Staff Reports
As part of a yearlong celebration of the 150th+1 anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, the blessing of Christian education will be celebrated Sunday.
Psalm 90:16, which is the basis for the theme, “Celebrating our Past, Embracing our Future,” says, “Let your work be shown to your servants and your glorious power to their children.” Passing the Christian faith to children and the next generation has been essential in the history of the congregation and led to the establishment of Immanuel Lutheran School in 1874.
The Rev. Donald Brand, who grew up in Seymour and is a graduate of Immanuel Lutheran School, will be the guest preacher during the 9 a.m. service at the church, 605 S. Walnut St., Seymour.
He served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Union, New Jersey, for 35 years before retiring. For the last 16 of those years, he also served as pastor to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for the Deaf. He also served as chaplain for the Union Township Police Department for 17 years and as a disaster chaplain for New York City following 9/11 until his retirement as well as the NJ District disaster response coordinator.
In addition to honoring current ILS staff, three new teachers will be installed, including Chris Behmlander, kindergarten; Lexie Nichols, third grade; and Peggy Stark, second grade. Retired ILS teachers and the staff of Immanuel Lutheran Child Care Ministry also will be recognized.
A reception will follow the service.
An anniversary committee chaired by Craig and Linda Moore and Mark and Jane Nolting is coordinating the celebration.
For information, call 812-522-3118, email [email protected] or visit immanuelseymour.com.