This Thanksgiving week, we give thanks for the gifts of Karl B. and Bette Johnson, who this year left a portion of their estate to the Grand Canyon Synod.

Their daughter, Kristi Haar, reflects:

My parents, Karl B. and Bette Johnson, stipulated in their wills the desire to give to the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

These Midwestern transplants were married at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tucson in 1966 and raised four children in Lutheran churches in Colorado, Texas and Arizona, but spent the most time as members at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson.

My dad sang in the church choir, preached on Sunday mornings by request, served as a convocator and Chair of the Convocation at California Lutheran University, and was secretary of the Synod's executive committee from 2010 to 2013.

My mom served on the church council, made hundreds of girls flannel nightgowns for annual church "boutique" fundraisers, and enjoyed joining my dad at Synod Assemblies.

Both served on the committee that was instrumental in building the memorial rose garden where their ashes are scattered. They believed wholly in the faith and taught us to do the same.

If you are considering a gift to the Grand Canyon Synod in your will or trust, please contact our office for more information: office@gcsynod.org or 602-957-3223.