So Real

When Brenda Poston retired from Bank of Springfield seven years ago, she was a Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending. This was just one of many roles Brenda played in her life. She was a daughter and sister who grew up in Attleboro, Massachusetts, a college student at Illinois College, a wife and mother, a community volunteer, an administrative assistant (who couldn’t type), a cocktail waitress and a part owner of a neighborhood bar. “It was like the TV show ‘Cheers’,” she explained.

              While she was in college, Brenda attended church occasionally at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church near Arenzville (she had family who were members there.). However, when she took a job with INB in Springfield, she started serious church shopping in the capitol city. The first time she attended services at Grace, Brenda was impressed by two things: the personality of the pastor, Paul Flesner, and the beauty of the building. “I was struck by the stone exterior and the huge steeple. Then I discovered the stained-glass windows and the beautifully carved oak altar and other fixtures inside the sanctuary. I had found my church home.”

              Brenda remembers Pastor Flesner as personable and compassionate with no pretenses. “He was so real,” she recalls. Many years have passed but Brenda still finds friendly caring and concern at Grace from the staff and members. “Grace is my family. I received unbelievable support during the recent illness and death of Tom, my husband. Grace is home.” In return Brenda shares her knowledge of math and money while serving on committees such as Administration and Finance and as congregational treasurer. Everybody knows her name.

              The beautiful building that originally attracted Brenda has been a gift to the community for over 130 years. Grace Lutheran Church continues to preserve this real architectural treasure of faith.