Welcome

Every year I see a group of graduates depart from our church. Sometimes it might be one, but this year we celebrate 8 high school students graduating and all of them special. I have had many meaningful conversations with each and every student. Besides these, we also have 3 college graduates and 1 college graduate receiving her A.A. in Psychology.

Kalee Fuller and Erica Proefrock have been long time friends, and their faith in Jesus will be the difference for the both of them in future years. Both of these bright students will continue to pique my interest as they mature in their faith and in life. Both of these great women will become successful in whatever endeavor their journey provides. May God's grace be and abide with both of these wonderful young ladies.

Kari Eszlinger always holds a special place in my heart and always will for her fortitude and faith even during the toughest days. She is confident and always has a sparkle in her eyes. She will become something great, just give her time. Anytime that I see her smile, it helps me find my smile. Kari has participated sporadically since confirmation, but our youth group has been blessed by her presence, and our church will be blessed when she comes home.

Colton Njos isn't a member, and yet since his confirmation, I know that he participates with the Methodist Church and St. James as well. He is a very caring individual and works to make a difference. He is a good friend to those around him. I will miss Colton. He is the fastest student I have ever encountered, and his ability to have a good time is unmatched.

Matt Beck is and always will be the kid standing on my shoulders outside the bus in the pouring rain fixing the mirror. Matt is going into the military very soon, and for that we congratulate him and thank him for serving our country. Despite having friends die too early, he has managed to honor the memory of those friends. Matt has grown and will become a great man who will serve and find his way to make a difference for himself, his family, and our country.

Derek Pummel will be the Governor of our State in about 10 years—that is my prediction. He will be successful in his endeavors in life. For the many different obstacles he has faced with injuries, these have only strengthened his resolve. If he isn't the Governor, he will be a CEO of some company down the road, and his ability to mix it up and to get things done are a testament to his gifts. Derek continues to come to LYO and has been a true blessing to me as his Pastor.

Chris Dschaak will be attending the National Youth Gathering with the youth group in July. He is an easy-going student, and I have seen him do amazing things, not only on the football field, but also in how he treats other students. He is a marvel, and his personal growth in the last four years gets me excited about his faith development and his ability to be prepared for life. I do believe that as Chris gets older, he will flourish in whatever capacity he chooses to participate.

Brian Gallagher I see often, not always in the youth group, but often in life situations. Either on a Sunday morning with tired eyes or at work, I see him and have a good laugh with him. He is faithful and sturdy and never seems to get too worked up about anything. I treasure his laughter and his great sense of timing and his ability to know when to mess around and when not to. His faith is strong and will become stronger the older he gets.

Sam Pehl, Brandon Cooper, and Hannah Bastian are all graduating from college and will all endeavor to become great people in significant fields. Cheri Speidel is graduating with her A.A. in Psychology and will be endeavoring to finish her Bachelors in the next two years. I am proud of all our graduates as they journey away from here to become the adults they have wanted to become since they were very young.

The last person I want to thank is Linda Rothermel for her dedication as a teacher of English and life at Belle Fourche High School. Linda is graduating from working with high school students to that of being actively retired in grandparenting, writing, photography, and church leadership. Linda has been published in many different magazines dealing with birds. She is recently featured with a great article and awesome photos in a national bird magazine.

Many different transitions continue to happen all around us, and for the many people that I grow so fond of, I thank you for the great memories of the last nine months. I look forward to seeing you during the summer and hope to see you in worship. May God's blessings be with you always.

Peace,
Pastor Jeff M. Otterman

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