THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

F or almost sixteen years I was your Senior Pastor and Shepherd of the Flock. How fast the time has passed, and I am now flooded with wonderful memories of it all. Far too many to list them all, but here are a few for which I am grateful...

For all of you for giving me the chance to love you as your pastor and friend, allowing me to be there with you in good times and sad, in joy and in sorrow.
For becoming good friends with all the former Senior Pastors (except Ed Gebert, whom I've grown to enjoy through his family), and especially Paul Roper.

For having such a great pastoral staff with the likes of Elizabeth Meharg, Phil Schmunk, Kevin Campbell and others, plus our marvelous secretaries, Elaine and Jan...to name only a few.

For the beautiful music of directors - Lee VanZanten, Neal Kirkpatrick and Dave deVidal. Organists - Lois Nolte, Betty Smith and Sharon Bolster. Soloists - Barbara Futrell, Nila deVidal, Susie Kirkpatrick, Nancy Mitchell, Judy Allen, Margaret Meharg, Mary Ann Robbins, Dennis Boaglio and Merv Puvogel. And the Temple Singers and Praise Team...and so many more.

For the small part I got to play in helping to "heal the split" that existed upon my arrival, watching it turn into a new spirit that's emerging for the future.

For everyone who contributed to our many special causes - a restored Sanctuary Organ, upgraded Tower Bells, new Sound Systems in the Chapel and Sanctuary, remodeling the Youth Room.

For the new Church History Committee that has given us direct involvement in the Annual 23 Club Meeting, the archiving of our own church memorabilia, continual changing displays, and establishment of the Church Museum.

For over 500 weddings (gracefully assisted by Bette Jester and Marj Cobb) and as many funerals (each giving me a chance to be with special families at an important time in their lives).

You welcomed us warmly into the church, and we felt at home instantly.

I cannot end, however, without also thanking you for all you've done for me and my family. You welcomed us warmly into the church, and we felt at home instantly. But the greatest example of your loving care was when you ministered to all of us at the time of the death of our daughter, Cindy. We will never be able to thank you enough for showing Christ's Love to us in that special way. For all these things, then, we have been deeply blessed, and I simply say....

"THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!"

- Wendell directed the Temple Singers while Neal was in the Air Force?
- Ruth Circle would have "Come As You Are" morning meetings? The committee would arrive at members' homes and hustle the unsuspecting victims out the door - some wearing bathrobes and slippers with their hair in curlers!
- The first three lady Deacons were very hesitant to serve Communion - and how a few of the women in the church felt it was "improper" for them to do so?
- Everyone used to dress up for church with men in suits, the ladies in hats and gloves, and kids in "Sunday School" clothes?
- Ruth Gebert had guests for dinner every Sunday after church?
- Bill Noteboom, Glen Potter, Dave Grocott, and Wendell Kirkpatrick played on the church basketball team?
- Em Piper built lecterns, and with others, paneled the reception room?
- The Calendar Tea involved all 12 circles in the church with each circle assigned a month to decorate around? Barbara Madders, Kay Kilbourn's mother, always working in the kitchen for such affairs, having gotten to the church on "Shank's mare" (walking!) as she called it. A dear English lady, she and her accent were a delight.
- Two active social groups in the church were Temple Stewards (older members) and Temple Builders (younger members)? They met monthly for pot lucks, programs and fellowship at the church.