On Sunday, June 4, 2017 members and friends of Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church gathered at the beautiful new Recreational Center to celebrate both the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the 25th Anniversary of the Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church. Ryan McKenzie opened the worship with “A Mighty Fortress” on the bagpipes. There were balloons and banners, worshipers dressed in red and praise music from several countries as God’s people gathered to celebrate the birthday of the church and this milestone anniversary. The Call to Worship, led by Interim Pastor Rev. Jeanie Shaw, included participants reading a portion of Acts 2 in nine different languages, while the children of the church ran through the congregation with “flames” of fire!
Rev. Shaw interpreted the importance of the theme for the celebration, “Investing in the Next Generation.” Greetings and words of congratulations were offered by Presbytery Pastor Rev. Hilda Pecoraro on behalf of the Presbytery of Nevada and by Rev. Bishop Mark Holmerud, Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Participants in the Service also included Associate Pastor Rev. Joanie Tankersley and two previous TLPC pastors, Rev. Ed Hilton and Rev. Ruth Hanusa. In addition the praise team, Rev. Kate Freeman and several members of the congregation took part in the creative, vibrant and inspiring worship service. Bishop Mark’s sermon, along with music, drama and liturgical dance called the congregation to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading into the next 25 years of faithful discipleship.
Following the celebration of Communion, Council President, Elder Bob Johnson led the “Celebration of 25 years.” He presented certificates to 4 charter members who were present, as well as acknowledging many others who have been an important part of the church’s history including Rev. Scott Trevithick, who could not be present. Council member Lorelle Banzett introduced special guests who were instrumental in the church’s founding. The Mayor of Truckee, Morgan Goodwin also brought congratulatory remarks and shared the impact TLPC has had on meeting the needs in the community. Next came a video, produced for this occasion, interviewing various members of the congregation telling what TLPC means to them.
Following worship everyone enjoyed a delicious barbeque luncheon which included a huge variety of home-baked desserts! In addition to the food and joyful fellowship around the tables, there was a Silent Auction with many hand-made items and lovely gift baskets available to the highest bidder. The goal of the congregation is to raise $25,000 as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Rev. Shaw reported that $14,000 has already been received and of this money, 10% will be given to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and 10% to the ELCA Hunger Program.
Congratulations to this unique congregation that models for all of us how we can partner across denominational lines – receiving the best from both – to create a true family of faith! May God bless Pastors Jeanie and Joanie, church leaders, and all the members of TLPC as they look ahead to faithfully following where God leads in the next 25 years!
