Today, the board members and staff of Higher Things, along with “Crucified” conference attendees prayed for our dear friend and president emeritus, the Reverend Klemet Preus. We prayed again upon hearing the announcement that he had fallen asleep in Jesus this morning. Pastor Preus served as the president from 2001 to 2009. Through his tireless work and service, Higher Things always worked at its work, worshipped in its worship, and played in its play. Our brother’s work and play are now done, but his worshipping of Jesus continues for eternity. We who are privileged to serve in the Higher Things organization see that in the work, worship, and play of all the youth who Dare to be Lutheran, Klemet’s works do, indeed, follow him.
Following the announcement of his falling asleep, 1200+ Lutheran youth and their chaperones sang the following stanzas together, acapella, of “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It.” (LSB 594)
Death, you cannot end my gladness:
I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness
To inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes
Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
Baptism has the strength divine
To make life immortal mine.
There is nothing worth comparing
To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring:
Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ;
I’m a child of paradise!
Our prayers are with Jan and all the family. We will be thinking of Klemet tonight in the Litany of Evening Prayer, “For the faithful who have gone before and are with Christ, let us give thanks to The Lord. Alleluia!”
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Rev. George F. Borghardt
President, Higher Things
Higher Things Magazine Articles by Pr. Preus:
