Retirement celebration in Kelowna

KELOWNA, B.C. – On Sunday, November 5, 2023, the congregation of First Lutheran Church (FLC) and the community of Kelowna, came together to celebrate Gary Brucker’s retirement from FLC. After 29 years of being on staff holding many titles, most recently Director of Worship, Gary was lovingly promoted to “full-time volunteer”!

The 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service was transformed into a praise-filled celebration of special music and rich relationship. A tribute video, comprised of submissions from some congregation members and his loved ones, had the crowd reliving history, laughing, and crying tears of joy. Almost 200 family, friends, and coworkers, from the past and present, came out to honour Gary and all he has contributed to build a community of faith that practises “belonging before believing.” 

Following the worship service, a lunch was served, which offered further opportunity for fellowship over fine food. The celebration lunch included table centrepieces with photos of Gary and his adventures over the years, a multi-tiered cake and cupcakes for guest to enjoy, and a rotating slideshow of photos in the background. The afternoon saw a very comedic Retirement Trivia Contest, and several of his closest friends and his three grown daughters reminisced, roasted, and toasted their beloved friend and father. The church thanks God for the gifts given to His church through Gary! 

Amanda Kovatch

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