Church celebrates 20th anniversary

By SANFORD J. SCHMIDT

GODFREY The pastor of the rededicated Resurrection Lutheran Church said Sunday the building should be more of an oasis or mission post than a warehouse.

The Rev. Ken Tegtmeier said in his sermon that buildings are not ends in themselves but serve a purpose.

Some see the purpose as a place to visit on Sunday to proclaim the Lord, then leave their faith at the church, as you would store items in a warehouse, he said.

But, when seen as an oasis or a mission outpost, the building is merely a place to restore your beliefs and travel out on a journey to proclaim your faith to the outside world, the pastor said.

This place provides us with strength and nourishment for the journey, he said. The journey is more about making God known in our daily lives, Tegtmeier said.

A group of about 75 attended the service in the newly refurbished sanctuary, which was dedicated on the 20th anniversary of the building of the church in Godfrey, where it moved from Henry Street in Alton.

The members visited an outdoor garden containing a statue of Jesus and said a special prayer to dedicate the garden. Special prayers were also offered for the Young Hall, the church offices and the sanctuary.

The church was built 20 years ago at 1211 W. Homer M. Adams Parkway. The cornerstone of the new building was laid June 28, 1992. The building was formally dedicated Sept. 20, 1992.

The first services were held July 18, 1978, at the original building on Henry Street.

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Church celebrates 20th anniversary