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1859 ~ Martin Luther Lutheran Church ~ 2009
150th Anniversary
Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Colossians 1:3-6
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.”
We thank God for the 150 years He has blessed His saints of Martin Luther Lutheran Church
and given them the guidance to continue His work. “Let the wise listen and add to their
learning, and let the discerning get guidance” ~ Proverbs 1:5
We thank God for Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and her participation in the September 20th anniversary celebration with her message of encouragement to the congregation of Martin Luther to continue to be a beacon of light in the neighborhood in which it resides. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.” ~ Hebrews 13:7
We thank God for Pastor Donald Pletcher and Pastor John Tickner and for their embracing, uplifting voice that made us laugh, contemplate and remind us how beautiful it is to be part of the Body of Christ. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ~ Isaiah 52:7
We thank God for Pastor Paul Heine, his leadership and vision for Martin Luther Lutheran Church guiding the congregation to be a community of greater faith and love though Word and Deed with each other, our neighborhood, community and beyond. “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:12
We thank God for the congregation at Martin Luther for their time, talents, monetary and memorial gifts in making all the events of the past year a success and in sharing the love of Jesus Christ. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” ~ Romans 12:6
We thank God for John Drotleff and the West Shore Chorale and for their gift to the church as resplendent voices rose to the glory of God and the edification of all who heard. “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.” ~ Psalm 149:1
We thank God for Thomas Pavlechko and for sharing the gifts that God has given him enhancing worship though hymns of praise and thanksgiving. “I trust God calls me to the Ministry of Music and consider it to be a sacred vocation.” ~ Thomas Pavlechko ~ “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” ~ Psalm 69:30
We thank God all friends and former members of Martin Luther to whom we are united through His love, as we all work for God’s Kingdom. “All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”
~ Psalm 145:10-12
Amen
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