This past weekend -
there was a time of endings
and a new movement into the future-
and a new movement into the future-
the retirement of Pastor Les Stano
from full time ministry
from full time ministry
Joined in ministry with his wife- Carol Stano.
They served at
Lutheran Church of the Cross-
Rockville, Maryland.
Some words of tribute and blessing
from Carol at the retirement gathering.
from Carol at the retirement gathering.
We give thanks for all the ways that Carol
has served in ministry to the church at large, the LWML,
to clergy wives in the Southeastern District,
and women in her parish life.
and women in her parish life.
Her heart for women and a gift of care and listening
has been the blessing to many women who have crossed her path.
A Special Letter from Carol Stano
to the members of Church of the Cross
God Meets Us at the Bend of the Road
Do not forget the things your eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life. Deuteronomy 4:9 (JB)
to the members of Church of the Cross
God Meets Us at the Bend of the Road
Do not forget the things your eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life. Deuteronomy 4:9 (JB)
Friends in Christ,
Sharing a goodbye is difficult but necessary at this juncture
in my ministry with each of you.
It has been my joy to be a partner in Christ
with Les’ ministry at Lutheran Church of the Cross
these past fifteen years.
A new beginning awaits us in our life journey together.
We have confidence that the Lord will guide and direct us.
It has been a blessing, too, to serve my Lord and to be able to
use my spiritual gifts of mercy, faith, teaching,and hospitality. Each
year was so special in building relationships
and growing in faith together.
My love of children and their Christian education
has been most meaningful and inspirational.
A joyful experience!
I have learned much from the children,
and their faith in Jesus is astounding.
I pray they will continue to grow in His love and grace.
I am grateful for the children, their families,
and for the faithful leadership each Sunday.
Beginning the new ministry of Children of the Cross Preschool
(now 11 years) was a personal dream for both Les and me.
This is a vital mission field for the community
and the emerging cultures that surround LCC.
Seeds of Christ’s love have been planted in many little hearts
under the direction of committed teachers and Director Brenda Bertrand.
Serving on the Preschool Board since its inception has been a joy and blessing.
My love of teaching and learning
also extends to adult Bible study, Confirmation, LWML Christian
Life retreats, LWML national conventions, and other women’s ministry.
I will continue to seek out ways for my faith life to develop,
as God’s Word always entices me to grow.
Sharing a goodbye is difficult but necessary at this juncture
in my ministry with each of you.
It has been my joy to be a partner in Christ
with Les’ ministry at Lutheran Church of the Cross
these past fifteen years.
A new beginning awaits us in our life journey together.
We have confidence that the Lord will guide and direct us.
It has been a blessing, too, to serve my Lord and to be able to
use my spiritual gifts of mercy, faith, teaching,and hospitality. Each
year was so special in building relationships
and growing in faith together.
My love of children and their Christian education
has been most meaningful and inspirational.
A joyful experience!
I have learned much from the children,
and their faith in Jesus is astounding.
I pray they will continue to grow in His love and grace.
I am grateful for the children, their families,
and for the faithful leadership each Sunday.
Beginning the new ministry of Children of the Cross Preschool
(now 11 years) was a personal dream for both Les and me.
This is a vital mission field for the community
and the emerging cultures that surround LCC.
Seeds of Christ’s love have been planted in many little hearts
under the direction of committed teachers and Director Brenda Bertrand.
Serving on the Preschool Board since its inception has been a joy and blessing.
My love of teaching and learning
also extends to adult Bible study, Confirmation, LWML Christian
Life retreats, LWML national conventions, and other women’s ministry.
I will continue to seek out ways for my faith life to develop,
as God’s Word always entices me to grow.
The generosity of the love gifts from the congregation,
and from Women of the Cross at Christmas each year,
have been much appreciated. Women of the Cross
provided financial aid for me to attend the SED Pastors’ Wives Retreats,
which deepened my walk with the Lord
and provided me the opportunity to be with my sisters in Christ, for fellowship.
I loved opening our home to everyone who wanted
or needed a place to relax and have fun.
Book Club dinners and WOC Christmas parties
were delightful and fun for me, too.
I especially enjoyed the WOC International dinners,
their hosting shared with my dear friend, Carol Currey.
Quiet times, too, with members of the congregation were always a blessing.
I shall miss these wonderful fellowship events
and treasure the laughter and friendships!
Reflecting on the past, I have seen the many ways God
was our companion on the journey together,
and I celebrate this with each of you.
He will con-tinue to ever walk with you
and guide you in new directions, and He will give you peace.
Blessings,
Carol Stano
and from Women of the Cross at Christmas each year,
have been much appreciated. Women of the Cross
provided financial aid for me to attend the SED Pastors’ Wives Retreats,
which deepened my walk with the Lord
and provided me the opportunity to be with my sisters in Christ, for fellowship.
I loved opening our home to everyone who wanted
or needed a place to relax and have fun.
Book Club dinners and WOC Christmas parties
were delightful and fun for me, too.
I especially enjoyed the WOC International dinners,
their hosting shared with my dear friend, Carol Currey.
Quiet times, too, with members of the congregation were always a blessing.
I shall miss these wonderful fellowship events
and treasure the laughter and friendships!
Reflecting on the past, I have seen the many ways God
was our companion on the journey together,
and I celebrate this with each of you.
He will con-tinue to ever walk with you
and guide you in new directions, and He will give you peace.
Blessings,
Carol Stano
Reprinted from the November 2013
CrossCurrents • Lutheran Church of the Cross
We look forward to seeing how the Lord blesses
His continued working in the life of His servant- Carol.
His continued working in the life of His servant- Carol.
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