[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH IN ROANOKE, 
                                 TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2009

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize and 
congratulate St. Peter Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Texas, as they 
celebrate the groundbreaking for their first facility.
  St. Peter Lutheran Church was founded in September of 2006, when a 
small group of 37 families from Roanoke and surrounding cities in North 
Texas decided to plant a new church in their rapidly growing community. 
The congregation met under the guidance of Pastor Robert Balduc in a 
school gym, and later in the Roanoke Recreation Center.
  The church's small beginnings did not stop them from reaching out to 
the community. Members of St. Peter Lutheran Church actively contribute 
to their community in many ways, such as participating in Habitat for 
Humanity, providing free games and activities for local children at 
city events, holding food and supply drives for local food pantries, 
among countless other acts of generosity. The church even has its own 
barbequeing team--the Holy Smokers--who use their grilling and smoking 
talents to serve others.
  The church now encompasses over 100 families, and is still growing. 
Their rapidly increasing size has led them to purchase 11 acres of land 
in Roanoke, where they will break ground on Sunday, December 6, 2009, 
and build their first multi-use church facility. Future plans also 
include a school, Concordia Academy, which will one day serve and 
educate children throughout North Texas.
  Madam Speaker, St. Peter Lutheran Church is a shining light in 
Roanoke, Texas. I am extremely proud to represent Pastor Balduc and the 
entire church congregation in the 26th Congressional District. Their 
service to the community is valued and appreciated, and I look forward 
to watching the church grow, and observing the positive impact they 
will continue to have in North Texas.

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