On Sunday afternoon, September 25, in a 2:00 Vespers Service, the members of Christ-Waterloo celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Approximately 150 members, former members, and guests heard the Word of God proclaimed and joined their voices in giving thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout the congregation's 50 year history.
District President Gary Arp preached in the afternoon service on I Peter 2:1-9. He reminded all who were present that they were infants who need constantly to be fed on the pure spiritual milk of God's Word. Former Pastor Arno Melz, and former Vicars David Markworth and David Zimmer were also present and participated in the Service. Christ Lutheran is part of a joint parish with Our Redeemer-Cedar Falls and therefore many members of Our Redeemer, including their choir, also took part in this joyous occasion.
A reception was held following the Service in which letters and personal greetings were received from Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley, former pastors John Drosendahl and Fredrick Koehler, and former vicar Tony Bolen.
As they thank God for their past, the members of Christ Lutheran look to the future with great hope, trusting in the faithfulness of their merciful God. In Christ, they are the forgiven people of God, and they pray that the proclamation of Christ crucified will remain constant so that they may be built up in the faith and the message of salvation may be heard by all!
