To the People who are North Salem Lutheran Church:

Congratulations! 150 years.....that's a long time.  We are 1/75 of that! I imagine, though, that it is only by
God's grace that you have endured so long, and I hope that we will one day be able to celebrate such
an anniversary.

I regret that I am unable to attend the festivities.  We are in the process of moving to a new elementary
school, and we begin worship there on Reformation Sunday.  We have outgrown the school we are
presently using. It is a wonderful problem to have, but the demands keep me here instead of celebrating
with you.

As I have been thinking about this anniversary of yours, I cannot help but hope that you realize the
tremendous impact of your ministry over the years.  Because of the faithformation you offered one
little boy, a church is being developed in Orange Park, Florida, which will shape the faith of others-
little boys, little girls, and adults of every size and shape.  We worship 120 people weekly.  We have
purchased four and a half acres of land.  We plan to break ground in 2002. (Not bad for starting just two
years ago.) Who knows how the formation we do will ripple through time.  All of this is because you took
seriously the mission to make disciples...Others who have been shaped by you can probably tell stories
just as amazing as this one.

I look back on my days with you and remember fondly your ministry.  I am sure that others do, too.  I
will always give thanks for that little faith outpost situated in farm country in Northwest Ohio.

I pray that you enjoy this day and proudly reflect on what has been accomplished so far.  I pray, also,
that this reflection only stirs your spirits more so that you will continue to shape the lives of people
around you.  You have accomplished a lot in 150 years; I look forward to seeing what the next years
hold for you.

A proud son of North Salem,
James E. Graser, Jr. (Jimmy)