Independent Living

CRISTA Senior Living: A Unique Faith Community

December 20th, 2024

CRISTA Senior Living Blog Faith Community Hero Image

Visitors often remark on the unique atmosphere at CRISTA Senior Living—it’s something they can feel the moment they step through our doors. We believe that what sets us apart is our foundation of faith.

When researching senior living options for his parents, Roy Chapel read that faith-based communities provide a better experience than the norm, so he chose CRISTA Senior Living for his mother and father. His father lived out his days in a loving atmosphere, surrounded by caring Christians, and his mother thrived until the age of 95, surrounded by like-minded friends.

His parents’ experience persuaded Roy and his wife to choose Cristwood when they moved into a retirement community. They especially enjoy the campus of 55 beautiful, wooded acres, and our dedicated staff who work tirelessly to meet the needs of the residents, fostering a community where shared values, including faith, create meaningful connections with both neighbors and team members.

“Living at Cristwood gives us an opportunity to interact socially with others by just stepping out of our door,” Roy said.

Faith at the Unique Core of CRISTA Senior Living

For a Christian, moving into Cristwood in Shoreline or Crista Shores in Silverdale means moving into a community that values what you value and is there for you in your faith journey. Beth Furhiman found this to be especially helpful when her husband became ill soon after they moved to Cristwood.

“We were so glad that we had made the move already. The needs we had were met here,” Beth said.

When widowed, Beth joined a resident-led Grief Support Group that has brought much healing. In addition, she has had many opportunities to continue her lifetime of ministry as a member of the Missions Committee, a lay chaplain, part of a weekly prayer group, a member of the choir, and playing the piano for residents to sing hymns on Sunday afternoons.

“The friendships I’ve made and the freedom to bear one another’s burdens is wonderful. I think about my neighbors up and down my hall—when we have a need we go to each other and ask for prayer,” Beth said. “We learn from each other as we each share our faith journey. Cristwood Park exceeded my expectations. I had no idea the fun people had while living here. When you move in with energy and ideas, it’s a wonderful place to be.”

Unique Fellowship for Residents

In addition to friendships with like-minded people and informal times of prayer, CRISTA Senior Living encourages Christian residents with weekly Bible studies at all care levels, support groups, and prayer meetings. Full time chaplains in our residences hold regular church services, meet with residents on an individual basis, and train lay chaplains who walk alongside their peers in life’s journey. And residents remain active as they engage in many opportunities to express their faith and put it into action by serving others.

A special prayer meeting that meets weekly is Cristwood residents who pray for the seniors at King’s Schools by name. This joining of hearts has been going on for three years now, with the seniors at King’s reciprocating. It’s a wonderful example of the strength of our multigenerational campus.

Christian Staff Called to a Unique Ministry

Every person employed at CRISTA Senior Living is a person of faith. As such, they see their work as a ministry, viewing each resident as a unique child of God who deserves honor and respect.

Our residents know that staff members will drop everything to pray with them if they need it. Staff members do everything they can to enhance the lives of our seniors, including giving to the Sponsor a Grandparent Fund we’ve set up to help residents in financial need.

The attitudes of our staff are reflected in these words from Brian Cordova, Executive Director of Cristwood Park in Shoreline:

Many of our residents are retired pastors, missionaries, doctors, nurses, and teachers who have lived lives of active service. They bless me with their examples of love, service, faithfulness, and ministry to others. One of the ways I try to return this gift is through our Sponsor a Grandparent Fund. It’s our chance to bless these precious seniors who have blessed others for their whole lives.

In Their Own Words

Residents at CRISTA Senior Living are always welcome to give feedback. Here is what several of them said recently when asked what they like about living in our residences:

Paula Herbert – I like living at Crista Shores because we have a wonderful, caring staff who are always willing to help. They give exceptional care to all the residents.

Gloria Maness – I chose Crista Shores because of the Christian atmosphere. The other thing that attracted me was the many activities that are available. I find I can socialize with so many different people.

Sherri Olsen – CRISTA is such a fine Christian community, the evidence is seen, heard and felt in every aspect of life here. Everyone is so caring and kind.  I also love my waterfront view and lovely apartment and the position in the community. It is so wonderful in every way.

W. Jean Pinkham – There are so many wonderful and helpful people here, there’s so many new friends. The food is great. I love the privacy of our beautiful apartment.

Jo Clark – I like living here because I feel supported in so many ways and that makes me feel safe. In addition, it gives my four children peace of mind.

To find out more about CRISTA Senior Living and visit us for a tour, call (206) 889-5505 or go to Christian Senior Living Communitites | CRISTA Senior Living.

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What People Are Saying …

I would like to commend Cristwood Park staff on their efforts to protect themselves and their residents from COVID. It’s been a concern of ours since last March and we have been relieved to see so few cases in the Cristwood Park community. I would like to thank the staff and leadership for their diligence in maintaining good protocols throughout this pandemic.

CWP Family Member

CRISTA has been a warm, friendly atmosphere to be a part of these past two years. It encourages friendships that encourage a pleasant living environment.

Marty Victor, CWP

Exceptional personalized holistic care. Helps keep Mom’s mind active and she flourishes with the nurturing care. Especially of value currently given the COVID restrictions. We are genuinely pleased with our mom's care.

Resident's Daughter, Memory Care

Thinking back on all the great care you and your team have given her at CRISTA, we thank you for all that. I am sure it made a difference in the quality of her life.

I appreciate the personal relationship I have with the staff and the good communication they give me.

I am so stunned by all the amazing people who live at CRISTA. The depth of their stories, their experiences are so powerful. They are fascinating and I learn something new every day! Such a wealth of intellect, experiences, and fun loving people. I love living here.

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