I had the privilege of visiting Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon on Sunday, March 17, with the purpose of delivering our check to that congregation as part of our special 25th Anniversary Thank Offering. I really enjoyed the opportunity to worship with that group of energetic and enthusiastic people in the Mt. Vernon High School Commons Room. Worshiping in that setting brought back vivid memories of the early days of our congregation when we were still meeting in the Anson Shelter House, the rented office space on State St., the Salvation Army Citadel, etc. Just before the offering I gave a brief history of our congregation and then presented a card containing the check to the president of the congregation. When he read the card and then the amount of the check, $4001.76, there was an audible gasp from the people gathered there and then some pretty appreciative applause. They have established an active Property Committee that is searching for some land to purchase and are looking forward to eventually having their own church building. They also have a Call Committee that is presently working with Pr. Walter May in the process of calling a new pastor, so I could really relate to their situation in several ways.
On Monday, March 18, I delivered another check, also in the amount of $4001.76, to the Domestic Violence Alternatives office located here in Marshalltown. I shared with some of the staff our appreciation for the important work that they are performing in the community and they in turn were very appreciative for our generous gift.
The members of Seeds of Faith and the staff at Domestic Violence Alternatives asked me to express their warmest appreciation to the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church on their behalf. I was privileged to be able to represent our congregation on those two very special occasions and I wish that all of you could have been there as well.
Yours in Christ,
Hap Kretzmann
