The Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 992 Broadway, West Long Branch, held a luncheon on April 17 to honor 32 members who are age 80 and older. On Sunday mornings, 32 members of the congregation between the ages of 80 and 95 are greeted. Most of these members are still active in the life and ministries of the congregation. The congregation celebrated their lives within the church community with a luncheon in the church great room.
Barbara Denegar, council president, gave a speech remembering the times when she was a child and how these members taught Sunday Church School, cooked special event dinners, created crafts, reached out to the home bound members, sang in the choir, were ushers and were communion servers. Today, these members are still active creating blankets and prayer shawls to give out to those in need, helping cook and prepare brunches and dinners, leading bible studies, and teaching confirmation classes. Barbara said “We are fortunate to have so many of our seniors with us today and take joy in celebrating their lives and generous contributions to Reformation. To our Honorees…Thank you for your dedication to the church and especially to the richness your membership has provided to everyone.”
Council Vice-President, Deborah Munson, gave a speech highlighting events in the world from 1921-1936, the years of birth represented by the honorees, and finished with a toast to all present.
Coordinators Debbie Keszler and Edie Jansen said “the event exceeded our expectations and we’re thrilled to have so many of our members over the age of 80 still able to be active in the church ministries and events. A special thank you to Thrivent Financial and Bill Leach for their support of this event.”