Celebrating 40 Years of Ministry

The 40th anniversary of our church was celebrated by past and present members, pastors who have served our congregation, and friends of the congregation on Sunday, October 7, 2012, with a service, a program, and a luncheon.

Pastors in attendance were:
Pastor Quintin Showalter (1972-1973), Jackson, Wisconsin,  Pastor John Kelley (1973-1990), Chatham, Illinois,  Pastor Vic Baderschneider (1990-2002/Present Interim), Mahomet, Illinois.  Pastor Melinda Halom (1999-2003), East Lansing, Michigan, Pastor Ray Bowers (2010-2012), Champaign, Illinois and Pastor Emil Blobaum (Present Interim), St. Joseph, Illinois

Charter members in attendance were: Hilda Kimble Pfiester, Holmes Kimble, Harold and Mary Ellen Lawler, Emilie Steffey, Lisa Steffey Slade, Nancy Kimpel Boma, Pastor John and Elizabeth Kelley, Coleen Kelley Koester, Robert and JoAnne Rubel, John Hill, Don Thompson, John and Nancy King, Larry Isaacs, Jim and Marie Nelson, Mark Kaiser, and Sally Roth.

The message given by Pastor Kelley focused on what we needed for our church to grow:  Love, hope, and faith.  Larry Isaacs, the master of ceremonies for the program, then shared some stories as he introduced each of the pastors and Dia Nuesmeyer, all of whom shared memories, thoughts, and stories of their time at The Lutheran Church of Mahomet.  Charter members in attendance were also recognized.

Again, thanks to all who had a part in making the day possible:

Charter members, pastors, and Dia Nuesmeyer for joining us and being part of the service and/or program.  Sharon Yeakel for designing and providing the invitations and bulletin/program covers.  Nancy Boma and John and Nancy King for greeting of charter members and pastors.  Kat Downs and the Music and Worship Committee for planning the worship service.  Susie Johnston and Kendyl Cummins for presentation of the puppet show during the worship service. Pastor John Kelley for giving the message during the worship service. Larry Isaacs for being the master of ceremonies.  Norm and Leslie Knicl for the picture presentation.  Karen Ickstadt for arranging the display table featuring historical documents.  Mark and Denise Dalton for photography. The Congregational Life Committee for planning and serving the fellowship meal. The Building and Grounds Committee for sprucing up the church.   Church council members and interim pastors for organizing the celebration event

Some letters of congratulations were received from those who could not be present.  These will be placed with the historical documents of the church, and copies will be posted on the quad board.  Pictures of the happenings of the day will also be posted and included in the historical documents of our church.

It was a special day to celebrate the history of our congregation and the blessings God has given this church, as well as a time to look towards the future of our congregation.  The time together and the fellowship were enjoyed by those who attended the celebration event.