Immanuel's pastor receives national award

On Sunday, March 5, Jonathan Laabs of the Lutheran Education Association, officially presented the Rev. Bill Beckmann of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, with the 2017 LEA Christus Magister Award. The award recognizes a lifetime of work in the area of Lutheran education.

Members of Immanuel have seen and heard Pastor Beckmann share his love of the savior with children during vacation Bible school, chapel, Sunday school, and children's messages. They have seen the joy he has when he teaches children and young adults. The children have learned and grown from his teaching.

Since 1965, the Lutheran Education Association board of directors has been searching for outstanding Lutheran educators who have exemplified Christ in the teaching field, and who have been the hands and feet of Christ through their ministry.

Pastor Beckmann has served in children's ministry at Immanuel since 1995. Before he came to Immanuel, he served in administrative, teaching, and service positions at Lutheran high schools in Indiana and Illinois. He has served as a director of Christian education, published curriculum and other writing for Concordia Publishing House, and currently coordinates middle school youth Sunday Bible study and teaches sixth-grade confirmation.

"We are so very blessed to call him our pastor here at Immanuel! He truly acts as 'the hands and feet of Jesus,' as he lives to serve our amazing God, and bring that amazing JOY to our children and families. Congratulations Pastor B! We are so thankful for your gift of service!"