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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 |
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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 |
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A WONDERFUL SALEM SENDOFF Sunday July 27th was a special day in the history of the Salem congregation. Pastor Whetstone preached for the last time and the congregation gathered in the evening for a celebration of his 32 years of faithful ministry among us. Nearly four hundred members and friends packed the nave at both worship services. Pastor Whetstone chose the hymns and the Salem Choir offered special music accompanied by the Salem Brass and the Salem Bell Choir. Micah and Michelle Whetstone, and their sons Benjamin and Abram, traveled from their home in St. Paul, Minnesota to help celebrate with the congregation. During the service, the people of Salem bestowed the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus on Pastor Whetstone. (See page 6 for the Church Council resolution regarding the title of Pastor Emeritus.) After each worship service a reception was held in Bethany Hall affording everyone an opportunity to offer their congratulations and best wishes in person. There was also a poetic reading led by Jean Kohlenstein and, of course, lots of tasty snacks and a delicious cake. In the evening 330 members and friends gathered at the Lodge in Oella for a massive pot luck supper. The program for the evening included the reading of a proclamation by the Baltimore County Council honoring Pastor Whetstone as well as remarks by Church Council President Lisa Yerkey, Assistant to the Bishop Pastor Mary Miller Zurell, Bishop Richard Graham of the DC Synod and Pastor Asendorf. To express their appreciation and affection for his loving service, the congregation presented Pastor Whetstone with a quilt made by Mary Miller and signed by many members, an afghan made by the Stitchcrafters and the Prayer Shawl groups, a photo album put together by Larry Kohlenstein, a historical document signed by Frederick Douglas, and two checks: one for $500 for airfare to St. Paul and one for $8,000. (The Gift Committee reports that there will be one more check for $1,645 representing last minute gift contributions.) The congregation also thanked Vicky Whetstone and presented gifts in honor of her loving ministry at Salem for so many years. Scott Amoros was the Master of Ceremony for the program and did an excellent job of hustling folks on and off the stage. After the program the well wishers enjoyed Salem desserts and coffee until late into the evening. As you would expect it took some special planning, creativity and great work to host such a wonderful retirement celebration. Treen Null, assisted by her family, organized the two receptions. Lynda Bell, Jean Kohlenstein and Roberta McNamara were the party organizers extraordinaire. The major task of hauling soda, plates and other goods to the party was handled by Paul Bell, Guy Davis, Jim Kepler, Larry Kohlenstein, and Duane Linsenbardt. Table setters Kathy Linsenbardt, Sharon Stanton, Amy Porter helped prepare the hall. The Giuliani and Hamelin family greeted those coming to the evening gala. Ike Porter and Greg Rotz did a yeoman’s job helping clean up afterwards. And, if you noticed how the church sparkled please thank Louise Rau, Jim and Carol Kepler for all of their hard work in doing some deep cleaning. Claire Graham and Sharon Stanton led the Gift Committee. All of these folks and others deserve our thanks for a job well done. Pastor Whetstone said his final goodbyes on June 30 at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, preached at the Baltimore West Clergy Conference worship service later in the morning and enjoyed a final lunch with the Church Staff. Our love, prayers and deep affection go with Pastor Ed and Vicky. |
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| Salem
Evangelical Lutheran Church, 905 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228
410 747-0720 |
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