Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Granbury’s Our Savior Lutheran Church is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a weekend full of events, including a golf tournament, special church services and a celebration dinner. The festivities will culminate Sunday, Sept. 22, with a 2 p.m. service featuring guest preacher the Rev. Michael Newman, president of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
Diane Schumann, chairperson of the planning committee, outlined the event schedule, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21, with a golf tournament and dinner for past and current members. Sunday’s events include morning church services, a lunch reserved for church members, and the much-anticipated anniversary service in the afternoon, which is open to the public. Schumann described the celebration as “a time of praise and fellowship, honoring God for the church’s 50-year history.”
Rachel Núñez, the church secretary, has played a key role in organizing the celebration. Núñez, whose family has deep roots in church leadership — her grandfather, father and husband were all LCMS pastors and missionaries — has been with Our Savior Lutheran Church since 2013. “Church work is in my blood,” Núñez said. “I love the opportunity to show God’s love to everyone who calls or walks through our door and to serve the wonderful people in this congregation.”
Núñez also provided key contacts for the event, coordinating with congregants leading various parts of the celebration. She highlighted the importance of bringing together past and present members for this milestone.
Pastor David Schatte, who has led the congregation since 2014, expressed his excitement for the anniversary celebration. “We’re looking forward to reconnecting with past pastors and members,” he said, noting that one of the original charter members from 1974 is expected to attend. Schatte, a Texas native and graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, has seen the church grow steadily during his tenure despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The congregation, primarily of retirees, is now regaining momentum.
Under Schatte’s leadership, Our Savior Lutheran Church was well-prepared for the challenges of the pandemic, having introduced online services before 2018. This early technology adoption allowed the church to maintain its connection with members during the lockdown.
The 50th anniversary promises to be a meaningful time of reflection and fellowship, celebrating the church’s history, continuity and growth over the last half-century.
For more information about the event, please get in touch with Our Savior Lutheran Church: 817-573-5011 or www.OurSaviourGranbury.com.
