A Home at Last, Page 2
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church

Membership decreased again in 1971. More than ten percent of the congregation moved away, including the Archer, Bowman, Devine, Thomas, Paulson and Sheetz families. Charter member and mainstay of the congregation, Bill Oshman, transferred to the "heavenly congregation." This was offset by the addition of the Paddack, Harrod, Knight, Franz, Brown, Young, and Houck families. There were now more than 200 members at Abiding Presence. These members, led by Ted Warwick, gave of their time and labor to install a parking area lighting system (purchased by the LCW), spread quarry blend stone (also paid for by the LCW craft sale) in the parking area, paint, lime and fertilize the lawn and do needed repair work. Cottage meetings united the congregation in prayer and Bible study. Jack Ervin began his long time service as Music and Worship chair. The LCW sewed 125 tote bags for women at the State Hospital, collected, wrapped and delivered 300 Christmas gifts for patients at the State Hospital, delivered gifts to the Children's Home Society. Coordinated by Helen Warwick, a variety of craft, slide shows and skill programs were presented monthly at the State Home for Girls and 50 Christmas gifts were provided. Barbara Faig and Pat Reynolds co-chaired the Fellowship Committee, and Joan Marco was elected Chairman of the Central District LCW. Women gathered regularly to create items for the second annual craft sale, and an Electrolux industrial strength vacuum was purchased. Fifth grade communion was instituted and the dramatic reading, "Behold, the Man" was utilized in the Lenten worship series.

"Asleep, Awake, Alive" was the 1972 Evangelism-Stewardship theme. Signs were seen in new involvement, commitment, and activities of the congregation. Sunday School, attendance averaged 105 -- necessitating the utilization of Lanning School (again); and Vacation Bible School involved almost 70 people. The Wynns and Harrods served as Youth Group sponsors, and Troop 31 of the Boy Scouts, under the leadership of Ron Osborn, now met at APLC. Margaret Payne and Linda MacNamara, who became the new organist-choir director, joined the congregation; but the Reynolds, Somers, Van Zant, and Maltby families moved away.

David Jenkins lent his tractor for lawn maintenance. In teams of two, 26 members visited 128 other members, which resulted in renewed vigor in both attendance and commitment. Sunny Day Nursery School, under the direction of Margaret Holmquest, served as an avenue to bring new members to Abiding Presence. Abiding Presence was one of the churches to develop a ministry of bringing nutritious hot meals to shut ins; Ewing Meals on Wheels, with Ann Sassaman as Director and Fred Gould a member of the Board of Directors. In the fall of 1973, Ray Mitchell resigned to become a Chaplain at Bergen Pines hospital and Pr. John Koenig was named Interim Pastor. The sight of this tall, bearded professor standing at the altar startled more than one person into wondering if the "second coming" had arrived. The LCA instituted a new three-year lectionary series that brought about considerable changes in the church year. During the pastoral vacancy, the congregation committees stressed the importance of the ministry of all believers in evangelism, stewardship, and worship.

On February 2, 1974, Kenneth Sigurd Nelson presided at worship and was called to be pastor, effective Feb. 15. He was ordained at Holy Trinity, Manasquan on March 24, with more than 70 persons from Abiding Presence in attendance and installed at APLC a month later by the Rev. Dr. Edwin Ehlers, President of the NJ Synod. Sunday School enrollment continued to rise. The second site for classes was now Valley Woods Day Care center. The time had come to consider expanding our building. Nancy Osborn headed the Planning Committee, and Mr. Hassinger facilitated the exploration of possibilities.