Scenes from our dedication service, Sunday, September 15, follow. The Rev. Paul Summer, Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod, presided, and was assisted by Rev. Sandy Niiler, Rev. Bob Lashuertos, and Rev. Don Stradlund. Special thanks to the choir of Faith Lutheran Church, Clay, Alabama, under the direction of Fred Ehrensberger, and members of the Faith congregation, who made the trip.
If you're reading this, special thanks to you, too, for your interest, your thoughts, and your prayers. You have helped us more than you will ever know. If we have learned anything over the last couple of years, it's that we are not a chapel. We cannot stand alone. And we are not alone--in fact, we were never alone to begin with. We are who we are, now more than ever, because we have connected and will continue to connect with others in a community of hope. We are part of the body of Christ, joined across the miles, the ages, with you and with all the saints.
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| Worshipers sing 'Jesus Loves Me' outside the new church building at the start of the service. That hymn was last sung during our first service after the 2011 tornado. |
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| Rev. Paul Summer addresses the congregation outside the church at the start of the service. |
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| Ken Peters, Church Council Chair, addresses the congregation. |
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| Elaine Kreps, Building Committee Chair, addresses the congregation. |
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| Mary Jo Lakin, Organist, Christ Lutheran. |
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| Dr. Adam Bowles, Accompanist, Faith Lutheran Church. |
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| Fred Ehrensberger, Director, Faith Lutheran choir. |
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| Rev. Donald Stradlund reads. |
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| Rev. Paul Summer preaches. |
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| The processional cross, bent but unbroken, was recovered by a neighboring church and returned to Christ Lutheran. |
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| Rev. Sandy Niiler with assistants and the choir of Faith Lutheran. |
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| Our hope in ages past/Our hope for years to come. |
