65th Ordination Anniversary- Done Right

Pentecost Sunday was June 4, 2017

 and this was also the celebration day

 for the 65th Anniversary of Ordination

 for Pastor Kenneth Schwengel.

In honor of this landmark-

sixty-five handmade doves

swirled in honor of the 

Pentecost Celebration.

 Pastor Schwengel has been faithfully serving

 (in retirement) 

First Lutheran Church, 

Bowie, Maryland since 1993.

 Deaconess Sally (Meyer) Hiller 

and SED President John Denninger 

bless Pastor Schwengel with prayer.

 A beautiful worship celebration 

and luncheon was put together

 by a congregation currently

  worshipping an average of 10-15 per Sunday.

 The handmade doves were Pinterest inspired 

and made by Chuck and Sally Hiller 

and Sally's sister-Sue Meyer. 

Chuck served as installation engineer.

 Sue Meyer created the beautiful ordination brochure
 and coordinated the stunning floral arrangements. 

Sue serves as the office administrative assistant.

Penny Meyer gathered folks

 to put together a wonderful luncheon

 after the service.

Gordon Meyer serves as usher 

and communion assistant.

Tags were made by the Meyer family

 using Joanne Fink wrapping paper 

and collaged napkins onto tags.

  People could then write blessings and prayers 

for Pastor Schwengel.

This prayer and blessing

 hangs on the walls of the church as you exit.

 This small congregation

 has sent 4 people into full-time ministry.

This Meyer family continues

 to give their gifts, bless the congregation and 

"hold things together."

There is a community/neighborhood

 gathering at the church about every 6 weeks.

Lately, Sister Sally has been introducing

 Visual Faith and Bible Journaling to the group.

Connections go "way-back" 

here for the Meyer- Hiller crew.

Chuck and Sally met here when Sally 

began teaching Sunday school 

after Confirmation and Chuck came to be a "helper."

Both of Chuck's parents and Sally's dad 

are buried in the cemetery out back.

 There is a long-time love 

for the ministry of this location.

There is wondering about what the future holds....

But, in the mean time...

this Meyer family will continue to

serve when needed,

bless all,

love well, 

and keep on celebrating.