This is it.

 

Lisa Thomas is a somewhat newly retired member of First Lutheran Church. She is a two-career person with 10 years in the medical technology industry, and then, in what can only be described as a calling with divine intervention, Lisa went on to teach high school for 20 or so years in Gladstone. Lisa and her husband, John, raised their two children in Gladstone and love being grandparents to their grandchildren.

Lisa was raised in Escanaba and attended Bethany Lutheran Church there. Lisa and John had a summer romance that never ended, and after 7 years together, they married at Bethany, but living in Gladstone, it didn’t stick as a forever church home for their young family. Then life happened, and some upsetting events locally and socially made Lisa realize they needed a church home, a place to be grounded in sacred community. The Thomas family tried out First Lutheran because they already had some friends in attendance.

The first person to meet them on their first Sunday was Nora Smith. Her gentle welcome and personal touch sealed the deal. They immediately felt comfortable. Lisa said, “This is it. This is family.” She jumped in with both feet, teaching Sunday School and working with the Bulletin Boards. Today, Lisa serves on our Altar Guild and Audit Committee. The Thomas kids were confirmed here and have grown to be wonderful adults living away, but not too far that grandma and grandpa can’t see their family regularly! 

The Thomas’ continue to bless us. Now that she is retired having Lisa’s light and joy in our midweek Bible Study has been an extra delight. Lisa may have been the teacher for years, but her zeal for learning is contagious in that group. We are thankful for Lisa and her presence in this place. Amen