[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            WILLARD V. MEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor Willard V. 
Meyer of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. Pastor Meyer is retiring 
after 40 years of ministry. Thirty years of his ministry has been 
served at Zion Lutheran Church.
  Pastor Meyer started his service at Zion Lutheran Chuch as the Youth 
Minister and later became the Senior Minister. Pastor Meyer, and his 
wife Stephanie, are well loved by their congregation and his service 
will be missed.
  As the chuch is celebrating their sesquicentennial this year, Pastor 
Meyer was quoted in The Telegraph saying,--``Although many, 
significant, and profound changes have taken place at Zion over these 
150 years, what has been constant and unchanging are the proclamation 
of the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the 
ministry of sharing that love of Christ throughout the community and 
the world.'' Pastor Meyer's remarks could have well been said about his 
own ministry, constantly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.
  Pastor Meyer's words also bring to mind Colossians 3:23-24, ``And 
whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the 
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.'' For the last 40 years, 
this could be said of Pastor Meyer's ministry as well.
  I praise God for Pastor Meyers 40 years of service to Him. I extend 
my best wishes to Pastor Meyer for an enjoyable retirement celebration 
on April 19, 2009. May God richly bless him and his family in the years 
to come.

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