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AROUND GRACE & Berlin |
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Dear
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I
thank God for you and for our 22 years together serving as your Pastor.
My heart is filled with love and gratitude for you. Thank you for such a
memorable conclusion to my ministry. The
Retirement Dinner began with the special time of greeting and thanking
you as you entered. To look
out and see 300 of you in attendance that evening was overwhelming and
meant so much. I never dreamed so many would attend. In addition, having
former pastors, staff, the Bishop and my family in attendance made this
evening one I will never forget. Hannah Boutin, Joy Paffenroth and Eric
Sponholtz made my heart sing with their special music. President Steve
Sponholtz, so gifted in leadership and speaking, set the tone with both
humor and a marvelous sense of thankfulness. Lois Stark, gifted in
writing, gave such a special tribute, by her keen awareness, her faith
and her unwavering dedication to Grace’s ministry.
Tricia Prellwitz and her committee did so much to make the
Retirement Dinner and Sunday so very special and memorable. The many,
many hours and the special attention to details made for perfect events. My
mother’s words (in Norwegian), “Tusen takk” were spoken when something
very, very special happened. “A thousand, thousand thanks!!!!”
Thank you for your many expressions of thankfulness and best wishes.
They were overwhelming and very uplifting at the Retirement Dinner and
my Retirement Sunday. Your
generous and special gift given on Sunday is being saved for future
opportunities of ministry overseas, after The
Festival Worship on August 8 was also an experience I will never forget.
Joy did such a great job planning and leading the choir in my favorite
anthems. Remembering the choir, the brass and nearly 400 worshiping and
singing still gets my heart racing. My final service as your pastor was
just the way I had hoped it could be! Together we worshipped, communed
as brothers and sisters in Christ, and then departed with the blessing
you gave to me and me to you. My
prayer is and will always be for you to continue in the sharing of
Christ’s love and serving others in the name of Christ. Go forward in
Grace, Peace and Joy.
Sharon, Julie and Michael also wish to express their thankfulness to you
for your love, support and prayers throughout the years.
You have been a family of faith to each of us.
Thanks be to God! Peter J Quello
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
Most items are in pretty good supply right now but most needed are:
canned tuna, canned chicken, potato mixes, canned potatoes, hamburger
helper, tuna helper, chicken helper, baked beans, refried beans,
chocolate & vanilla puddings, cake mixes, chili, hash, canned fruit,
Manwich, black beans, beef stew, spaghetti, noodles, graham crackers and
saltines. Also, fresh fruit or garden vegetables are always appreciated.
(Bring donations to Grace on Sunday, Sept. 5th.)
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