President’s Letter for December 2023

We are doing great! Committees are busy, running smoothly and well… very productive. Church members are so involved, it is wonderful to be in a church where I feel welcome and part of a close family. Having spoken to a number of you after Sunday service, at fellowship—you know, with the coffee and cookies. Most of us don’t always talk with members we don’t know that well, for fear of scaring someone off or that awkwardness of new things and situations. We are Lutherans and do tend to be a little reserved. Please take the chance and continue to reach out to a new friend. It’s okay, we will be fine. We all want you to feel as welcome and loved as any close family member.

I didn’t want to make the rest of this about me, but I informed our Church Council of my beginnings of dementia. Problems remembering names of people bothers me the most. I am seeing more than a few doctors, and they are under the belief that this may be early enough for medications to be of help. I am aware of what is wrong and am honest enough with myself to ask. Am I ok to proceed another year as president of the church council? I believe that I am, support and prayers are a blessing. I feel loved and of value. I have some genuine fear of personality change and of losing memories or good friends and family. As I am an avid talker and storyteller I look forward to making awkward connections and new friends 😉

God Bless,
Jeff Grawe,
SLT President