A Note from Pastor Ned McMillen

Dear Members and Friends of St. Stephen Martyr, Although I am unable to be with you during this

memorable time in your history, my prayers are with you. I send congratulations and best wishes as you

begin your next sixty years. I served as your pastor for over thirty years from August, 1968 through July, 1999.

(Regarding the new sanctuary expansion)

One day in the mid-eighties, we had outgrown our space. It was time to add some classrooms. However, someone had a larger vision, and during a committee meeting, surprised everyone by saying, “I think it’s time to build a whole new church!” There was a long silence. It reminded me of Peter confessing to Jesus in front of his brother disciples, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Something changed after that. The congregation seemed to take on a whole different attitude. A design-build contractor was hired, a building committee was appointed, and this time a fundraising firm was hired. Members were challenged to give more of themselves and their money. God was working among us. Excitement grew, and new members became involved. The new sanctuary showed the community that something big was happening at 4600 Fulton Drive. It wasn’t long before more new spaces were needed.

Again, you stepped up to the plate and hit another home run. God never stops expanding people’s minds and hearts who are willing to give of themselves. You dedicated the third building just before my retirement in 1999. Soon, you called Pastor Roth. Under his expert leadership, you have become one of the largest congregations in the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Now you stand strong and ready for your next adventure. I’d like to close with a quote from 20th-century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. “Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime. Therefore, we must be saved by hope. Nothing true or beautiful makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by love.” It was my honor and blessing to serve with you.

In Christ,

Ned J. McMillen, Pastor Emeritus