by Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward 

For more than 50 years, members of Evergreen Lutheran Church have walked up the side walk to the doors of this church early every Sunday morning. In my mind's eye, I can imagine the doors being ulocked and the lights turned on by the previous Pastors who readied the sanctuary and building for the regular attendees to come and give thanks to God for all the wonderful blessings of life including their little church on the corner of Hi View and Highway 73. And 50 years from now I hope and pray that our children will remember, with fondness, this time in our history. We are so blessed by our history. And, we are so blessed to be living and worshipping with each other in this time and place, the year of our lord, 2008.
          ELC has undergone many transitions in her 50 year history. Many Pastors have served her well including Pastor Ron Schutt who worships here regularly every Sunday morning. He and his wife, Karen, continue to bless ELC and the friends they have had here for 30 years. Karen sings in the choir and honors them with her good spirit and her lovely voice.
          A host of children have been baptized and many of our loved ones, who have completed their baptismal journeys, have been remembered and celebrated here. A lot of you have been married at ELC and have rought your children to learn and grow in their Christian faith. You have watched your children receive their first Communion or have heard them promise, at the altar as they affirm their baptismal Covenant, that they will live their Christian faith beyond their affiliation with ELC. So many people have been blessed in this holy place. How fitting that we remember and celebrate the 50 years of marvelous ministry that has formed and shaped a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people."
          On May 10, 2008 we will kick off our 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Wine and Cheese Party in the upper fellowship hall. Plan to drink wine from beautiful 50th anniversary wine glasses as you join us for a stroll down memory lane.
          Then, the next morning, Pentecost Sunday, May 11 at the 10:30 worship service, Bishop Allan Bjornberg, Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA will be here to preach and bless our congregation. A reception to celebrate our 50th anniversary will take place between services at 9:00 a.m.
          Another exciting event follows, Sunday, may 18 when seven 8th greade students will affirm their baptismal covenant with the Affirmation of Baptism at the 10:30 service.