“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21 – ESV
Greetings to all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, risen, indeed—Alleluia! I’m going to use my space this month to say a word of thanks…farewell…and God bless you—to three people—for being such incredible blessings to many, many people for many, many years. In fact, over 84 years combined. These ladies are retiring from their formal teaching ministries. They are: Mrs. Melanie Douglas; Mrs. Sandy Gremmer; and Mrs. Sharon Fraker.
Melanie – I thank you, and I thank God for you. As this school year ends, you finish your 20th year as Teacher at Cross Lutheran School—finishing your 34th year overall in Lutheran Teaching Ministry. The expertise you have always brought to your task and into your classroom has been an amazing influence on, and great blessing to, the hundreds of students and families you have touched. You excel in personifying attention to your craft, and diligence in presenting Christ and all your subject matter in ways that are consistently engaging, challenging and rewarding. You are greatly admired; you will be greatly missed. You have served with grace and distinction, and I express sincere and deep appreciation to you, my friend and sister in Christ. It has been my honor and privilege to serve beside you here at Cross. God bless your retirement days!
Sandy – I thank you, and I thank God for you also. You are finishing your 10th year at Cross Lutheran School. All of those as a teaching partner with Sharon in the Kindergarten classroom. You’ve served in classrooms for over 20 years—some of those at Concordia Lutheran School in San Antonio. The only thing bigger than your smile is your heart. No, check that—both of those are overshadowed by your love for Jesus. He is the One who has made your heart and smile so warm, loving, and alive for the countless little ones who have occupied space in your heart and classroom through the years. Thank you for that! Your constant, ready love and grace to students, parents and families is legendary for so many—to the glory of God. I also express my sincere and deep appreciation to you, my friend and sister in Christ. It has been my honor and privilege to serve beside you here at Cross. May God bless you in retirement, too!
Sharon – I continue to thank and praise God for you, my dear wife! You are finishing your 21st year as Teacher at Cross Lutheran School, and over 30 years in the Teaching ministry of the Lutheran Church. With unabashed bias, I want to say that you are simply the best Teacher I’ve ever known. J Your excellence and energy in your classroom extends down the halls and into the hearts of many, many others. You are a loving, joyful mentor, friend, and counselor. Your dedication and zeal to bring your very best to every day and every teaching moment has been a consistent source of strength, example, and encouragement to your colleagues and friends. You have loved well “all your babies” through the years. You are loved at Cross Lutheran School; you will be dearly missed. Your peaceful, powerful patience has been a wonderful gift to students and families, and it will continue with our kids and grandkids—some of the prime benefactors of your retirement! It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve “down the hall” from you in the three congregations where the Lord has placed us. May God bless your retirement days!
May the Lord of this congregation continue to be with and bless us all as He uses each of us to build His kingdom here as living stones. See you in church!
In the name Christ, in Whom we are one,
Pastor Don Fraker – Colossians 3:15
