St. John’s Lutheran Church
June 3, 2023, St John’s Lutheran Church of Russellville, AR held their 100th Anniversary Dinner Celebration at the Pope County Senior Citizen Activity Center in Russellville, AR. As guests entered the main event room, they had the opportunity to snap some photos in front of the photo wall and were served refreshments before the dinner began. Guests found their seats at tables adorned with framed photos of members throughout the 100 years of St. John’s. Justin Drittler, President of St John’s Lutheran Church welcomed everyone, and Reverend William Ringer provided the blessing for the meal. Everyone dined on a meal prepared by Kasper’s of Clarksville. Pork Tenderloin, Green Beans, Potatoes, Green Salad, and Dinner Roll along with cake for dessert was served.
The Reverend Dr. Roger Paavola, President of the Mid-South District presented Rev. William Ringer with a certificate of celebration for 100 years from the Mid-South District. Justin recognized our special guest, Reverend Dr. Roger Paavola and his wife Pat, Stephanie Weiser, wife of Reverend Les Weiser (former pastor of St. John’s) and their son Shawn Weiser, and Reverend Tim Henning and his wife Janet of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena, AR. Entertainment consisted of current and former members sharing stories of St. John’s. We had special entertainment from our Camp Trinity family, David Cox the Camp Director along with his daughter Maggie Davis, and granddaughters Gwyneth and Lottie Davis (upper left). Reverend William Ringer closed the evening in prayer.
June 4, 2023, worship service was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 500 North Cumberland Ave in Russellville. Worship service was led by Reverend William Ringer and Reverend Darrell Kobs, Pastor Emeritus. President Roger Paavola provided the sermon. The St. John’s Lutheran Church Choir performed, and our confirmation class served as Acolytes, Torch Bearers, and Crucifer. We then enjoyed a reception by the ladies of the congregation in the fellowship hall. Pictures were displayed in frames on the tables and posted on bulletin boards throughout the church for people to view. A video created by Justin Drittler with photos curated by Lauren Robertson from the archives of St John’s Lutheran Church was shown during the reception. We do want to acknowledge Thrivent Financial and the three action team grants that helped cover some of the expenses of this celebration.
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