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For LORETTA (UMBLE) SHARP ’70, faith has always been closely connected to serving others. Whether as a nurse, volunteer, church member, wife, mother, grandmother, or friend, she has sought to live out Christ’s love through practical acts of care and service.
After graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1970, Loretta’s path took several unexpected turns. She began college planning to become a teacher but discovered her calling in nursing, a profession she faithfully served in for 43 years. Looking back, she sees God’s hand guiding her through each transition, including supporting her husband Don as he followed a call from teaching into pastoral ministry.
Throughout the many moves and seasons of change their family experienced, Loretta found
strength in Christian community. Friends and church members walked alongside them through times of discernment and uncertainty, reinforcing a lesson she first experienced at Lancaster Mennonite: faith is meant to be lived in community.
MCC THRIFT STORE. PHOTO CREDITS: KRISTINA MARTIN
Today, in retirement, Loretta continues to serve. She works part-time at the MCC ReUzit Shop in Ephrata and volunteers with Community Meals through her church in Lancaster. Having lived in several communities over the years, she is especially passionate about welcoming people who may feel out of place or alone. “My love language is helping and serving,” she says.
When asked what it means to be rooted in Christ, Loretta points to an Anabaptist understanding of faith centered on Jesus, community, and reconciliation coined by Anabaptist author and pastor, Palmer Becker. As she reflects on God’s faithfulness through decades of change, she is grateful for the many friendships, opportunities to serve, and communities that have shaped her journey.
Today, that legacy continues through her family. One grandchild has already graduated from Lancaster Mennonite, and two more currently attend the school.
Loretta encourages her grandkids with the same advice she offers current students: choose friends who share your values, become involved in a church community, and find ways to serve others. “Live out your values,” she says.
It is wisdom she has carried throughout her own life—one rooted in Christ and demonstrated through a lifetime of caring for others.
