Center Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrates centennial, June 30

Center Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated their 100th anniversary, Sunday, June 30, with a Festival Service. Over 160 people attended. Three pastors who previously served the congregation, Rev. Paul Haugen, Rev. Dan Basel, and the Rev. Thomas Rank, were present. Rev. Rank and Rev. Basel participated in the morning festival service. The Rev. Robert Harting, circuit visitor, was present for the afternoon program and greeted the congregation on behalf of his congregations and the Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Synod). It was a very hot day, but it did not diminish the celebration. The members of the congregation were prepared with plenty of water on hand to keep everyone hydrated.The focus of the Centennial celebration was the heritage of God’s Word that has been passed down from the founders until today. The founders started the new church, because they were not willing to compromise on God’s Word. Current pastor, Josh Skogen, commented, “Because of the pure teaching of Scripture that centers around the grace of God in Christ Jesus, many souls at Center have been saved and nourished and translated from the trouble of this life to their eternal rest with Jesus. And after 100 years, by God’s grace and providence, we at Center continue to proclaim that very same message our founders proclaimed, the same message of God’s grace and forgiveness that we sinners still need.” Center is part of a two-point parsih with Scarville Synod Lutheran Church, and part of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Manktao, Minn. The church is located at 19266 440th St., Leland.