HISTORY
This building was a Good Samaritan nursing home. When the nursing home closed it was gifted to the Evangelical Church North Central Conference under the direction of Pastor Dan Guarrero. Under his direction, The Village became a community event center that has been used for parties, retreats, reunions, meetings, training events and many other events.
In March of 2019, The Village directorship was transferred to Paul and MaryAnn Eich when the Guarrero family moved from Waterville. In October of 2020 Executive Director, Harold Youtzy and his wife Elsie, joined the team. We continue to offer The Village for personal events and lodging. We also have a bi-monthly food ministry. We are assisted by wonderful volunteers.
The Village is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the ECNCC Compassion Ministries. We rely on the generous donations of those who utilize the facility.
AREA AMENITIES
Waterville is a quiet town nestled between 2 lakes – Lake Sakatah and Lake Tetonka.
We are 10 miles from the town of Waseca to the south on Highway 13, 15 miles from Faribault to the East on highway 60, and approximately 25 miles from Mankato to the west.
There are countless other lakes in the area. The population of Waterville dramatically increases during the summer due to the several seasonal camp grounds in the area.
Here are some of the area attractions:
Dining:
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Corner Bar/Event Center – Downtown Waterville
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El Molino – Downtown Waterville
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Philmart & Caseys (pizza & subs) Waterville
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Fast food and other dining options – Faribault, Waseca
Water Activities:
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Kamp Dells water park
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Waseca water park
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Waterville beach
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Boating
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Fishing
Biking/Hiking:
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Sakatah State park
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Sakatah Singing Hills Bike Trail
Shopping:
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Davis Market (groceries)- Waterville
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Hardware stores – Downtown Waterville
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Walmart – Waseca
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Hy-vee - Faribault
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Aldi – Faribault
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Mall and other shopping - Mankato
We have 18 rooms with attached 1/2 baths and a common shower room with 4 separate shower stalls and an accessible shower. 1 set of bed linens and 2 sets of towels provided per room. Additional upon request.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
-Matthew 11:28-
Our Mission
The Village in Waterville seeks to honor God by providing opportunities
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to gather in our facility for family, community, and group events
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to address food insecurity through the operation of our commercial kitchen and our food shelf.
Our Vision
To shine the light of Jesus into the community by providing a place to retreat, a place to learn, a place to gather.
After an association with The Gospel Mission in Sioux City, Iowa for more than 30 years, God has now led me to serve as Executive Director of The Village.
Since the North Central Conference of the Evangelical Church received the former nursing home as a gift in 2015, we are still mostly on the ground floor of its operation. I look forward to being used by our Lord to put into place the ministries He has brought to our attention, operating a retreat center, a ministry center, and opportunities for ministry to our seniors. There is much work to do, but God promises to supply all our needs.
My wife, Elsie, and I look forward to being in this lakes region and welcome you to our facility. May what we do be a blessing to each of you.
Harold Youtzy Jr.
Executive Director
Feeling led by God, in August of 2018 Paul and MaryAnn Eich moved from Fridley, MN to Waterville to assist with the operations at The Village in Waterville. In March of 2018, they found themselves assuming the directorship of the Village when the previous director moved away. At that same time, Paul retired from the Post Office after 30+ years of delivering mail. Paul and MaryAnn have 2 children, Nathan and Raelyn. Balancing family life and work at The Village has been an adjustment. They are very grateful to the faithful volunteers at The Village who have made the transition smooth. They are looking forward to what God has in store for The Village in the future and for how they can serve the community at The Village.
Paul & MaryAnn Eich
Executive Director