Words cannot express the love that I feel for St. John's United Church of Christ. I don't believe I've cried so many tears in one day for a long time as I did on May 4th. Tears of joy and sadness ran together. Thank you for the wonderful Worship Service that morning starting with Betty Meyer playing a collection of some of my favorite hymns; she has such a gift and is a special lady! It always amazes me how DeEtta & Becky switch playing the organ and piano with such ease. The choir anthem was just lovely. God has absolutely blessed this church with talent! Thank you to Rev. Kate for her sermon and how she touched my heart with some of her personal comments. Thank you to Becky Brockman for choosing to close the service with my favorite song, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”.

Thank you for the lovely retirement luncheon - Sheri Stodghill and the Special Events Committee - Cindi Gilmore, Janet Goodman, Patty Jackson, Jeannie Linneweber, Jill Lopez, Peggy Meyer, Etta Snyder and Lue Stodghill did an outstanding job in organizing the day down to the last detail - the beautiful decorations, delicious food and all their hard work was so appreciated. The entertainment was fantastic! I know that I can always call Joe Linneweber at 4:00 in the morning and snap out of depression by some of his wild and crazy stories! Thank you Joe, for your special words - you made me laugh and cry! Thank you to all that had a part in roasting Bert! That was a big surprise!! What a special day with all my family and friends.

My daughters, Nina and Angie want to let you know how much they enjoyed the day and how they will never forget all the prayers that were said on their behalf when they were dealing with their cancer. Their comment was “what a delightful day with a thoughtful and loving church.”

There are so many people that I have seen day after day and week after week that mean so much to me but I don't have enough space to mention everyone and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out in saying how much I have appreciated each of them and count it a privilege to have worked with them for all these years. I will miss seeing all of you. I will certainly treasure my memories at St. John's and always remember how beautiful you have made me feel inside.