Mitzie Drutarosky

03/04/24

What service do you attend most and why?

You will see me at the 9am service, front row on the pulpit side of the church.  I attend 9am because I love to see the children and how they interact with the leader of the Children’s Sermon. (Fun Fact:  Mitzie shared that she likes to sit in the front row by the first window on the right that shows Jesus knocking at the door.  In 1999, when the church was being built, you could pay to refurbish a pew or window.  Mitzie and her husband paid to refurbish the front pew and the Jesus Knocking at the Door window.)

In the summer, you may also see me at the 5pm outdoor service, as long as Sue G will bring me.

How long have you been attending HOPE?

My husband and I joined in 1963 with our 3 children at the time, about 61 years ago.

What brought you to HOPE?

Before joining Hope, our family was driving 1 hour to a Catholic church and it was becoming difficult to get the three children ready and then make the drive each Sunday.  We visited Hope and enjoyed the service.  The Pastor later visited our home and talked to us about Lutheranism.  At that time, we decided to join Hope.  

What keeps you at HOPE?

I enjoy the Pastor, the building, the members and especially the children.  I have watched a lot of kids grow up in the church and I enjoy their hugs.

What are some of your passions or hobbies and how did you incorporate them at HOPE?

My husband, now deceased, and I used to love to sew together.  We made beautiful banners that would be displayed in the church.  We also made blankets, crafts, etc.  I think how honored we felt that our work was displayed in church.  However, there are so many helpers that contribute to the service, but not all have their work displayed.  There are the lectures, the bulletin makers, the acolytes….all are important.

What volunteer activities have you done/do at HOPE?

Well, I’ve slowed down now in my 90s.  But, over the 60 years I’ve done a little bit of everything, wherever there was a need.  With 5 children, I taught Sunday school classes often, been an assistant minister, washed the communion cups, served as an Altar Guild, and washed windows.  Now, from the front row, I help the new acolytes so they know when to stand and when to receive the offering plates.

What words of wisdom would you share with others?

On Sunday, be welcoming to all, your old friends, the newest members of the church and visitors.  It’s important for everyone to feel welcome at Hope, and it takes everyone to make this happen.

Pastor Brown Added a Fun Fact:

There is only one small plaque in the church and it’s placed on the altar, in memory of Mitzie’s husband Michael.  The altar and pulpit were built by their son.