By Jim Beers
CHESTER — The First United Methodist Church in Chester held a special celebration Sunday November 14 recognizing two members in the church who have attained the honor of being “50-Year Legacy Members”.
Jack Lindsey and Mike Lutz have reached the 50-year mark of having continuous membership at FUMC in Chester.
Jack Lindsey of Chester was recognized Sunday November 14, 2021 as a “50-Year Legacy Member” of the First United Methodist Church in Chester. This distinction was honored at a special ceremony at the regular Sunday morning service. Pictured with Lindsey is Vicky Beers, Worship Committee Chairperson, who made the presentation. Jim Beers Photo
Vicky Beers, Worship Committee Chairperson of the First United Methodist Church in Chester, presents Mike Lutz with a Church pin and name on the perpetual plaque that recognizes members that have achieved the 50-year mark of continuous membership of the FUMC in Chester. The presentation took place Sunday November 14 during the regular morning worship service. Jim Beers Photo
Back in 2013, former Pastor Zoila Marty was looking through several stacks of documents in one of the church storage areas when she ran across some old membership roles, pictures and other items which were very interesting. Rev. Marty mentioned the findings to several members of the church and thought it would be nice to recognize members of the church who had attained the 50-year membership mark.
The church Worship Committee liked the idea and Vicky Beers, Worship Committee Chairperson, brought the idea up at the Administrative Council meeting. The Administrative Council also liked the idea so Beers and her Worship Committee proceeded to plan all “50-Year Legacy Members” at an annual recognition event.
“Legacy Sunday”, as it is called, is held during the regular morning worship service in November of each year that someone in the Church reaches 50 years of continuous membership in the First United Methodist Church of Chester.
“Legacy Sunday”, as it is called, was held Sunday November 14, 2021 this year. Lindsey and Lutz were invited to come to the altar where a brief ceremony recognizing the 50-year members was conducted.
Each member received lapel pin which represents the United Methodist cross and flame symbol. Worship Committee Chairperson Vicky Beers also gave a presentataion and welcomed Lindsey and Lutz to the “Legacy Member” group.
In addition to individual lapel pins, a perpetual plaque that was dedicated to the church when the program began back in 2013. This plaque lists all current “Legacy Members” who have reached the 50-year mark of membership at FUMC, Chester. The plaque is displayed in the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall where members and visitors can see it to honor the “Legacy Members.”
Following the “Legacy Sunday” church service, there is usually a luncheon hosted in the Fellowship Hall to honor the new “Legacy Members.” Church family and guests attend the event to welcome the new members. Due to social distancing and Covid protocols, there was no luncheon this year.
As other FUMC members Chester FUMC reach their 50th anniversary of membership, they will also be recognized and celebrated at another annual ceremony which is held in November of each year. As additional members are inducted into the prestigious group of “Legacy Members” their names will be added to the perpetual plaque located in the Fellowship Hall.
Prior to recognizing Lindsey and Lutz, Beers asked all previously recognized “Legacy members” to stand and be recognized. This prestigious list of members includes Ken Lutz, Manley Limbaugh, Mary Limbaugh, Bob Wittenborn, Marion Lutz, Glenda Stockwell, Gwendy Garner, Patti Nanney, Jim Beers, Judge Richard Brown, Ronda Brockmeyer, Kathy Belcher, and Tina Wittenborn.
Last Year in 2020, Jack Lindsey was added to the list of “Legacy Members”, however there was no “legacy Sunday” service in his honor due to the fact that there were no “in-house” services due to Covid restrictions. He was added to the 2021 service this year which includes 2021 inductee, Mike Lutz.
Mike Lutz was born into FUMC in Chester and was baptized September 28, 1958. His confirmation was April 11, 1971, which is the official date of his membership to Chester’s First United Methodist Church.
Over the years Mike has served on several committees. He sings in the choir and provides children’s sermons when his rotation comes up. He also serves as a liturgist and most recently has begun taking a monthly turn running the camera and assisting with the live streaming of church services.
Mike is well known for his former time served as Youth Group Leader at FUMC and led t the youth on five mission trips to Appalachia and Denver in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2007. Mike and his wife Susan attend services regularly. Son David and his family, Jenna, Liam and Haley attend when they visit Chester. Son Adam also attends when he is in town.
Jack Lindsey transferred to the First United Methodist Church in Chester from the Ellis Grove United Methodist Church in November of 1970. His “Legacy Member” status began in November of 2020.
Jack was welcomed to the FUMC in Chester by Rev. Bob Brockmeyer in November of 1970 during a ceremony to transfer his membership to Chester. Jack was baptized April 21, 1946. He is recognized each year at FUMC during the Annual Veretan’s Day recognition event.
Jack’s wife, Jean, was a faithful member of the Methodist Choir and daughters Patsie, Bitzie and Christie were active in the church during their childhood, youth and young adult lives.
Each of them took part in Sunday school and Youth Christmas Programs as well as other youth events. Bitzie was a soloist and active member in the FUMC Choir. Jack and Jean’s grandchildren have also been active at the Church throughout the years.
The First United Methodist Church in Chester is very happy and honored to welcome both Jack Lindsey and Mike Lutz as 50-Year Legacy Members of the congregation.