FIRST 50 YEARS OF FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA

In the Fall of 1947 the initial planning meeting for a Lutheran church was held at the Warner Ross home on University Avenue in Los Gatos. Pastor Clarence Solberg, the area missionary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Northern California, presented a plan to organize a congregation.

Frieda Hasshagen offered the use of the spacious, newly decorated ground floor of her home at Bayview and Bean Avenues. Seventy-five persons attended the first services on November 28, 1948. At that time it was the only Lutheran church between San Jose and Santa Cruz.

On February 28, 1949, this new Lutheran church was officially organized as an Evangelical Lutheran church. The Council considered Faith, Redeemer, Bethany, St. Paulʼs and Our Savior as possible names. On Sunday, March 20, 1946, the congregation selected Faith.

The first Church Council selected Warner Ross as Chairman, Ida Beattie as Secretary, and Paul Kuhns as Treasurer (replaced by Earl Ellertson as Mr. Kuhns left the area). Deacons were Warner Ross, John Palm and Knud Thomasen. Trustees Paul Kuhns, Finn Taaje and John Larsen.

From November 1948 to March 1949 Pastor Tollefson drove from Salinas to conduct Sunday afternoon services in Los Gatos.

Faith Lutheran Sunday School was organized January 1949 at Frieda Hasshagenʼs home. The Superintendent was Warner Ross, Treasurer Paul Kuhns, teachers were

Messrs. Kuhns, Ross, Spotswood and Beattie.

The congregation outgrew the Hasshagen meeting room, and on June 10, 1949, the Council rented the History Club building at 123 San Jose Avenue (now Los Gatos Boulevard). This same June 10th Bernard Hansen accepted the call from the Home Mission Department. Pastor Hansen arrived June 14, 1949.

Charter members as of September 1, 1949 were Ida S. Beattie, Pearl T. Bogart, Christian Christianson, May E. Diemer, Frieda Hasshagen, Marie Ness, John Palm, Senny Palm, Warner O. Ross, Lillian Ross, Leslie Ross, Pauline D. Spotswood, Finn Taaje, Ingrid Taaje, Anna Tangen, Knud Thomasen and Irene Thomasen. Children were Wendell Ross, Gwennie and Patty Spotswood, Joyce Thomasen, Sylvia and Linda Taaje.

It is interesting to note that on October 23, 1949, the Council voted to join Protestant churches in Los Gatos at a joint Thanksgiving service and then reversed this decision in November, deciding to hold their own Thanksgiving service.

On November 20, 1949 the Council announced that Miss Doris Johnson was assigned by the home Mission Board for three months to conduct a house-to-house canvas for members, and to build up the enrollment of the Sunday school.

The incorporation of Faith Lutheran Church was approved on January 9, 1950. This same year, the first class was confirmed and the Latvians were permitted to have their monthly meetings in the History Club in the afternoons.

In December 1950, the congregation voted to become self-supporting and planned its first building program. With much faith, 56 confirmed members adopted a budget of $4,650. It was at this annual meeting that the practice of secret pledging was adopted.

A friend of Finn Taajeʼs gave $4000 for the purpose of acquiring land on which to build a church. This amount plus $400 from other members enabled the Council to purchase two adjoining parcels of land on Ferris directly across from Spencer. This property was adjacent to the Kuhnʼs property and just down the street from the home of Chris Ugland, who turned out to be the secret donor.

Our Saviorʼs Lutheran Church in Patterson heard about Faithʼs desire to build a church, so rather than put a new roof on their church they loaned $25,000 to Faith. Since the Mission Board demanded the building of a parsonage on the property, the Board loaned an additional $14,000.

On February 13, 1951, ground-breaking services were held and on November 4, 1951, members of Faith worshipped in the new building. The altar, pulpit, and baptismal font were built and carved by Fred Paul. The communion rail was built by Reino Wayrynen and Harold Heath. Finn Taaje was the building chairman who made daily inspections and Herbert Liesener was the plumbing supervisor. This building is now Ross Hall, the only change

has been the removal of the bell tower. On March 2, 1952 the building was dedicated. Our District President Gaylord Falde conducted the service and members of Our Saviorʼs Lutheran Church of Patterson attended.

The acquiring of our church bell is an interesting story as related by Finn Taaje. Chris Ugland desired to hear the beautiful and familiar bell sounds of his native Norway, so he paid for the casting, transportation and installation of our bell. When the bell tower was removed the bell was installed in its present location.

As the family of Faithʼs membership increased it was possible to purchase more land. The first purchase was the back half of the lot south of the church - the Walkington property. Then in 1957 the rest of the property was purchased. Part of the building became the home of our custodian Orville Schultz and the back part of the house and the double garage became our Sunday School.

On November 21, 1952 the Church Council decided to explain the annual budget through a series of meetings in member homes (cottage meetings). This practice continued until 1957, and was practiced again in 1959, 1962, 1980 and 1992.

During this time the men were active in the Lutheran Brotherhood and the women in the Womenʼs Missionary Federation. The church office was staffed by part-time secretaries - Paula Fishback, Barbara Flick, and in 1959 Edith Warriner. Our organists were Gertrude Paul and Esther Rodman. The church members participated in many activities - a softball league, a bowling league and on May 20, 1955 sponsored a Boy Scout Troop. Burt Prater and Opie Barrier were the leaders. Gary Heath and Keith Freeman became Eagle Scouts. About this time the custom of placing a rose on the chancel altar when a baby was born to a member of the congregation was started. Church picnics were held at Mount Cross as well as ice cream socials at Dr. Wayne Hoppʼs home.

Our Sunday School grew to over 200 and below is the staff for the period 1951-1960.

General Superintendent" " " Warren HitzSuperintendent Senior Department" Warren HitzAssoc. Supt. Senior Department" " Vi EnanderSupt. Primary Department" " " Adelaide HeathAssoc. Supt. Primary Department"" Sadie BentsonSupt. Preschool Department" " Esther NegendankAssoc. Supt. Pre-school Department" Hazel Plockelman

PianistsSenior"" " " " " Alta HitzPrimary" " " " " Polly SpotswoodPre-school" " " " " Lois Bohlin

Treasurer" " " " " Mrs. L. DraperGeneral Secretary" " " " Edwin BentsonSecretary Senior Department" " Loris KyleSecretary Primary Department" " Vivian HanlonSecretary Pre-school" " " Lolo Walker

On September 16, 1955 a committee was formed to rewrite the Constitution. The members were: Oscar Weibel, Herbert Liesener, George Atwood and Hazel

Plockelman. Under the new Constitution the Pastor was no longer the President of the congregation but a member of the congregation was to be elected President. Dr. Anthony Lipi was the first President under this plan.

In 1956 under the guidance of a Lutheran layman with fund-raising experience, the “Builders for Christ” campaign was set up. Pastor Hansen and Robert Negendank were the honorary chairmen. Mr. Herbert Liesener was headquarters chairman. Mrs. Walter Plockelman was the “builders for Christ” dinner chairperson, Mrs. Kermit Enander was the victory dinner chairperson, Mrs. Harold Heath was the mailing chairperson, Mr. Warner Ross was the telephone chairman, Mrs. Vernon Ulrich was the canvas chairperson and Mr. Art Hansen was the audit chairman.

With much enthusiasm all tasks were carried out and at the celebration dinner it was announced that the campaign raised $47,165.88. This amount plus a loan from the American Trust for $85,000 meant the building of the sanctuary could proceed. A building committee was appointed with Warren Lind as overall chairman. Mrs. Lind had just come into the community as the new manager of the IBM plant in San Jose. Overseeing construction was Robert Sweany who was an engineer with the Santa Clara Planning Department. Alfred Johnson was the architect. Mr. Johnson had just completed the Presbyterian church on Shannon road. The firm of Alken Construction was the builder.

Ground-breaking took place May 15, 1960. Participants and the groups represented were:" " Mr. Ross" " " Charter member of the church" " Dr. Hopp " " " Present membership" " Mrs. Johnson" " Womenʼs organizations" " Mr. Pankhurst" " The Brotherhood" " Mr. Negendank" " Church Council" " Mr. Erickson" " " Choir" " Mr. Taaje" " " Building Chairman of the first unit" " Mr. John Palm" " Former Building Chairman" " David Lind" " " On behalf of his father, former Building Chair" " Mr. Sweany " " " Present Building Chairman" " David Walker"" " Sunday School children" " Gary Heath" " " Boy Scouts" "" " Mr. Hitz" " " Sunday School teachers and staff" " Patty Spotswood" " Luther League

The cross in the procession was the “fitched” cross. It was a cross originally used by the Crusaders and was sharpened on the end like a spear so that it could be thrust into the ground at the close of each marching day and thus become a part of the outdoor chapel.

By early 1961 the building was ready for use. June 11, 1961 the new sanctuary was consecrated. Kermit Enander formed a pew committee and money was raised for pews. Sadie Bentson lent the money for carpeting. A member of the congregation who wan ted to rema in anonymous provided funds for landscaping. Mr. Herbert Beckland, a landscape architect from Santa Cruz did the landscaping.

Dr. James Lovera, a professor at San Jose State, was the color consultant.

Pastor Hansen informed the congregation that the color consultantʼs decisions would be final. Here is Pastor Hansenʼs explanation of the sanctuary;" “ T h e c h u r c h i s v e r y contemporary in design and felling, yet the steeple is very traditional. The steeple points constantly toward heaven and holds the cross high for all to see. Rendered as it is in glass, the steeple has a special significance at night. All the doors are of glass leading into the church; being of glass rather than shutting the world out they invite the world to look in and enter.”" “The lines of the church are lowest at the entrance and become higher and wider as our eyes move toward the altar and cross. The highest, widest and brightest part of the sanctuary is in the chancel.”

" “The beams hold the weight of the entire structure and these speak of strength. They also point upward and forward.”" “The church is perfectly symmetrical with the cross as the focal point.”" “The faceted glass window which forms the background of the cross are primarily blue and green. Blue is the color of heaven and green the color of life and growth. The glass allows the light of heaven to stream into the church yet shuts out the busy activity of the world.”

On May 4, 1962, a visitation pastor, Karl Herbener, joined the staff. Pastor Herbener conducted the German Christmas service. Pastor Herbener served the congregation for five years. As his eyesight dimmed, Mrs. Herbener became his chauffeur. Pastor Herbener died in 1967.

As our Sunday School grew, the congregation felt the time was right for the building of an educational unit. This meant finding a parsonage as the present parsonage was to become a part of the educational unit. It was then that the congregation purchased three houses and lots behind the church. The house behind the Walkington property became the parsonage. By reducing the size of the three lots the churchʼs parking lot was increased. The other two houses became rentals.

Now the congregation could proceed with the building of the educational unit. The architect again was Alfred Johnson. Ground-breaking took place September 12, 1965. Participants and groups represented were:

" Dr. John Albright" " Pre-school and kindergarten" Pat Ewan" " " Primary department children" Virginia Olesen" " Primary department teachers" Michael Northcutt" " Intermediate children" Dr. Anthony Lippi" " Junior intermediate teachers" Paulette Ratchford" " High school students" Joe Neely" " " High school teachers" Margaret Ray " " Adult Education" Nellie Heath" " " Nursery care service" Dr. Wayne Hopp &" Pastor Hansen" " Congregation-at-large

The new unit was dedicated March 13, 1966. The Walkington house was torn down to make room for additional parking.During this time the Luther League was very active sponsoring ski trips and trips to the beach. The men of the church built a temporary building at the back of the parking lot to house newspapers collected by the League. The building was put on skids to avoid having to get involved with the town of Los Gatos Planning Commission. The League also carried out an ambitious NOW program at Christmas time gathering toys and food and making these available to families in need.

In November 1961 the church received two gifts. One was the statue of Thorwaldsonʼs Christ presented by Mr. and Mrs. Holte and the other was offering plates presented by Mr. and Mrs. Masters.

Henry Hoehman was Faithʼs President in 1969 when Pastor Hansen resigned. Robert Negendank was President January 1969 to June 1969 during this transitional period. During this time, Pastor Don Urlie was our pulpit supply.

The Call Committee selected Pastor Harold Pennington, who at the time, was Pastor in a Central Valley church. Pastor Pennington had a mother and aunt living with him and the parsonage was too small, so Pastor Pennington purchased this own home. Since the parsonage was now vacant, the Council sold all three parcels on Englewood.

Pastor Pennignton served the congregation from November 1969 until April 1972 when he accepted a position with the Ming Quong Home. This was his decision as he desired to use his business training as well as his counseling abilities.

The Call Committee, remembering Pastor Urlie, checked and found that the Synod now approved permitting divorced Pastors to be installed. Thus, Pastor Urlie was called and was installed June 1972.

The church property was complete and the congregation was working at paying off the mortgage. In July of 1972, a new constitution was adopted. Esther and Robert Negendank chaired the celebration of our 25th anniversary. Pastor Tollefson attended and helped us reminisce.

The Sunday after returning with our youth group from a ski trip, Pastor Urlie was stricken with a heart attack and died. Maurice Walleen was President at this time. Esther Negendank and Dr. Leonard Brothers took over the confirmation class and Elsa Fantacone coordinated the volunteer office staff.

On March 4, 1974, the church received new communion ware in honor of Pastor Herbener. This was a matched set of chalice, paten and ciborium. New communion linen with hand embroidered crosses were donated by Gertrude Paul. A memorial to Pastor Urlie was the stained glass window in the fireside room.

A Call Committee was created and a call went out to Pastor Francis E. Jeffrey. He was just retiring from being a Chaplain in the Air Force. Pastor Jeffrey was installed October 19, 1975. Under Pastor Jeffrey, Faith Lutheran entered the intern program with the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. Tom Lamb came as the intern. There arose some difficulty in understanding Tom Lambʼs role and the program was abandoned. At this time, the congregation undertook to sponsor Vicky Brintzenhofe in her missionary work at Oasis Hospital at Abu Dhabi, Union of Arab Emarates.

Discord arose within the congregation and in a close vote in November 1978, Pastor Jeffrey was asked to resign. Many members left the congregation.

The Synod sent Pastor Konrad F. Koosman as interim Pastor. Within a week, Pastor Koosman had memorized the names of the entire congregation and proceeded to call on all the members. Pastor Koosman served from January 1979 to June 1979 when Pastor Hans E. Sandrock continued as interim Pastor.

On September 11, 1979, the mortgage was paid and Dr. Robert Johnson and Sybil Albrecht co-chaired the mortgage burning October 14, 1979.

On January 6, 1980, a call went out to Robert F. Meineke, who at the time was in a team-preaching ministry in Tacoma, Washington. Pastor Meineke accepted the call and was installed January 6, 1980. During this time there was a steady growth in membership, and in April 1989, Pastor Meineke announced his desire to retire. A retirement party was held with many testimonials.

The Synod then sent Pastor John W. Kessel as interim Pastor. During the three year period, a search for a permanent Pastor was carried out. The Call Committee recommended Pastor Kessel be called as the permanent Pastor. Pastor Kessel was installed January 22, 1995.

In 1993, the Church Council designated Maurice Walleen and Robert Negendank the task of rewriting the church constitution. This revised constitution was adopted by the congregation on December 5, 1993.

(This part of Faithʼs history was written by Bob Negendank in September, 1997)

Faithʼs Musical Heritage

From itʼs earliest beginnings in a basement at Bean and Massol avenues, Faith Lutheran Church has embraced music as an important and vital part of itʼs worship life. Mrs. Leonard Spencer was the pianist at those first meetings in 1948 and Mrs. Kenneth Green the soloist. The Lutheran Hymnary (the black book) which was published in 1913 was the hymnal of that day. From a bulletin dated December 26, 1948 we find the following hymns were sung; “Come Hither, Ye Faithful, Triumphantly Sing!”, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”, “Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.

After moving from a basement to the History Club (the old one), Faith continued to gather and worship in music and song. Mrs. Gertrude Paul served as organist. By 1951, Faith became self-supporting and began plans for the first unit (Ross Hall) and parsonage. At the ground breaking ceremony, February 13, 1951, those gathered sang “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”. When the building, which seated 175, was completed, Mrs. Gertrude Paul had the pleasure of playing the newly installed organ.

The first choir at Faith was organized in 1952. The director was Edward Gage with Gertrude Paul as accompanist. Choir officers (not too common today!) were Mrs.

George Prole, president; Mogans Olesen, vice-president; Miss Joyce Thomsen, secre tary - t reasurer ; and Mrs . John Malmberg, librarian. Members of the first choir included Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Spotswood, Mrs. Carl Hermanson, Miss Thompson, Mrs. Malmberg, Miss Niela Hopkins, Miss Marlene Norstad, Mrs. Prole, Miss Gale Ellertson, Bob Thomsen, Mrs. Rubin Ellertson, Wendell Ross, Mogans Olesen, Al Palm, Earl Liesener and Earl Aronson.

A newsletter dated May 16, 1957 (A Bit of “This and That” at Faith Lutheran Church) told of music to be heard at the 8:30 and 11:00 services for the upcoming Sunday. “The choir will sing “Holy Lord God”. Marie Pfister will sing the solo “Hold Thou My Hand”. Esther Rodman will play an old Norwegian melody by Ole Bull as a prelude, “Saeterjentens Sondag”. Congratulations to GWENNIE SPOTSWOOD who did such a wonderful job as organist last Sunday at the first service. Gwennie is a student of Mrs. Rodman. We hope to hear more of her playing in the near future!”

By April of 1958, the choir had grown considerably and a junior choir of 15 was in full swing. The choir director at this time was William Erickson and Esther Rodman was the organist and accompanist. Choir members in 1958 included Violet Enander, Edith Hermanson, Marie Pfister, Lissi-Marie Sepstrup, Pauline Spotswood, Irene Thomsen, Joyce Thomsen, Joan Aronson, Karen Aronson, Lynn Berryman, Virginia Nelson, Diana Paul, Margaret Sommer, Sylvia Taaje, Theabea Harbick, William Donahue, Helen Ellertson, Richard Erickson, Donald Johnson, Rex Jolliff, Harry Erickson, Vern Fishback, Mogens Olesen, Marvin Spotswood, John Sommer and Jerry Harbick. The Junior choir included Gwennie Spotswood, Patty Spotswood, Ricky Couzin, Lillian Meranda, Suzzane Wilson, Kathy Johannes, Ricky Olesen, Michael Olesen, Donald Harbick, Roger Martinez, Bonnie Martinez, Leland Burch, Gary Spitzer, Shirley Gerhardt and Linda Taaje.

On Sunday, June 8, 1958, the combined choirs presented a concert. Selections included “Open Our Eyes”, “The Lamb”, “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings”, “Come Ye Disconsolate”, “The Great Day of the Lord Is Near”, “We Will Carol Joyfully”, “Surely God Is In This Place”, “Cherubim Song No. Seven”, “King All Glorious” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”.

On June 11, 1961 at 7:30 P.M., the new church, in which we worship to this day, was consecrated at a special service. Many guest Pastors were present and, once again, music played a major role in this festive occasion. The “black hymnal” was still being used, though the new “Service Book and Hymnal (the red book) was published in 1958. Hymns were “Joyful Joyful” (words printed in bulletin), “Built on A Rock”, “Here, In Thy

Name”, and “Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing”. The choir sang “Surely God Is In This Place” and “Temples Eternal”. Special organ music, played by Miss Kristin Erlendson included “Processional” by Shaw and “Trumpet Voluntary” by Purcell (used at many weddings today!). William Erickson was Director of Music.

In May of 1963, another means of musical beauty came to Faith in the gift and dedication of The Diana Gertrude Paul Memorial Carillon. The dedication concert was given by Mr. Thomas Hazleton, organist. This carillon was in use for many years at Faith. Long-time members will remember seeing the carillonʼs chimes hanging above the doors at the back of the Sanctuary. The carillon rang out on special occasions such as weddings, Easter and Christmas Eve. In 1986, after many years of service, the carillon and old Baldwin organ were retired.

At the installation service for Pastor Harold Pennington November 2, 1969, Faith was still worshipping from “The Lutheran Hymnary” (the black book) of 1913. Faith was never a church to jump quickly into something new when it came to music! This did not diminish, however, Faithʼs fine tradition of congregational singing, choir anthems and great organ music.

February 24, 1974 brought the celebration of Faithʼs 25th anniversary. Hymns, from the Service Book and Hymnal (finally - the “new” red book!) were “A Mighty Fortress” and “On Our Way Rejoicing”. The choir sang “House of God” and “Faith of Our Fathers”. The junior choir sang “Faith, Hope and Charity”. Mr. Ed Palmer rendered a solo - “How Great Thou Art”. Choir Director at this time was Robert Setterlund and Organist was Marsha Wells. An interesting sidelight - Mr. Setterlund was the band and orchestra director at Leland High School in San Jose where Bill Mowson, current Director of Music at Faith, attended from 1972-1975. Marsha Wells is now organist at St. Timothyʼs in San Jose where Bill Mowson was a member from 1970-1983.

There is a bit of a gap in the historical documents I was given to work with, so Iʼm going to improvise a bit here! Judy Liesener directed the choir at Faith for some length of time in the late ʻ70s. The Lutheran Book of Worship came out in 1977 and Faith adopted it some years thereafter. There was another organist after Marsha Wellʼs departure....does any one remember who that was? Sharon Dahl was choir director for some years after Judyʼs departure. Bill Mowson was called to Faith in December of 1983 to “fill in” for the regular organist who had been injured in a car accident shortly before the choir was to present itʼs annual Christmas Concert. The rest is history!

A new Allen Digital Computer organ was dedicated February 23, 1986 at a concert given by Gladys Murray. Gladys, a Los Gatos resident at the time, had served as organist at St. Timothyʼs, San Jose and had studied with Kristin Sundquist (Erlendson), a former Faith organist. Gladys and her late husband, Dunkley, used to live in the house on the corner of Loa Gatos Boulevard and Kennedy. The organ committee consisted of Pastor Meineke, John and Sharon Dahl, Bill Mowson and Steve Magie. Purchase price was $24,000.

In 1988, Choir Director Sharon Dahl and her husband moved to Washington and Bill Mowson assumed her duties. After a few years of trying to direct the choir while playing the piano or organ, it was decided Faith should hire an accompanist for the choir. An ad was placed in the San Jose Mercury-News and Joe Kidd read it. It was a great day when Joe came into our lives at Faith! Although he plays piano “for a challenge”, he has proven to be a very valuable member of Faithʼs music program. In order to enable Joe to “show off” his talents and to enrich our worship, a grand piano was purchased in 1995. The piano is a memorial to Bill Mowsonʼs father, Al Mowson, who passed away November 26, 1994. Many people contributed to the piano fund. There were also two special music programs one of which was “A Grand Affair” held May 4, 1995 that featured The Bells of Praise handbell choir from St. Timothyʼs, South Valley Barbershop Harmony Company (Swede Walleen), Len Brothers, French Horn, Diana Ryan, flute and Sandy Jones, vocal soloist. The grand piano was dedicated at a WELCA sponsored concert in early 1996. Bill Mowson and Joe Kidd presented a program of sacred, popular, classical and ragtime music. How times have changed! When I first started playing organ in Lutheran churches, a piano was not even allowed in the Sanctuary! It was considered “too brash and disruptive to the sacredness of worship”.

Today, music at Faith is changing and growing with the times. The “With One Voice” hymnals, dedicated to the memory of Harriet Walleen in 1996 - offer a fresh and more contemporary form of worship as well as many great hymns new and old. Praise choruses, first made popular in evangelical and non-denominational churches are sung before our 10:00 service. The choir sings a wide variety of music from Bach to todayʼs praise and worship songs. The piano is now a vital and integral part of our worship form. Percussion instruments are used on occasion to accompany a hymn or choir anthem. Even though we all have “old favorite” hymns, itʼs nice to know that some of the new hymns from “With One Voice” are already “new favorites” with many at Faith.

The most recent musical addition to Faith is “The Bells of Faith” handbell choir. The idea for this handbell choir was to provide another means of musical participation in worship for the people of Faith. With the strong leadership and devotion of Lynn Elwailly, (sister-in-law of Pastor Kessel), and the generous donations of many, the handbells were purchased in September of 1998. The first rehearsal was held in November with 9 ringers present. By December, it was evident our two octaves of bells would have to be increased to three to enable all who wished to play an opportunity. The Bells of Faith will make their debut at the 50th anniversary celebration Sunday February 28th at 3:00 P.M. The third octave of bells should be in place soon thereafter so that all who wish to, may make a joyful noise!

It is a privilege to serve as Director of Music at Faith - to minister to you all through music. Music was important in the church of Martin Lutherʼs day, and it is just as important today. There have been many changes in music at Faith over the past 50 years and there will be many more changes during the next 50, but Godʼs word in music is our great heritage. Let us sing unto the Lord and be glad!

Bill Mowson

Director of MusicFaith Lutheran ChurchJanuary 30, 1999

WELCA HISTORY

The women of the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church WMF (Womenʼs Missionary Federation), ALCW, and now WELCA - always played an important role in the life of the church.

The organizational meeting was held at the home of Mr. John Palm on January 13, 1949. At this time officers were elected.

Activities of the women always involved many service activities such as: Altar Guild, making Chrismons (decorations for the Sanctuary tree), library, dinners, receptions, smorgasbord, bazaars, “Mother and Daughter Tea”, Seder dinners, and the list goes on! Women were also responsible for maintaining the kitchen.

Bible study was an essential part that the six circles - Naomi, KVB, Ruth, Elizabeth, Lydia, Mary and Marth - provided for the women of the church. Today, we have two circles - KVB and Lydia - actively functioning.

Women in our circles also supported the residents of the Los Gatos Oaks nursing home by providing birthday gifts each month and a special gift at Christmas.

The Holiday Faire at Sunnyview Manor was also supported by donations of pies and craft items.

As you can see, the women of the congregation are really involved on many levels building the kingdom of God.

Compiled February 8, 1999 by Adelaide Heath & Eva Woodall