“As we get closer to the end of our lives, we have choices to make. Are we going to take a step of faith that God will honor? Or are we going to live with fear and doubt?”

Bob believes Mission Grove provides the physical, emotional, and spiritual environment seniors need.

“When we came in, everyone was a stranger. But as we reached out to them, and they reached out to us, we found we could share stories, peace, and prayer. We found connection.”

He and his wife don’t know how long they’ll live at Mission Grove — but they know how they want to live.

“Jesus said, ‘I’ve come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.’ Our goal is to end our lives with joy and peace, not sadness or discouragement.”

A Moment That Stood Out

Q: What has been your favorite experience at Mission Grove so far?

Bob:

“There was a lady sitting across from me in the chapel. She wasn’t smiling. She looked tense. I knew she needed encouragement.”

Bob walked over, sat beside her, and asked if he could pray with her.

“She looked at me and started smiling like, ‘You would pray for me?’ Ever since that day, she thanks me whenever she sees me. I have no idea what she was dealing with, but that moment was a highlight.”

A Final Reflection

Before we wrapped up, Bob shared one more thought.

“I’ve been on staff at several churches and ministries. One thing I sensed when I came here was how well‑trained, professional, and caring the staff is — especially Amanda and her team. Leadership sets the tone, and it’s lived out in the residents. It’s one of the most important parts of this experience.”

Schedule a tour today and see all of the interesting people like Bob who make up the community at Mission Grove at Stoneybrook.