BY KATHI STEARNS

Staff Writer

MARIETTA--Four parishioners were honored for outstanding service and Christian living during a semiformal dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Transfiguration parish community Sept. 27.

The Lumen Gentium Award, the highest award a parishioner can receive, was presented to Bob Littler, a Cobb County police officer who was recognized as an individual with an exceptional understanding of the Christian Gospel who lives in such a way that he becomes a light to the people.

The award was presented to him by Father Pat Bishop, pastor, Msgr. Don Kiernan, chaplain to the Georgia State Patrol and the DeKalb County Police Department, Bob Hightower, Cobb County public safety director, and Gordon Wysong, Cobb County commissioner.

Littler is a former catechist who has also coached softball at the parish and worked as a Boy Scout leader. He has conducted firearms safety classes for the Scouts, led holiday safety instructional sessions for area businesses and participated in mentoring sessions in Cobb County's Partnership Program with Awtry Middle School.

"Bob has distinguished himself on many occasions and certainly is a light to the people," Father Bishop said. "He has been an inspiration to those he works with as well as those whose lives he touches in the community."

His willingness to serve has also earned Littler the Drew Brown Service Award from the Cobb County Police Department, the National Park Service Award, the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Award and the Life Saving Award for action at the scene of the Sprayberry High School accident in October 1996.

Littler was wounded in the line of duty while on patrol in Cobb County on March 30, 1994. He was named Police Officer of the Year in 1994 by the Fraternal Order of Police and in 1995 he received a Medal of Valor.

The Christian Service Award, given annually to a parishioner who displays a unique insight into the Lord's call to serve one another, especially the abused, forgotten or powerless, was presented jointly to Bud and Steffi Borman.

According to Father Bishop, the couple, who recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary, has given selflessly to Transfiguration since the parish's beginning. Mr. Borman was recently awarded the Serran of the Year Award by the Serra Club of North Metro Atlanta.

"Through the years they have been active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus, the Friendship Circle, Vocations Committee and the Serra Club," he said. "The first friendly face many of our parishioners and visitors see when first attending Transfiguration is that of Bud or Steffi since they serve as 'welcome ministers' at the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass. They regularly attend daily Mass and reflect their strong faith in a myriad of ways."

The Pastor's Award, given annually to a parishioner who has demonstrated a special dedication and talent for building the community for Christ, was presented to Jack Shriver, a member of the parish since 1984.

According to Father Bishop, Shriver was recognized for his tireless efforts in the planning and construction of the parish center.

"He has spent countless hours making sure that the building was soundly constructed and that each contractor's work was completely satisfactory," Father Bishop said.

At the conclusion of the evening the parish council presented Father Bishop with a plaque for his efforts on behalf of the parish.

Approximately 400 people attended the anniversary party which was celebrated in the newly dedicated parish hall. Music was provided by Chris Chandler's Southern Charm and Swing Band Sound.