St. Stephens Church honors members

Three "Faith Awards" and two "Time and Talent Awards" were presented at the annual congregational meeting at St. Stephens Church in Merrill on Nov. 11.

Faith Awards

Since its inception in 1988, seventy-nine people have received this award. The purpose of the award is to recognize the contributions made by individuals through their faithfulness, involvement and participation in the life of St. Stephens Church. This year's recipients were as follows:

Barb Iwen: Faithful life-long member; at a young age, was involved in Junior Choir and Youth Choir; went on to teach Sunday School and Youth Group; leadership positions with Dorcas and Mission Guild; belonged to the Contemporary Choir; has baked a lot of pies for the church!

Don Iwen: Faithful long-time member; served as an Usher for 42 years; coordinator for church picnics; has the distinction of being the top-seller for raffle tickets!

Barb Golisch: Faithful life-long member; served as Sunday School teacher and confirmation mentor; transported youth for Christmas caroling; has sought to be a role model for family and friends, raising up a family of leaders for the church.

Time and Talent Awards

The "Time and Talent Award" has been presented since 2000 and recognizes those who are presently exercising remarkable stewardship of God's gifts of "time and talent" on behalf of St. Stephens Church. Thus far, thirty-six members have received the award. This year's recipients are as follows:

Dave Bagley: Faithful long-time member; has served on Church Council for two terms, as Church Treasurer, on Endowment committee for multiple terms, other council committees; has been an Usher for many years; Sunday School teacher; and lately has stepped forward to assist in the church office with financial records as requested.

Sara Zastrow; Faithful member; currently serves on the Search committee, Youth Committee, Worship Committee, and as Church Council Youth Representative; helps with the Children's Choir, Youth-led Easter Service, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Lenten Soup Dinners, and Youth Group; sings with the Contemporary Choir; has been a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Teacher.