Rev. John Kucharik, who had faithfully served St. Luke\u27s for almost 15 years after the death of the congregation\u27s first pastor in 1967, was honored by the congregation with a fellowship dinner served in Founders Hall following the two morning worship services on Sunday, January 24, 1982. The scripture chosen as the theme for the day was Philippians 4:4 ( Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! ) because it exemplified Pastor Kucharik\u27s entire life of ministry. Flowers for the church altar were provided by the church and school staff; the homily was preached by SELC District President, Dr. Albert Marcis; Pastors Daniel Estok and Carl Toelke served as liturgists; Judy Duda served as organist and Ruth Wiedenmann directed the church choir for the worship services. Pastor Kucharik continued to serve as a Visiting Pastor for Trinity Lutheran Church in Orlando for several years after retiring from St. Luke\u27s and also ministered to Lutheran Haven residents as Chaplain
