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PHONE:
(702)732-2052
FAX:
702-734-3769
rfmlv@embarqmail.com
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Reformation Lutheran Church History page 5
prepared and written by:
Eileen Ward & Herb Hansen
1988 was the birth of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America)...
Ronald Reagan was our President ... the film "Rainman" won Oscar of the
year ...in May an explosion rocked the Pepcon plant in Henderson. Reformation
Lutheran celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a "Block Party" and invited the
entire neighborhood to join in. In 1989 our budget had grown to $171,000 and
Katherine Center was growing also attracting 60 to 90 people each day. At some
point it was decided that we needed additional storage space and an office for
Katherine Center. A building permit was obtained in August of 1990, and the
addition was completed a short time later. As well as ongoing programs of our
congregation during 1991 we had four other religious groups meeting at our
Church, including Hispanic, Korean and Coptic. During the year NOWS (Night Out
With Someone) was rekindled with those interested enjoying varied dining
experiences. 1992 led to another addition to our Church building. After 60
thousand dollars was raised, our small Narthex was expanded to a large,
functional and beautiful "Gathering Place". It was dedicated in December.
Pastor Waldo Lindberg decided to retire in 1993, and his last Sunday was April
25th. After a number of guest Pastors, we settled in with a "Pastor Charlie"
as our Interim. We once again formed a Call Committee and started a search. As
we interviewed prospects, it became apparent that our Interim was the one we
really wanted to call. In January of 1994 Pastor Charles Bowker accepted the
call. During, 1994 our Hospitality Outreach Program was started, and in
December the Church Council had its first Retreat in Boulder City. 1995
brought. us the expansion of the women's group ... namely Women of the Word
and Agape ... joining the ongoing Mary Martha Circle. In September we were
introduced to the "Blue Book", the new worship book called With One Voice. Our
first Heritage Dinner was held. in October. In May of 1996 Las Vegas hosted
the Annual Synodical Assembly, and Pastor Charlie gave the welcoming address.
As our 50th Anniversary was drawing near, a planning committee was formed in
July to get things rolling. In October, after a number of Church burnings in
the South, the congregation raised and sent $2,600 to a Church in Georgia
destroyed by an arsonist. Realizing that our congregation. was in need of a
new Mission Statement, one was adopted in June of 1997. It read, "Reformation
Lutheran Church is a family of faith sharing the Good News of Christ Jesus,
offering hope, help and haven to, all". At the same time we became "The Heart
of Christ in the Heart of the City." It was fitting that in1997 we became the
facilitator and location for the FRC (Family Resource Center) serving the
89104 zip code area. On October 26th we celebrated the kickoff of our 50th
Anniversary year. Lutheran Social Services - Nevada, needing more space, left
our premises in December with this space being utilized by the FRC. 1998 has
been filled with the joyous opportunity to recognize our past as we recall
five decades on separate occasions. Our congregation raised in excess of
$12,000 to place bells on our tower and have the sounds of carillons fill the
air - a fitting tribute to celebrate the past 50 years while we look to the
future as a community of faith. Built on a rock the
Church shall stand, Even when steeples are falling; Crumbled have spires in
every land, Bells still are chiming and calling - Calling the young and old to
rest, Calling the souls of those distressed, Longing for life everlasting.
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