Blessings to Mike Peper

Since Jan. 16, 2006, Mike Peper has faithfully served First Lutheran as Lead Custodian. During Mike’s time here, tile floors were buffed, HVAC units were replaced and rooms got painted—just to name a few of the hundreds of projects that were done. But Mike did not understand his work to be only about the buildings and grounds. Mike understood his work to be a ministry, and he was right! That’s why he thought up creative ways of meeting decorative challenges in the sanctuary (think of hanging 1,000 birds from strings!). That’s why he spent quality time with the Sunshine Boys. And it’s why he’d come to the building in the wee hours after an alarm sounded or after a snowstorm blanketed the walkways or whenever else we needed him.

Mike’s official last day serving First is Dec. 31. Hopefully, I’ll have a couple opportunities to say this in person for myself, but I hope all our members and friends of First Lutheran make time to thank Mike for his 14 years of faithful service. He and his wife, Mary, look forward to spending even more time with their beloved grandkids, and who can blame them? May God bless them for many years to come! Happy retirement, Mike! 

Pastor Stanton