BELLA VISTA — The Rev. Fred Nelson conducted his first service at the United Lutheran Church of Bella Vista on Jan. 30, 2005. On Nov. 1, he will lead the congregation in worship for his final service.

Nelson is retiring after 36 years in the ministry.

After receiving a degree in chemistry and working as a chemist, Nelson trained for the ministry and was ordained in 1973. He earned a doctor of ministry degree and served a number of congregations before he and his wife, Barbara, moved to Bella Vista.

Nelson will best be remembered for his sermons, a press release from the United Lutheran Church states. His messageswere down-to-earth, yet inspiring, and left parishioners with something to apply to their daily lives, according to the release.His Sunday morning Bible studies were also interesting and well-attended.

Barbara Nelson has been active in church life as well. She has played violin in the orchestra, sung in the choir and worked with the Sunday school classes.

After retirement, the Nelsons plan to do some traveling and exploring around northwest Arkansas. After the holidays they’ll go to Lindsborg, Kan., where they have roots and many friends. The highlight of that stay will be practicing for and presenting Handel’s Messiah Chorale this coming spring.

The Nelsons have two daughters and four grandchildren in Fayetteville. The couple will spend more time with them and will probably settle in northwest Arkansas, the release states.

Jackpot!

Bingo returns to St. BernardFROM STAFF REPORTS

St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista will resume its charitable bingo games Thursday, Nov. 5.

The games will continue the first and third Thursdays of every month. The doors will open at 5:45 p.m., with bingo starting at 6:30 p.m.

Ten game sets are $15, five sets are $5 and a final blackout game is $2. The blackout jackpot prize will start at $250 and will be progressive, meaning if no one wins that session, the jackpotgame will increase until the amount reaches $500 and a winner is determined.

The games are sponsored by St. Bernard’s men’s and women’s groups and the Knights of Columbus.

State law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from entering the bingo hall. The church is located just off Arkansas Highway 340 at 1 St. Bernard Lane.

For more information, call 855-9069.

Religion, Pages 17 on 10/28/2009

Comments

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers.

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.