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Wherever God is, We are safe at home |
2005-05-25 |
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This month is a time of change for us at American Lutheran Church. We are moving to a new home from the church building that has been home since 1952, when the present fellowship hall was built. Change has been a constant part of that 53 years. The sanctuary was built in 1956, and the third addition to the building was dedicated in 1979. Twelve pastors have served the congregation in this building. There were 1092 baptisms, 1187 confirmands (both youth and adult), 610 weddings and 579 funerals. Those all represent milestones of change in people's lives. This place holds countless memories for all of us.
My parents and my 2-month-old brother and I moved into an old brick farmhouse outside of Fort Wayne on November 27th, 1957. Forty-four years later, to the day, my parents moved to a "villaminium" elsewhere in town. Three more of my brothers were born into the family there, and one of them died there. It seems strange that other people now live in that house, which was the only home I ever remembered. It was the place where we grew up, where we celebrated holidays, where we played baseball in the large backyard all summer long, where we always knew we were safe and loved. It was part of who we were. My youngest brother, in his thirties, cried on the day my parents moved out. But our family continues with my parents in a different home. They have not changed. Their love for us at Covington Pointe Way is the same as it was on Lower Huntington Road. We even like their new house.
We sing "Change and decay in all around I see; O thou who changest not, abide with me." in the beloved hymn. The prophet Malachi reminds us that "I the Lord do not change". Jesus promises us in Matthew's Gospel, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." God is with us and loves us no matter where we are. We will always have the precious memories we take with us from this old church building on West 5th Avenue. We are priveleged to be two of the twelve pastors to have served in this building, and to have officiated at 70 of the baptisms, 64 of the funerals, 25 of the weddings, and confirmed 93 young people (including our oldest daughter). We will all make new memories at the new church on S. Flynn Drive. The Lord is with us. And wherever God is, we are safe at home. |
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Summer: starting Memorial Day Weekend
9:00 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
10:00 am Coffee and Fellowship
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm
Winter: starting after Labor Day
8:30 am Worship Service KMSD Broadcast
9:35 am Educational Hour
9:35 am Coffee and Fellowship
10:45 am Worship Service
WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 6:30 pm |
Click Here
401 South Flynn Drive
Milbank SD 57252
605.432.5566 |
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