Today was a nice easy day for me with a visit to Covenant Lutheran in Temple for their 40th anniversary celebration. I had no responsibility other than reading a letter from Bishop Gronberg. It was a nice opportunity for me to just worship and be fed (spiritually and physically.)

The founding pastor of the congregation was back to preach. Pr. Bucky (Forrest Van Gundy) did the same children’s message he shared at their founding worship, and followed it with an excellent sermon. He shared some stories of their beginnings, with a little “help” from his younger self, but he also used the time to remind them of their mission then and now.

There were a few pastors in attendance along with several charter members.

After worship they served a great German lunch, followed by a program led by Pr. Heath Abel. He has been serving Covenant for over ten years – a quarter of their lifetime as a congregation. He also shared an announcement of a new scholarship for their Mother’s Day Out program in honor of the retiring director. He also read the charter resolution again, as yet another reminder of their mission and purpose as he put forth some challenges for the coming year.

This congregation knows how to honor their history while not remaining stuck in the past. The whole day was full of joy and hope. I wish all my visits could be like this one!