"The more
things change, the more things remain the same". That saying summarizes the
history of Palos Evangelical Lutheran Church in many ways.
Our long-time members have seen hundreds of faces come
and go over the last five decades. Yet each one of them is bound together by a
common faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Nine different
pastors and over two dozen teachers have served the congregation. Yet by God's
grace the very same Biblical teachings have been taught to Christ’s sheep and
lambs over the past 50 years. Rented quarters gave way to
a chapel. School began in the chapel, moved to our school building, and grew in
size with an addition. Yet God's presence remained the same, wherever two or
three gathered together in His name. Crises, divisions,
and human weakness hindered the work of spreading God's Word. Yet God's grace
was ever present to forgive all sin. God's power was ever present to accomplish
His will. The history of these past 50 years is a rich
testimony to the grace of our loving God. It is a heritage for which we owe God
our heartfelt thanks. It is also a heritage worth sharing!
So many in this world do not possess the priceless
inheritance we have been given. They do not know the full cleansing power of
Jesus' blood. They do not know the unconditional love, the sacrificial love, of
the Heavenly Father. They do not know the life-changing power of the Holy
Spirit. They do not know the treasures awaiting them in the infallible Word of
God, or recognize His voice speaking through it. God has
graciously allowed us to gather for these 50 years so that we might share His
gifts with those who still lack them. May this record of God's working in our
midst move us to share our heritage with all the strength God gives us!
Pastor Gene E. Jahnke (1993-2005)
AN OVERVIEW
OF THE HISTORY OF PALOS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH
