I want to take a moment to thank you all for the work you do for Our Savior’s. I couldn’t begin to count and name all the people who contribute in so many ways. Still, I will try.

From IHN to St Luke’s Ministry to CHARG to the MARCH Center and more there is dedication and hard work from so many. Like some of you I can become anxious about the future, but when I consider the commitment of this church to serve others and to give of themselves so others can receive what they need I am simply humbled and glad to be a part of such a community.

• Thanks to our staff (Kathy, Don, Judith, Allen, and Donna), who must deal with a very active congregation and multiple ministries to make things work at Our Savior’s.

• Thanks to our choir members, instrumentalists and soloists who provide so much beautiful music for our worship and concert experiences.

• Thanks to Roger and staff at St Luke’s Ministry, whose program keeps a steady flow of people and energy coming through Our Savior’s.

• And there is Ray Plunkett, who has been amazing as our driver of the van on Sunday mornings (a van we now own, by the way). Our new members have already volunteered to serve at IHN and on committees, for which we are grateful. Welcome to each of you!

• A special mention for Pat Bjerke and her IHN work over the years and for Jordan Hoagland, our chair of the Long Range Planning Team.

• I thank Judith for her work as council President and her work as director of the MARCH Center.

• And to Donna Krowen, who gives more to our financial well-being than we can imagine - a very special thanks.

• Robert Schrader is unique and irreplaceable. He gives time and energy he doesn’t always have to keep our technology in shape and offers expert assistance wherever he can.

• Dan Tisdel has been a great help at the early service, reading scripture, assisting with communion and recently preaching, not to mention his work in 2011 on VBS.

• Thomas DePetro continues to offer free (and terrific) German classes on Wednesday evenings.

Now think about Hospitality, Finance, Worship, Council, Long Range Planning Team, Lydia Circles, Grief Group, Centering Prayer, OSCOM, Ushering, Property, scripture reading and worship assistants, Sunday School, VBS, Emerson Gardens Board, St Luke’s Ministry Board: you see how we depend upon one another in service. We are a blessed community.

Finally, welcome to Beth McWhirter and Mission Ware, located in the Tower Room above the office, with their inspiring mission to support women in recovery who are re-entering the work force.

Pastor Paul