Welcome Larry & April!
26 April 2023
Some were skeptical . . . including the search team at times!
When our wonderful 24+ year Minister of Music, David Beecher, announced his retirement so many of us wondered how in the world we would find a high caliber character to pick up the leadership baton and keep us running at COS.
As you might have sensed from talking with young folks these days, schools are not pumping out organists the way they used to. On top of organ and piano dynamism, we needed a candidate eager to engage our children as well as our wise ones. And not just a top-notch organist, but a seasoned worship leader and lover. And where do you find Lutheran worship leaders in the south dominated by low liturgical Southern Baptists? Knowing the landscape and challenges of other search teams, our Bishop actually told the search team, “Good luck!” But, enough COS worshipers instructed: “Do what it takes to find someone who cannot just maintain the ministry, but lead us into the future. We will be supportive. Look nation-wide.”
So just as David Beecher was found in Arkansas years ago, our search team found (or, saw God pointing to) a dynamic and proven talent in Des Moines, Iowa. Then, our sanctuary was buzzing at the congregational “meet and greet” for Larry Peterson. With enthusiastic “thumbs up” all around, we prayerfully anticipated what might happen. Today, we give God thanks that Larry and April Peterson arrive in Georgia this weekend, with Larry’s official start date Monday, May 1 and first date to lead worship Sunday, May 7!
I asked Larry for a fun Top 10 list about the Petersons. Here it is:
- Both Larry and April have sung on stage with Reba McEntire
- April and Larry LOVE their pets: 5 dogs and 3 cats (will need pet sitters!!!)
- April and Larry are HUGE Garth Brooks fans.
- Going to concerts is our JAM.
- Really enjoy dining out and exploring new local restaurants
- Larry loves home improvement projects-the bigger the better. We have rehabbed multiple houses. April supplies the ideas, Larry executes them.
- Legally, we have 10 children; Larry-4 biological, April-2 biological, together-4 adopted. Ages span from 44 to 26. We have 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
- Larry loves riding motorcycles. (He was hit during Holy Week one year-so he doesn’t ride during Holy Week anymore!)
- Our dream vacation was spending 10 glorious days in Hawaii (we would move there in a heartbeat if we could afford it!)
- Larry and April went as tour managers/chaperones with the Augustana College Symphonic Band to Scotland and England. We really love authentic British Mushy Peas. Any really good British pubs in Atlanta?
To complement that fun list, let me offer a complementary one: “Top 5 Things COS Disciples Can Do to Help Welcome the Petersons.”
- Encourage and thank Larry. Too often in life, we don’t thank the ones in our lives who are working hard to make a difference. So, in the first month of Larry being here, why don’t you reach out to him after a service to tell him thanks for taking this faith leap to move to Georgia and all his efforts in worship! And in the years ahead, keep encouraging Larry (and all those that make COS thrive).
- Sign up to be part of “Team Peterson.” Contact Cinda King at 678-634-5329 and [email protected] to let add your name to the list. Let her know your availability or special ability to help welcome or assist the Petersons. Offering a meal? Mowing the lawn? Dog-sitting? Take him to lunch? Helping April find a job?
- Help the Petersons unload. This Saturday, three PODS arrive at their new home. Call Cinda to see what time it’s best to come and lend a hand unpacking. Or if you want to bring some food for this first weekend.
- Write April and Larry a note of welcome. The Petersons new address is 9348 Windward Ct in Jonesboro.
- Pray for them, that Jesus guides and guards them . . . and COS . . . in this new exciting chapter of mutual ministry.
As we move into this new day, let us also take a moment to express our gratitude to some of the key folks who served dynamically in our interim time of January-April, such an important worship season. Cheryl Dietmeyer was our key pianist, Karl Dietmeyer organized or played himself all kinds of special worship offerings and was key to scheduling, Jim Hagberg rallied and directed the choir, David Beecher was willing to contract with COS to keep the bell and kids choirs meeting, LuAnne helped me with a few guitar liturgies, and we invested in win-win relationships with young people like Caleb who benefited from some church worship experience will blessing COS.
Change experts argue this interim time is so healthy in giving all parties a time for a system to adjust from one important season to another. So, sincere thanks to all involved! Incredibly, many shared how they thoroughly enjoyed these unique months of special faces, new twists and turns, amid sustained worship excellence.
I’m proud and grateful for the COS worship community in this special era of our life. And look forward with you to wonderful times ahead!
In Christ’s hope,
Pastor Fritz
