Daddy’s Hand

Terry (Schumacher) has ushered at church services since he was 12 years old. Terry’s parents have been lifelong, devoted Lutherans. They went to the same church and service every Sunday.

Terry maintained this tradition through college and early adulthood. “We were expected to always go to church.” Terry and his wife’s professional lives moved them to Eagan. Their growing family needed a church to fit their busy work schedules and grow faith in their children.

“I liked Easter because it was big enough that I didn’t feel I had to be a workhorse but not so big that it lost the closeness and friendliness that felt right.” During the New Member Class, Terry appreciated that they were assigned a sponsor and given information on service opportunities, classes, and studies, but they were not pressured to sign up.

“Years later, I am still greeted and given a big hug from my new member sponsor,” he said. “How awesome is that! Even though we didn’t have to sign up, I immediately volunteered to usher.” Carrying on the tradition of his past, Terry let his children help him usher, hand out bulletins, and greet other children. Terry keeps active in his Life Group and volunteers with the Mobile Lunch Box effort.

“Easter members are truly dedicated to blurring the lines between church and community. I am very grateful to be involved with Easter’s worship services and programs. Easter welcomed my family, and what a joy it was to have my children hold daddy’s hand as they walked the offering plates up to the altar.”