Don has been a part of Good Shepherd for many, many years. In the 1970’s his family joined what was then called St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. St. Luke’s later merged with Mt. Tabor Lutheran to become Good Shepherd, and Don has been here through it all. Don is always quick with a smile and ready with a joke (or two) to share.
Don has been a part of the Church for as long as he can remember. “The root of my faith started with my parents bringing me to Sunday school and worship,” Don recalls. “We wanted that for our kids, too.” Their three kids were raised in the Church from baptism through Sunday school, confirmation, and beyond. “My anchor is right here,” Don says when he reflects back on his many years at Good Shepherd. “It reminds me that I have a position in life.”
Things changed dramatically in Don’s family several years ago when his wife of 68 years, Jane, was diagnosed with dementia. Those last years were a difficult season as Jane’s health declined. When Don looks back, he is grateful for the deep connections with other people at Good Shepherd that helped strengthen his faith. From serving as an usher together with his friend Milt for many years to the CGs (Chronologically Gifted) ministry, being rooted in these relationships has been a gift. “There’s the communion of saints here,” Don shares, “I have a lot of friends here.”
During the final week of Jane’s life, she received a bouquet of flowers from the flower ministry team at Good Shepherd, reminding them that they were loved and cared for by the Church and by God. When Jane finally passed into eternal life, it was here at Good Shepherd, surrounded by these connections, rooted in faith, that they celebrated her life and commended her to God’s care.
When Don thinks about what he is most thankful for at Good Shepherd he says, “people like you who reinforce our faith every week.”
Don wants to continue creating these types of deep connections for others that have meant so much to him and his family over the years. When you see Don in worship each week, you will most likely see him introducing himself to a stranger or welcoming someone new. “There is a younger guy who sits in front of me almost every week,” Don shares. “I don’t know much about him, but I know his name is Tyler! So, each week I say, ‘Good morning, Tyler,’ or ‘How are you doing today Tyler?” It’s those little connections that make all the difference.
Thanks to your generosity towards Good Shepherd, friendships and connections within the congregation thrive and allow ministry teams such as the flower ministry team and funeral ministry to provide comfort and peace in times of need.
