REBERGER FAMILY

by Phil Reberger

Our family deeply appreciates this congregation selecting my parents, Dorothy and George Regerger, as one of the Centennial Anniversary Founding Families. My Mom and Dad (“Granny” and “Bomp” as they are known to our kids) I know would be very humbled and, frankly, somewhat embarrassed by such kind recognition. Thank you.

So, how did a Presbyterian girl born in Wilder and a Methodist boy born in Prescott, Arizona Territory, find their way to the McCall Community Congregational Church? I’ll attempt the short version: My parents met, were married and raised their family in Caldwell and attended the Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church. In the late 1960's, when my mother retired as owner and manager of a floral shop, they moved to Boise and joined the First Presbyterian Church where they became close friends of Reverend Doug and Jane Tiffany.

When Dad retired a few years later from a career with the Bureau of Reclama-tion, they first moved to a retirement house they built in the West Mountain area of Cascade Reservoir but found that too remote in the winter so they built another home in McCall (where Nancy and I live today). Their friendship with the Tiffanys was an impor¬tant element in their joining this congregation.

Mom and Dad often shared stories with us about what a big part this church family played in their lives and when we visited them, a trip to Sunday service was always included. So when the church decided to expand and build a new sanctuary, it was no surprise to learn Dad was quite involved with the planning, design and construction activities. You see, every house we lived in was designed and built by my parents – they were builders at heart. It is a treat to see Dad in the picture of the 1972 cornerstone laying.

Another highlight for my folks was their true joy to be able to provide funding to support acquisition of the sanctuary cross. They delighted in telling about Dad and Ted Harwood driving to Oregon in Ted’s truck to pick up the cross in sections from the stained glass artist and bring it back to McCall for installation. The simplicity, yet powerful impact, of that cross quickly draws our attention to this symbol of our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice for each one of us. That cross is a wonderful reminder for our family of my Mom and Dad’s simple, yet powerful influence on our lives.

Now, for a moment, listen to Pastor Char’s familiar and poignant words:

• “I always preach from the scriptures and how scripture can help us live a better, more productive life...our faith is shown in the way we live and work with others around us.”

• “The Holy Spirit is in the world and is in each one of us as we live and worship together.”

• “Prayer puts us in touch with God and we need to spend time in Bible study, devotional reading and quiet times alone with God.”

• “Each one of us must live our faith and be a living, loving, viable presence.”

It is precisely those fundamental Christian principles which called my parents to this church family some 40 years ago. I firmly believe that they are looking down with pleasure that today their family is also sharing in this special fellowship of believers guided by the Holy Spirit and our wonderful shepherd, Pastor Char.

It’s a fitting coincidence that my father’s 100th birthday is next month, just in time to celebrate this church’s centennial year. Thank you again for honoring my parents.