Although Vicar Bert has been serving us for almost a year, we haven’t been able to schedule the installation due to a very active schedule. We are also blessed to have Vicar Bert’s very talented wife, Ingrid, and their two children, Annika and Erik in our congregation.

Vicar Bert is retired helicopter pilot with the Florida Highway Patrol. He brings a real life perspective to the pulpit and is a pleasure to have as our leader. Vicar Bert’s sermons are always interesting and the congregation leaves church every Sunday feeling spiritually refreshed.

The Reverend Doug Kallesen will deliver the message and perform the installation ceremony. Former pastor Reverend Kurzweig will attend the service. Interim pastors, Reverend Les Kimball and his wife Diane and Dr. Kromphardt and his wife Caroline will make a special trip to attend this wonderful event.

The most basic question everyone faces in life is Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look within, at their own desires and dreams, but Rick Warren says the starting place must be with God and his eternal purposes for each life. Real meaning and significance comes from understanding and fulfilling God’s purposes for putting us on earth. This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live. The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself, Warren clearly explains God’s five purposes for each of us:

* We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.

* We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.

* We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.

* We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.

* We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.

Many folks returned for lunch, which consisted of grilled Bratwurst, kielbasa, hot dogs, sauerkraut, authentic homemade German potato salad, coleslaw and German Chocolate Cake.

The fundraiser was quite a success and because of this Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute a substantial amount of matching funds to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Many thanks go to the Carrabelle IGA, Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie for their generous contributions to our fundraiser. We would also like to thank Tim Sember and Tony Rizzo for their musical performance.