[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 37 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES T. CANADY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 1997

  Mr. CANADY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues 
to join me in commending Hope Lutheran Church on the occasion of its 
40th anniversary, and Community Christian School on its first 20th 
anniversary. Located in Plant City, FL, Hope Lutheran Church and 
Community Christian School celebrated their anniversaries on February 
23, as families and friends gathered to give thanks to God for His many 
blessings over the years.
  As five families met together in February 1957, little did they know 
that their small congregation would one day grow to become Hope 
Lutheran Church. Forty years later, this church body is a thriving 
force in the community and a testimony to God's gracious leading along 
the way.
  Community Christian School, celebrating its first 20 years, is the 
only Christian day school in Plant City. With its excellent programs 
and opportunities, students are receiving a solid education as well as 
a moral foundation for their lives. Community Christian School is 
preparing our young people well for the challenges they will face in 
the future.
  As we commemorate the anniversaries of Hope Lutheran Church and 
Community Christian School, we recognize God's blessings on these two 
institutions. King David reminded us in the Psalms, ``Unless the Lord 
build the house, they labor in vain who build it.'' Likewise, we 
understand that it is God who has made this church and school flourish. 
He is the reason for this celebration, and we look forward to seeing 
the wonderful things that He will continue to do in the future.
  I want to take a few moments to recognize some of the servants of 
Hope Lutheran Church. Rev. Gerald Renken, who served as Hope Lutheran's 
first pastor back in 1962, returned to the church for the special 
anniversary celebration. After Reverend Renken, Rev. James Peter, and 
Rev. Donald Little served as the next two pastors of the church. Today 
Rev. Dean Pfeffer is the pastor. All of these gentlemen have served the 
people of Hope Lutheran in a powerful way through their instruction, 
encouragement, and faithful leadership.
  In addition to the pastoral staff, I would like to recognize several 
individuals who have dedicated their lives in service to the people of 
Hope Lutheran Church and Community Christian School. Mrs. Christine 
Mansell, the church organist, has played beautiful melodies for Hope 
Lutheran for 25 years. Mrs. Libby Warren has taught pre-school for 18 
years. Mrs. Lana Baldwin, a kindergarten teacher, and Mrs. Sandy 
Howell, a first grade teacher and the former principal of Community 
Christian School, have both worked for 15 years. Finally, Mrs. Sue 
Griffin has taught pre-school for 14 years. It is my pleasure to 
commend these individuals for their tireless dedication and excellent 
service.
  As we remember these faithful servants and the many others who have 
contributed so much to Hope Lutheran Church and Community Christian 
School, we are filled with thanksgiving. We now look ahead with 
faithful expectancy to see how God will continue to use this church and 
school in Plant City in the coming years.

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