I arrived about 6:30 to a parking lot with 2 large tents set up near the gym entrances. The tents were decorated with lights. The tents offered the welcome option on this baking, hot, muggy, evening of visiting, eating and drinking outside as opposed to the extremely hot gym.

Inside the gym, I staked out a prime table near a fan and mingled. The guest of honor had not arrived yet. I felt like a member of the Bible Study: Oh, look there’s the food! (Speaking of Bible Study, I spotted “Cousin” Rik Murray near the food. Coincidence?). There were about 5-6 tables at the back of the gym staffed by a rotating crew of volunteer parishioners. The offerings included the ubiquitous cocktail weenie as well as cheese and crackers. The meatballs and the mini-cheesecakes were my personal favorites.

On the back wall of the gym were large, laminated panels with a timeline of George’s tenure. The same timeline is reprinted on the SJA website but the website view does not give quite the same impact as seeing it in person. I was astounded at the amount of loving work and effort that must have gone into preparing it. Michael Reinbold was one of the individuals who contributed and I asked him who else worked on it. He said Brad Hinker, Lynne Dolan and Todd Dalebroux with photos by Rick Spaulding, Peg Lasota and Bill Cameron. Amazing work!

The man himself, Father George Wertin arrived between 7 and 7:30. I was fortunate enough to be outside when he strolled up. I got my hug and my glow when he called me “Dear Heart” which is what he usually calls me. I almost cried. I’ll miss that.

At 8:00 was the program. The SJA musicians along with Julie Madden and her son Josh did a take-off of the traditional Seder questions. “Tell me why this night is unlike other nights?” “If George had only increased membership by 67% it would have been enough.” Even though this was a humorous skit it moved me deeply because I’ve always loved the Seder and I remember sadly thinking at this year’s Seder that it will be the last one with George.

The Pastoral Council and Staff asked George a while back what he wanted for his retirement send-off and he said: parties! George also requested three parishioners in particular to offer reflections about him and his ministry. He selected Joan Riebel, Margaret Lulic and Jim Farrell. All three were very well done.

Read Jim Farrell's Reflection
Read Joan Riebel's Reflection
Read Margaret Lulic's Reflection

Speakers Joan Riebel and Margaret Lulic

Peter Eichten, Parish Administrator, came up to the stage and gave George a box and a photo album of memories that parishioners sent in. I spoke to Peter later and he said more were coming in. The parish sent a letter to registered parishioners requesting a contribution to George’s humble retirement fund. The parish responded in a big way: $63,000! Peter told me the final amount would be higher because donations were still coming in. Wow!