CINCINNATI, Ohio--Rowlen and Sue Tucker and Ken and Elaine Mattson were honored at worship services April 11 for their 30-plus years of service in the Worldwide Church of God. Both men no longer serve as full-time pastors.
Mr. Albrecht and Gene Nouhan, pastor of the Cincinnati, Ohio, West and Erlanger, Kentucky, churches, presented the couples with marble plaques with the inscription: "Thank you for your many years of love and loyalty. The Worldwide Church of God."
The crowd of 640 rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation. Mr. Albrecht said that the church wants to do better in giving due honor and respect to former pastors. Both couples were visibly touched by the outpouring of love.
"The Tuckers and Mattsons have certainly sacrificed over the last 30 years," Mr. Nouhan said. "Their love and devotion is made even more obvious by their willingness to continue serving in the church after employment."
Other pastors, including George Hart, David Perry, James Merriweather and Abner Washington, laid hands on the couples as Mr. Albrecht recommissioned them for new service. Mr. Tucker now serves as an elder in Cincinnati West, and Mr. Mattson as an elder in Erlanger.
MINISTERS HONORED--From
left: Gene Nouhan, Rowland and Sue
Tucker, Elaine and Ken Mattson and
Mr. Albrecht at April 11 service honoring
the Tuckers and Mattsons.
[Photo by Bill Blessing]
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998