[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN PRAISE OF THE LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATION OF THE SAGINAW VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lutheran 
Fellowship Association of the Saginaw Valley as it celebrates 45 years 
of dedicated service. Over the years, members have made numerous and 
significant contributions to Lutheran families and to the citizens of 
many communities in Bay County and elsewhere. They deserve our 
gratitude and praise.
  In Bay County, the Lutheran Fellowship Association began when a 
handful of faithful Lutherans with a vision of creating a gathering 
place for families and friends joined together to open a fellowship 
hall. Since then, the group has grown to include more than 250 members 
and their families, serving the needs of thousands of Lutherans and 
others.
  The LFA Hall has been a center of Lutheran life in our community for 
generations. Under the guidance of President Earl Wegener and other 
leaders past and present, it has continued to fulfill its mission as a 
venue for individuals, families, groups and organizations to enjoy 
fraternal, social, educational, recreational and family events of all 
kinds at a reasonable cost.
  It is not a stretch to say that a large percentage of mid-Michigan's 
Lutheran community has likely attended one or more events at the hall 
during their lifetime, including wedding receptions, confirmation 
celebrations, anniversaries and a host of other activities. Many 
marriages have gotten off to a beautiful start with a reception at the 
LFA Hall and years later an untold number of couples have returned to 
the hall to commemorate their anniversary with family and friends.
  In addition, LFA members have always put a high premium on charitable 
donations. Last year, they pooled financial resources to make a 
contribution to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack 
in New York City. In other years, they have provided assistance to 
disadvantaged children or those afflicted with serious illnesses.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in praising the 
members of the Lutheran Fellowship Association for all that they do to 
meet the needs of the Lutheran community. Fellowship is an integral 
element in the Lutheran faith and the LFA has served a useful and vital 
role in fulfilling that need in Bay County. I am confident the LFA will 
continue to serve its members, their families, our community and our 
Lord well into the future.

                          ____________________