Message from Council President-

I hope this finds you well and enjoying our "new normal". Gradually we are getting back to our normal activities as a church family - in person worship, coffee hour, etc. We as a council are committed to institute changes with the safety and well-being of our members in mind.

In addition, we have been overseeing the daily/weekly needs of the church; be it repairs, new purchases, additions of staff, etc.

We also have been working on major events; the most timely, Pastor Graff's retirement in July. His last church service will be July 11th. Honoring and thanking Pastor and his family for their years of service and all they have done for all of us as a church family and individually is a tall task but not insurmountable.

We have made some preliminary plans but we want input/suggestions regarding the celebration from all of you; hence the attached survey. We see it as a two day event; one for our church family after the final church service on July 11th with a potluck meal - no program, just fellowship. The major event will be the afternoon of August 8th billed as a Recognition/Celebration - an event open to the community and other communities as well as Pastor's family and friends & of course, our church family. There will be a program, presentations, and of course, refreshments.

In order to plan these events in an organized, purposeful manner, we need your input/suggestions. Please take the time to fill out the survey or return a paper version by July 14th. If you would like to serve on a committee, please indicate on the survey; more people working on this will guarantee this will be a meaningful Recognition/Celebration of Pastor Gary. Thank you in advance for your input.

Any questions feel free to contact me via email (cmatzke@rlfedu.org) or phone (home) 253-2090 or (cell) 689-2093.

Cheryl Matzke, President

Pastor Gary's Retirement Celebration

Celebration on August 8, 2021 from 2-6 p.m.

---