Living Word Lutheran Church Burns Mortgage

Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank held their Sunday School Rally Day on September 9. The event included a special ceremony to commemorate the church’s repayment of its $1.4 million debt.

The Living Word Church, erected in 2014, celebrated completing the payments on the mortgage for the structure. Parishioners gathered around the entrance of the building, encircling the vessel holding the original mortgage papers. After a brief ceremony, the crowd cheered as the papers were burned.

Pastor Kent Groethe said, “We have the joy of completing a major adventure in this congregation’s life, which is the paying off of this building. On this occasion, we mark, not only the fulfillment and an ending, but also a beginning. Let us pray that the Lord will guide us in this mission.”  Dr. Nanci VanPeursem led the group in the song, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Following the mortgage burning ceremony, the group hosted a lunch. Horse rides, a Bouncy House, and a variety of games provided entertainment for kids of all ages.

Pictured: Dave Hepper, President of the Church Board, burning the mortgage. David Kruger leading the horse rides.