Anne & I have been members at Messiah Lutheran Church since we moved to Red Lodge in early 1995. There is no doubt that our time with this congregation has contributed significantly in my calling to seminary. Life together in this church has been at times joyful, rewarding, frustrating, educational, exhausting and uplifting.
Yesterday was the last Sunday Anne, the kids and I were at worship before leaving for Minnesota. During the morning announcements Shirley, one of the council members, stood up to say that the church had decided to make a $2000 gift towards my tuition and that there would be more to follow. Then during the children's sermon, Pastor Kim called me up to present me with a new backpack to take with me to school this fall. And if that wasn't enough, we were able to celebrate with the whole congregation during a classic Lutheran pot-luck after worship, complete with sloppy joes and jello salad.
It was an emotional day. I know that I am blessed. I know that our congregation will support us as we step out of the boat. I hope they know how much that means to me.
What a great send off! Like the backpack idea. Hope the move goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThe backpack has already proved valuable when I needed to haul all of my books home from the bookstore. The paper shopping bag hardly lasted much beyond the door of the store.
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