As the St. Joan of Arc congregation passed from the church on Sunday, June 26, 2005 they were listening to the beautiful music of Anna Vagle’s full choir. They were singing the appropriate words:-
“We build this church out of Peace and Grace……
- With a roof so high anyone can come inside”.
There they found a PARTY awaiting with balloons and ICE CREAM and many parishioners attending to say farewell to Father George Wertin, the pastor for the last 13 years.
George, as he likes to be called, was there with open arms to enjoy the children who had helped plan the event along with their teachers and facilitators from the Religious Education groups.
Cristine Patlan (pre-school, far right with Kathy Itzin) led the organization of the farewell party.
Assisting her were:
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Her fellow pre-school teacher, Jennifer Bodine
- Teachers/coordinators from the 7-12 program, Lisa Chirpich and Amy Bissonette
- Elementary teacher and coordinator, Kathleen Itzin
- Steve Friedrichs, nursery school
The crowd of adults and children show the happy faces of sharing the ICE CREAM and the fellowship.
George mingled with the parishioners while they shared stories of happenings over this period of time. The many laughs of happy times were combined with tears of sadness, because he will be missed.
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 |  | Avis Von Eschen has been a member at St. Joan's since 1978. She has been involved in many projects. Although she is presently traveling and frequently out-of-town, she continues to write occasional articles for the web and to send pictures. She also helps out in the office on occasion and has stayed involved with the St. Joan Bridge Club.
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