By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

At Highland Springs, individuals are brought together every day. In groups. One on one. Neighbors, friends, acquaintances. During lunch and dinner, during exercise or art classes, over a game of Mexican Train in the Fireside Lounge, or in the Fireside Lounge with a good book.

As well, many residents gather to embrace their spiritual selves, seeking greater meaning and depth in their day-to-day lives.

“As we age, we have to hold on to our faith and to our belief systems,” says Reverend Bill Peirson, pastoral ministries manager for Highland Springs. “We’re here at Highland Springs to look at spirituality, not religion. Everyone has spirituality and we focus on that. We focus on wellness — physical, mental, and spiritual”

An interfaith perspective
The spiritual community at Highland Springs is vibrant, diverse, and growing. Activities are focused on fostering an atmosphere where everyone’s personal perspective is respected.

An Interfaith Worship service is held on the second Tuesday of the month. The sessions, led by Reverend Bill, are educational, spiritual, and enlightening.

Residents have organized a Bible study group, and plans are to organize a second soon.

Busy and fascinating ministry
The spiritual side of Highland Springs is led by the energy and vision of Reverend Bill, who trained as a chaplain for a retirement community.

“I knew this was my job. First, I was born and raised in Catonsville, Maryland, the location of Charlestown, Erickson’s first community. Then, my chaplaincy was done in a retirement community. It’s a perfect fit,” says Reverend Bill, who moved to Dallas from a church in Chicago because “it was too cold and I’m getting old.”

The blessing of the doorpost
In the first months after Highland Springs was open, Reverend Bill was asked by resident George Epstein to celebrate the blessing of his apartment, with a ceremony of the Mezuzah scroll on his doorpost.