Love the Lord your God, listen to His voice and hold fast to Him, for the Lord is your life! Deut. 30:20


Monday, August 20, 2012

Grace's 25th birthday


Yesterday we celebrated our church's 25th birthday.

Our pastor, Dave, from the olden days....

and his wife, Marilyn and our dear friend, Irene, who prayed us to Newton and then to Grace.

Grace Community Church was formed in 1987 by a core group of 13 (including Irene above) who began to sense God's direction to establish a new church.  A church that would share a commitment to the
     teaching of God's Word,
            to one another,
                 and to share the message of salvation with those who do not know Jesus.
A church that would be Biblically grounded and culturally relevant. 
Services began with 48 in attendance in rented facilities in the Cedar Village Shopping Center.


We had a huge birthday bash at church in the evening.  Both Grace Newton and Grace Hillsboro, our campus church, were in attendance.  We were served pulled pork sandwiches with sides.  Long lines but they went fast!  The Body Life Council did an outstanding job!


 A blue-grass gospel team played music while people ate and visited.


 Here are a few of the core group, eating their dinner inside.














There was a bouncy house....



There were sno-cones....






and popcorn....



cottoncandy....







The train was a big hit!





 Maybe Preston is saying "make it go, daddy!"?

 Ruby began to cry and cry once the train began to move.  Mommy ran to walk alongside.

The kids LOVED this ride!!   Thanks, Greg for your hard work in making this fun choo-choo!



There was a short program to thank Dave.




There was a roast and lots of laughs!



Dave was presented with a Starbucks mug and several $25 gift cards



Sue read a rendition of Isaiah 61           
                              Her daughter presented him with a drawing she made.


They will be called oaks of righteousness,  a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

What a fun birthday party we had! 
             What a wonderful church family we have! 
                                  What a mighty God we serve!

7 comments:

The Sieberts said...

what a fun night! great pictures. Sad i missed the tribute to Dave, but Cai's tummy was rumbling ;)

Laura said...

It looks like that was very fun. I wish that we could have been there!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Debby!
LaVon and I rejoice with your church body. What a special 25th celebration. The picture with my mother (Irene) was heart-warming to see. With gratitude.
Randy & LaVon Sperling

Esther Joy said...

Great photos! It looks like you had a wonderful time together. I especially enjoyed your photos of the children. Very sweet!

Rich and Carolyn Dewey said...

Thanks for a great post Debby! I forgot my camera! So I just enjoyed the music and people watching, visiting. Wasn't God gracious in giving us beautiful weather for the evening!!!!

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

I enjoyed the music, but where was the Bluegrass music? You have great pictures of the beautiful evening.

Blu-I'd-Blonde said...

I enjoyed the music, but where was the Bluegrass music? You have great pictures of the beautiful evening.