From Pastor Leps' 1978 Annual Report:

This congregation runs on a fuel that is a hearty mixture of love, devotion, energy, imagination, disagreements and the Holy Spirit.

The Sunday School Spring Musicale, under the direction of Linda MacNamara Wylie, with special effects by Russ Brittain, was "It's Cool in the Furnace." Vacation Church School, led by Phyllis Gould, had an enrollment of 100 students -- most of them from the community rather than the congregation, a real opportunity for outreach.

The Altar Guild, the unsung group who has served quietly behind the scenes for all the years of APLC's existence, continued to take care of the sanctuary and its furnishings, keep the acolyte and pastor's robes clean and in good condition, care for altar linens, arrange for altar flowers and perform other duties and needs pertaining to worship. Katherine Coombe, Nancy Ervin and Millie Pittman are just a few of the women who have kept this ministry going over the lifetime of Abiding Presence. Lutheran Church Women of Abiding Presence concluded a major effort to make the kitchen beautiful as well as efficient, and choir room renovations were completed.

In 1979, tragedy struck the Abiding Presence family. On a beautiful fall day, Jan Leps was hit by a passing truck as she rode her bicycle. She lingered in the hospital for several days before she died. The congregation surrounded Charlie with love and care as he struggled to put his life back together. Those who knew Jan remember her as a bright shining example of Christian witness and charity. Lois Harrod, poet supreme, wrote a fine and fitting tribute to Jan in her book of poems.

On Christmas Eve that year, a phenomenon was noticed that has become a highlight of the late evening candlelight service. As the individual candles are lit during the singing of Silent Night, one can see reflected in the skylight the shining lights of saints who have gone before, the coming together of all past and present members.

The "Green Book" experience became part of worship at Abiding Presence and chapel chairs finally replaced folding chairs (and the "ping" of cooling metal).

1980 was a bonus year for Vacation Bible School -- 67 students and 30 staff members! The Sunday School theme was "Travels with Jesus"; balloons and "Geraldine the Clown" were part of the Rally Day celebration. Donna Steinmetz directed "SAM", the spring musical. Home worship services were held during Lent. Laura Hook continued to tend with love and care the flower garden in the circle and around the church building. The Youth Group provided wholesome activities, fellowship and a shared Christian ethic of service under the direction of Lee Harrod. A celebration of joy in recognition of the twentieth anniversary of Pastor Lep's ordination provided an opportunity for members and friends to gather for worship and dinner. A pulpit commemorating this anniversary was installed in the sanctuary in his honor.

 

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