Dear Folks,
Jan Schroeder has spent her whole adult life at Redeemer—she joined the choir in 1970, married Fred in 1973, raised their sons in Sunday School and the youth group, and then became a part of the staff in the fall of 1980 after volunteering that summer. Along the way, Jan became the director of children’s programs, Parish Day School chaplain for three years, and a volunteer for a generation of RYG teenagers. After several years away from the staff, Jan came out to retirement to lead the Sunday School, a position she will “graduate” from again in June. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Jan fondly remembers conceiving Vacation Bible School with parishioner Betsy Willett—a labor of love with lots of laughter—and then ably leading that work for 29(!) years. She called together a “children’s ministry committee” to design curriculum, create programs, and offer constructive feedback. This group was then modelled at several area churches, which provided Jan and her colleagues in Christian education plenty of collaboration and support. A highlight of her ministry has been engaging parish teenagers as teachers, training them to work with younger children, inspiring them to be role models, and fostering relationships across generations.
Jan is a blessing—to her colleagues, to the teacher volunteers, and especially to the children in her care. And now it’s time for her to chart the course for her next chapter at Redeemer. We will celebrate Jan and her ministry at the Annual Meeting during the 10:00 service on Sunday, April 23. Please plan to join us and add your thanks.
Love,
David