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| The Children's Choir |
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| Pastor Boyce |
April 29th marked ten years since Craig was voted in as Pastor of Westside Baptist Church. The day was made very special by our dear church family as well as men of God who have been encouragers to us throughout the years. In the morning, the children's choir surprised us by singing two of Craig's favorite kids choir songs. The biggest surprise was that they had gathered all of the former members to join them! So we got to hear from all of the children that had been a part of the children's' choir since we first started it so many years ago. It brought tears to our eyes as we saw such a large group of various age groups representing a decade of our life. How fast time goes! They then presented us with a framed picture of them and a bag full of gifts and letters from the children. The adult choir also sang "We Preach Christ," so appropriate a theme for the day...and for the past ten years! Craig then brought forth the message out of Mark on the first great commandment which is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. (paraphrased)
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| Pastor David Eddy |
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| "Bro. Bill" |
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| Pastor Paul Gentry |
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| Bro. Smith |
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| The McClures |
The evening service began at 4:00 with a beautiful meal. The sanctuary was transformed into a lovely banquet room. They served caesar salad, potatoes, ham or roast beef, and home made bread. The dessert tables were filled with scrumptious delights. Pastor Fisher from Lighthouse Baptist Church in San Diego, CA sent a sweet message to Craig, congratulating him for ten years, two of his staff who know us also spoke kind words. Pastor Joel Boyce came to celebrate, as well as Pastor David Eddy with his family and Pastor Bill Wambsganss. George and Carolyn McClure drove out from Spokane to be with us and sang a beautiful song. Pastor Gentry preached, continuing in the theme of the day on that "it's all about God." Many nice things were said as our entire family was honored. This is a very humbling time as we know that all praise goes to our heavenly Father!
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| A glimpse of the festivities...after it was over. |
The church gave our daughters prayer journals and the boys were given new Bibles. Zeke was so proud of his new Bible, we found him asleep in his carseat with it tucked under his arm, and he runs to go get it for family devotions...saying, "Bible, Bible!" The gift given to our family was so thoughtful and much appreciated! As our family loves to serve in hospitality, the church gave us funds for a new dining room table!!!! We are so thankful to be a part of a group of loving people. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve these same people! We look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for the next ten years!!!
June 11 we celebrated Anna's 16th birthday with a dinner in her honor. We invited several couples to come and encourage her as she comes so close to the "adult" world. We presented Anna with her hope chest, made by a very dear man, Henry Mandery. It is beautiful! Folks filled it with gifts and spoke words of wisdom for her to store in her heart. We enjoyed Asian cuisine and the room was decorated as an evening in Paris! Naomi did a great job of organizing the event, and several ladies along with my mom and dad helped in the decorating. While the place was being transformed, I took Anna to get her hair done. She had already had the fun of getting her make up done at ladies retreat, so I thought it would be fun to have a fancy hair do for the occasion. A special thanks to Jeannifer G. for her participation in this- she did a great job! It was a beautiful evening.....and a beautiful girl!
