In 2008, All Saints built a fence. Today, it still stands as a sign of the practical and unconditional welcome this congregation extends to all people, especially people and families with special needs.

This welcome was one of the Synod’s many affirmations of All Saints, during the Ministry Site Review. Recommending we create a “Special Needs Mission Plan” and explore expanding that ministry, they said, “On Sunday, we saw that this was not just an idea. It’s already a part of who All Saints is.”

Ministry takes many forms, including a backyard fence that means safety for two brothers with autism and peace of mind for their parents. Five years later, Anne and Scott wanted to say, “Thanks again!”

Let’s all of us add a hearty, “Thanks be to God!” -PC

A follow-up THANK YOU on the Holtan backyard fence.

The peace of mind that you have given us for Ryan and Tyler to play in the back yard in safety is priceless. The love and friendship that you have shown us only solidifies how we feel about our extended family at All Saints. It has been five years since the “Backyard Gang” from All Saints joined forces and put up a six foot privacy fence. Knowing that they can play outside without 100% supervision has been such a blessing to allow us an almost “normal” life doing housework, chores, laundry, and other “mundane” activities. We thank God for giving us such a wonderful family of friends.

Anne & Scott
(October 2013)

Here’s the original Holtan “thank you”…

THANKS FOR THE FENCE!

Our Heartfelt thanks go out to the members of All Saints and Thrivent Financial who donated the funds for the materials. Our Humble thanks go out to those members who gave of their time, tools and sweat to put it all together. They gave up many hours on several Saturdays. They gave up several nights after work. The peace of mind that you have given us for Ryan and Tyler to play in the back yard in safety is priceless. The love and friendship that you have shown us only solidifies how we feel about our extended family at All Saints. Special thanks go to Tom and Julie Schoville. They have been the driving force behind it all. Thanks to Pastor Lisa and Roger Oliver for the vision that it could be done. With God All Things Are Possible! We do not know the words to express our appreciation. We hope and pray that this will give you an idea of how grateful we are!

Yours in Christ,
Scott, Anne, Ryan, and Tyler Holtan
(September 2008)