One year ago, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Sanctuary at St. Ansgar. Soren Christensen, chair of the building committee of 1962, welcomed us into the church with the following words:
"Sisters and brothers: With gratitude for the building of St. Ansgar, we are gathered to celebrate fifty years of the worship of almighty God and the building up of the body of Christ in this place. For a half century, it has been a place for the gathering of the people of God, a place for proclaiming the gospel through word and sacrament, a place for bringing life and hope to us and to this community. Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here."
About one hour ago, Soren left this earthly existence. He spent 93 years preparing for today. As we gather in this earthly sanctuary, we believe that he now joins us in the Communion of Saints. Thanks be to God.
