On Sept. 30, the special class at Immanuel, Sheboygan, will celebrate fifty years of bringing the Word of Jesus to those with special needs. The anniversary will begin with the class playing chimes and singing some of their favorite songs at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

In 1957, Gertrude Schmidtke Koehlinger realized there was a need for religious education for the mentally handicapped in the community. Since then Immanuel members have supported the teachers and helpers who share their time and talents. The class currently has eight students, including Sandra Jurss who has been a member from the beginning.

Left to right: Jeff Hartlaub, Heather Post, Lyndie Swetlik, Sandra Jurss, Robert Rappe, Mitch Gort, Esther Wiegard; center: Gertrude Schmidtke Koehlinger