Here We Grow Again, Page 3
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church

John Toft served as Vice President in 1981. After months of waiting and changes in schedule, Pastor Leps, Rachel Wascher and Jack Ervin greeted the Pheor family at Philadelphia airport on June 22, 1981. Abiding Presence went out on a limb of love to provide financial and physical support for the Cambodian family. Bill and Rachel Wascher, Marge and Fred Harris, Connie Lybarger, and others spent many hours preparing for their arrival and helping them adjust to unfamiliar ways, learning the language and becoming self-sufficient. They were a true blessing to Abiding Presence, giving the congregation a common goal. The joy of their arrival was tempered by the loss of their small daughter, renewed with the birth of a tiny new girl on Christmas. This was one of the highest points of ministry during the history of Abiding Presence.

For here we have no permanent home, but we are seekers after the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14, NEB)

Boy Scout Troop 31 entered the Kettle Cup Race, an inter-troop canoe competition and, "We won every thing!"

Under the direction of Jack DiMatteo, a Rider student (who later went on to Seminary, was ordained in the ELCA and now serves as Pastor of Gethsemane, in Keyport, New Jersey), Sunday morning worship was broadcast to Rider College dorms. This was a significant and unusual outreach attempt, but one that may not show direct results; a case of casting bread upon the waters and never knowing what returns.

LCW presented Abiding Presence with blue paraments for Advent and Epiphany, and an Epiphany banner (Star of Bethlehem pattern) crafted by Pat Kraus, a local quilter. These were designed by Rosemary Sinniger and the paraments were worked by Rosemary and Nancy Osborn. Programs included "Adam and Eve.and the snake", "Witnessing in our Daily Lives", and an Advent program featuring the reading of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", written by Barbara Robbins.

A day care center rented space at Abiding Presence for their program.

An early morning outdoor Easter Worship proved to be very inspiring to those who gathered at the foot of the cross in front of the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.

In November of 1982, Pastor Leps resigned. He wrote,:

"The deepest feeling that I carry with me about the people who make up Abiding Presence is expressed in the words of an itinerant pastor named Paul who wrote to a church in Phillipi -- "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for your all, making my prayer with joy". I shall always be grateful for the kindness and love that came to me during this year or more of my grieving."

Pastor Leps went on to serve at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia Washington.

In the 1983 Annual Report, Pastor Pat Medley, Vice Pastor, wrote:

"As 1983 began, we all expected the year to be soon filled with the activities of getting to know a new pastor. Instead, as the year unfolded, it became clear that something more interesting was taking place: The members of APLC were getting to know themselves and their gifts in a new way -- and some wonderful strengths have become very apparent. It is rare to see a congregation receiving, nurturing faith in life filled worship, celebrating Luther's 500th Birthday, in an informed way, ministering to and though active youth and offering first-rate Christian Education during a pastoral vacancy. I am impressed and thankful for your good witness. You do many things well. I want to commend every member who has remained faithful and active. You are the church!"

Vice President Helen Warwick was one of those who "carried on" during this pastoral vacancy. Her devotion and dedication were truly an inspiration to the rest of the congregation, who could do no less than their leader in keeping the faith until a new pastor arrived.

During a celebration of Family Month, led by Pastor Fish, Senior Citizens were honored. Easter greetings were sent to unknown recipients via helium balloons with some heartwarming responses to notes enclosed in the balloons by Sunday School children. The congregation prepared and provided an Advent booklet of devotions and ideas for members.

Six young people were confirmed during the pastoral vacancy. The service was led by Pastor. Robert Strohl and written by Lynne Nakamura, who taught the confirmation class.