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‘Honor Our Heroes Service’ conducted in Big Sandy

BIG SANDY, Texas—More than 200 people gathered from at least 11 churches in a citywide Honor Our Heroes Service, Sunday, May 25.

The event, sponsored by the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Big Sandy, took place at the Big Sandy School Auditorium.

Churches throughout the city canceled their regular Sunday services to come together in unity to recognize community heroes and worship and fellowship together.   The different churches helped with the various parts of the service. 

“Romans 13:7 reminds us to ‘give honor to whom honor is due,’ ” said Pastor Sonny Parsons. “This was a time of recognizing those among us who are heroes to us every day.

“Patriotic Christian songs were played as Rick Peterson served as worship leader. ALERT Academy presented the colors. Ward Livingston, pastor of the First United Methodist church, welcomed everyone and defined heroes. Fred Adkins, pastor of Livingstones Praise and Worship Center, gave the opening prayer. Owen Chandler, student pastor at First Christian Church, did the offertory.  Charles Penney from First Baptist Church read of biblical heroes.

Bill Hardwick, mayor pro tem, recognized city heroes including military veterans, fire, police and sheriff’s department personnel, ALERT Academy, emergency medical service workers, teachers, school and city employees, pastors, Sunday school workers, Meals on Wheels, day care and nursing home workers, mayors and city council members.

Ronnie Fail, pastor of Solid Rock Fellowship, introduced the sermon given by Mr. Parsons, who showed that Jesus Christ is our real hero. Linda Austin, pastor of Rock of Calvary, gave the closing prayer.

Rick and Lois Peterson were in charge of decorations, lighting and sound. American flags, red, white and blue lights, and a praise band with backup singers set the tone for the day. They were assisted by Al Hoppe and Dwayne Canup.

The Mission America Coalition (www.missionamerica.org), an evangelistic organization of which the WCG is a member, has suggested that congregations conduct “Honor Our Heroes” events.

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship presented the idea of having such a service on the Sunday before Memorial Day. The congregation hung door hangers advertising the event.

Greg AIbrecht visits Longview and Lufkin members

LONGVIEW, Texas—Greg AIbrecht was guest speaker at Longview Grace Christian Fellowship, March 16. The Lufkin church was invited to this service.  After praise and worship, Pastor David Orban introduced the guest speaker, who spoke about PTM and gave away a few books and CDs. His sermon was “When Trouble Comes.” Afterward, members enjoyed a potluck dinner. Marie Woods decorated the hall in spring colors. Charlie and Joyce Hewitt.

Feeding the not so needy in Windham, Maine

WINDHAM, Maine—Fifteen churches cooperate in providing a meal twice a month for whoever wants it. “The WCG in this area has learned that service and cooperation with other churches really works,” said Pastor Ron Stoddart.

“From providing a meal to a family one Thanksgiving we now look forward to partnering in a doubling of this community service,” Mr. Stoddart said. In June, the churches began to offer the meals every week.

Those who attend are usually past retirement age, so the food helps supplement their income. Some travel 20 miles because the food and the company seem to be worth the effort.

With the growth of the project, it became necessary to incorporate, and we now belong to Food and Fellowship, Inc.

Carol Thurlow coordinates the Worldwide Church of God’s contributions, working closely with Ellen Ridley-Hooper, the overall coordinator. Up to 100 people enjoy the food and fellowship. We all see the unity that is possible in Jesus Christ’s body, the church. Ron Stoddart.

Congregations receive video equipment in unusual way

CHAMPLIN, Minnesota—Doug Johannsen, pastor of the Champlin and St. Paul congregations, wrote of an unusual way in which his congregations received some much-need video equipment.

Doug Johannsen

“Over the last year or two, we have been focusing on becoming a praying church (talking to God and also learning to listen to him) and also on transitioning to an evangelizing/disciplemaking church,” Mr. Johannsen said. I’d like to report some interesting results from this combination of goals.
 

“In February we were invited to attend the Rochester congregation’s Fiesta. In addition to enjoying the hospitality of the members, we also noted how their use of PowerPoint and a video projector enhanced their worship session.

“When we returned to the Twin Cities we brought this up during prayer at one of our small groups. One of the members said he could provide a laptop from inventory being phased out at his company (which he has done), so now we had to simply acquire a projector. They are expensive, so we put the idea on the back burner.

“In March we lost the hall we thought we had reserved for our combined Sunday morning Easter service, forcing us to scramble a bit to find another facility. One of our members arranged use of a meeting room at the college where she works, enabling our worship team to put together a really spiffy PowerPoint program to use with a projector belonging to the college.

“A guest (who is a Muslim), who attended our Easter service, overheard us saying that we would like to have a system like that. He said he thought he could get one for us. Two weeks later he came to our regular service and donated a one-and-a-half-year-old, expensive projector that will work with DVD, videotape or a laptop. The rest of the story is that in order to get this projector he had to have the approval of his boss, who just happens to be an atheist.

“So there you have it. A Muslim was able to convince an atheist to give a Christian church an expensive video projector. Is God amazing or what? Good thing God didn’t tell us ahead of time how it would happen. We wouldn’t have believed it. I just can’t stop chuckling about this. It’s not so much the projector, but the way we were given it that is just downright humorous.”

Voodoo given legal standing in Haiti; evangelism difficult

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—“Haiti for Christ and Christ for Haiti! This is the conviction of the faithful servants of God living and serving in this island, where a government press release declared voodoo a rightful religion,” said Pastor Joseph Franklin.

“The evangelical community feels shocked and so does the WCG,” Mr. Franklin said. “But the most important thing is who we are in Christ, and how strong is Jesus’ authority over our lives.”

In January 1997 Mr. Franklin did some outreach to a community of peasants who are commonly called “voodweasan.” After a few visits in their hamlet preaching the message of deliverance through Jesus Christ, the power of the gospel “went right through their hearts,” and the church of Bezin was born.

“Now we say, Glory to the living God for the dramatic transformation we have seen in the lives of people that our literature could not reach,” Mr. Franklin said.

Three of them were among the 22 who took communion April 17.

“Believers in Christ know that a voodweasan is a devil worshiper,” Mr. Franklin said. “So we ask special prayers for the leaders of this country. May the compassion of God bring them all to repentance.”

David King provides lunch for headquarters employees

PASADENA—David King, a custodian who worked for the WCG since 1986, provided a catered lunch for all employees on his final day of work, June 4, in the lobby of the Hall of Administration.

Mr. King and his wife, Marcia, moved to Massachusetts in mid-June. He said he provided the lunch as a gift for the many years he has enjoyed working here and all the expressions of love he has received from employees.

 
GIFT AND CARD—From right, David King
and his wife, Marcia, were given a gift by
Joseph Tkach on behalf of the Plant
Maintenance department.
[Photos by Thomas C. Hanson]

CARROT CAKE—Words of thanks.

Nikolay Nikolov seeks to register congregation in Bulgaria

BONN, Germany—“Our friend, brother and partner Nikolay Nikolov is seeking to officially register his house group of about 20 Christians as a WCG congregation,” said Santiago Lange, WCG national church leader in Germany. The group has been meeting regularly twice a week.

“We have been told that the laws in Bulgaria regarding the registration of religious groups tend to be rather ‘exclusivist,’ and that they strongly favor the Greek Orthodox faith to the detriment of other organizations,” Mr. Lange said. The registration process will probably be quite challenging. Mr. Nikolov told Mr. Lange that they hope to be registered by the end of next year.

Mr. Lange said that “the Bulgarian ‘daughter’ of the German church’s magazine, Nachfolge, is beginning to bring forth encouraging fruit in Eastern Europe.”

Dallas North celebrates Lord’s Supper, has spring dance

DALLAS, Texas—After a meaningful praise and worship service on April 19, including celebration of the Lord’s Supper, 37 members of the Dallas North congregation and their guests gathered at the Omni Park West Hotel for an evening of fine food, dancing and fellowship. 

Members provided CDs with their own dance favorites, and Brett Schellenger and Peter Edalere were disc jockeys for the evening.

On May 3, Randal Dick, superintendent of missions and a previous pastor in Dallas, visited the Dallas North congregation. Mr. Dick gave a slide presentation and commentary on mission fields in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.  He talked about the deep spiritual needs of the people in those countries, and how “common grace” builds the relationship with the people and “specific grace” is of Christ. Nancy Bydlon.

Membership roll update

Ron Kelly

 PASADENA—“From time to time, we are contacted by reporters who are interested in writing about the Worldwide Church of God,” said Ron Kelly, director of church relations. “We are always happy to work with them, and the church has enjoyed a good relationship with many members of the media.”
     

In March, a reporter interviewed Bernie Schnippert, church treasurer, and Mr. Kelly for a newspaper article and a possible piece for Christianity Today magazine. One of the questions he asked was:  What has happened to your church finances and membership rolls as a result of the doctrinal changes the Worldwide Church of God has made these last few years?

“It had been some time since we updated our figures,” Mr. Kelly said, “so we used this interview opportunity to update our press kit. We thought you might be interested in the updates.”

Church membership currently stands at roughly 58,000. Membership in the United States is 40,000, with 18,000 members in other nations. In the United States, the 40,000 membership is made up of 24,000 households. Statistically we know from many years of membership records that each household on our member list represents about 1.7 people (hence the 40,000 membership in the United States).

Of course that includes the children in each family. Almost all churches include children and adults in their membership count, and so do we. Each of the 24,000 households receives The Worldwide News and our member letters every month. 

Membership worldwide in the mid to late 1980s was approaching 150,000 adults and children. With the decline in membership, the WCG has experienced a proportional decrease in income.

“We were reminiscing with this reporter that just a few years ago, our Media Operations budget for the television and print ministry alone was more than $50 million per year,” Mr. Kelly said. “The entire expense budget for the Worldwide Church of God last year was $33 million.  

“What many in the greater Christian community find remarkable is how there can be so much joy in the Worldwide Church of God when we  have experienced such losses. But when one comes to an understanding of grace and truth, the joy one experiences far exceeds the disappointments that are also part of the change process. We thank our heavenly Father for his love and concern and the relationship we enjoy with him and with our Savior.”

Ross Jutsum leads worship in Loudon, New Hampshire

LOUDON, New Hampshire—“Hands on gospel, actually doing something to reach the community, was part of our outreach to the town of Loudon,” said Pastor Ron Stoddart.

Loudon has 2,000 addresses, and each one received an invitation to a Ross

Ron Stoddart

Jutsum concert and a brochure about the congregation. The church members met before and after the worship service Sunday, April 27, to stuff the envelopes, taking only about 30 minutes to do the 2,000. The concert was on May 10, and 15 people attended from the community.”
   

Washington church celebrates Mother’s Day

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT—
Samantha Loar gives Pam Smith
a Mother’s Day flower with
a sign saying, “You’re Special.” 

CHILDREN’S SERMON—Pastor
Tom Smith, in shepherd’s attire,
holding a lamb.  [Photos by Carrie Smith]  

KIDS AND BELLS—Children’s Bell Choir led by teen Katie Smith. 

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania—Fountain of Life Church, the WCG congregation in Washington, celebrated Mother’s Day, May 11, with a cookie reception before and after the worship service, with cookies donated by several members. The women in the church were also given a bag of chocolates.

During the children’s sermon by Pastor Tom Smith, a live lamb was brought in to help with the story of the sermon. Afterward, the children could pet the lamb. The children’s bell choir performed “In the Garden.” At the close of the service, the children presented the women with  potted plants they had handpainted and decorated. Shirley Collins.

God’s Spirit pours over the Roanoke Valley

ROANOKE, Virginia—The beginning of May was spiritually significant in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. The National Day of Prayer, May 1, was celebrated with prayers and fasting for our nation and leaders and for the Franklin Graham Festival, which began the next day.

The Roanoke church’s involvement with the Franklin Graham Festival began March 3, when the Christian Life and Witness Course began. These classes were conducted once a week for five weeks. Attendees were trained to be Christ’s disciples to non-Christians they interact with regularly.

Eighteen Roanoke members attended some or all of the classes. Twelve members attended training for small group Bible study leaders.

Those who completed the course were qualified to serve as counselors to those who accepted the invitation to come forward at the conclusion of each of Franklin Graham’s messages. More than 7,000 people in the Roanoke Valley went through the course, and more than 2,000 volunteered to become counselors.

Most of the people from the congregation attended at least one of the events.

More than 1,300 people made first-time decisions or decisions of rededication during the three-day event that attracted 51,000 people.

Pastor Everett Craft served as a counselor supervisor. Members serving as counselors were Mary Sue Craft, elder Mel Scott and his wife, Naomi, Mike and Sherry Kinzie and Larry Linton. Maureen Rowe and Bob White helped  process cards filled out by those responding to the altar call. Bob White also served as an usher.

Mike Kinzie served as a counselor along with 26 other volunteers at a special service for prisoners at the Botetourt County Correctional Facility.

Sherry Kinzie sang in the 2,000 plus voice adult choir.

Nathan and Mandy Kinzie were among the more than 800 children who sang during the children’s program. 

Having never been a part of something of this magnitude, we were all in awe of the planning and commitment by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the awesome number of volunteer hours required to have a successful festival.

Then on May 12, the Jesus Video Project achieved its goal of putting a video in every home in Roanoke.

It is obvious that God’s Spirit was moving over Roanoke.

Melvin Wilson has science fiction book published

CELEBRATION—Melvin Wilson
holds a decorated cake depicting
the cover of his book.
[Photo by Debby Bailey]

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—Melvin Wilson, a member of the WCG in Pikeville, was treated to a picnic celebration by family and friends May 24 in honor of having his first book published. The science fiction thriller is titled The Galactic Seven. It was published by Virtual Publications and is available at amazon.com Debby Bailey.

Pikeville church participates in interdenominational retreat

PIKEVILLE RETREAT—Representing the WCG
are from left: Eddie Bailey, Rachelle Wilson,
Sandy Ward, Genean Roberts and Christine Stewart,
praise team leader. [Photo by Debby Bailey]

PIKEVILLE, Kentucky—The Pikeville church participated in an interdenominational retreat June 6 and 7. Five pastors representing four denominations gave messages breaking down the acronym  S.E.R.V.E. (Surrender to God; Enter His Presence; Re-order My Priorities; Vow to Endure; and Enter the Harvest Field).

Mike Stewart of the WCG served as moderator. Music was provided by a praise team and band representing five churches. This was the Pikeville congregation’s second year to organize such a retreat. Debby Bailey.

John Derby confronts low graduation rate among Indians

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota—John Derby, the Sioux Falls School District administrator in charge of Indian Education, “hopes his influence will persuade Native American students to stay in high school,” according to an article in the Argus Leader.

“Only about a quarter of the Native American high school students in the district now graduate,” the newspaper said. “His goal is to improve that rate.”

Dr. Derby, a WCG member and a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux tribe, grew up in an orphanage and went on to earn a doctorate in school administration.

At two middle schools, Dr. Derby is implementing programs designed to help younger students make the connections necessary to keep them on track. The district has 787 Native American students.

“The classes teach Native American children about traditions and cultural heritage but also about expectations and strategies to help them through high school.”

“He provides leadership and vision and resources for what’s possible,” said Diana Messick, a school principal. He’s a good role model. “I’m really impressed with what he’s done so far because it has really had an impact on kids in my building. There’s action behind his words.”

Dr. Derby was born in March 1943 to a 19-year-old mother and was taken to an orphanage. He graduated from high school in 1960.

He earned a college baseball scholarship and got a chance to sign on as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox, but he chose college.

Conference goals exceeded at Northwest regional conference

PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION—Conference
attendees visit with the church’s leadership
team and Pastor General Joseph Tkach during
President’s Reception. From left: Rosanne
Johnson, Gina Worman and Bertha Hand.

CONFERENCE COORDINATORS—
Hank and Sue Lageman.

CONFERENCE MATERIAL ASSEMBLY TEAM—Seated from left: Rosanne Johnson, Bertha Hand, Vivian Robertson. Standing: Dan Rogers, Sandy Holladay, Sue Lageman, Sherrie Harries, Lowell Landgrebe, Morgan Tovey and Ora Starkey. [Photos by Hank Lageman]

PORTLAND, Oregon—The Northwest regional conference took place here April 24 to 27. The theme for this year’s regional conferences is “Growing Healthy Churches,” which builds on last year’s theme of “The Everyday Commission.”

Portland’s local congregations have already begun using the material to enhance small group studies and the overall direction for women’s ministry for the coming year.

Hank Lageman, Northwest conference coordinator, reported that attendee evaluations of speakers were highly motivating and encouraging to review. Reviewing what people said about the presentations and the ideas they are going to take home with them makes the energy expended by the conference team worthwhile.

“It’s all about people, and the growth and development of our people has been the hallmark of our district’s efforts for years,” Mr. Lageman said. “It is also an exciting opportunity for the members from the entire district to serve in conference planning, registration, music, technical services and putting conference materials together.”

  This year the conference work team got a special treat when Dan Rogers, superintendent of ministers, stopped by to thank the team members as he arrived the day before the conference.

  The Northwest team received valuable assistance from Church Administration personnel: Pat Shaw, Charles Albrecht and Nancy Akers. The Pasadena team worked hard to refine an agenda that encompassed a balance of the three conference components (education, fellowship and worship) while making sure the conference had all the books and materials we needed.

Guy Engelbart, district superintendent, was pleased with the feedback from the attendees and noted that the goal of empowering the members to use their unique talents for living and sharing God’s love appears to have been met. Hank Lageman.

400 attend regional conference in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Kentucky—“We learned more at this conference than any previously in our 27 years in the WCG,” said Gerry Trennepohl from Christ Fellowship Church, the Cincinnati, Ohio, West congregation).

More than 400 members, pastors and ministry leaders representing four districts attended the May 29 to June 1 regional conference at the Holiday Inn in Lexington.

  Along with the keynote seminars presented by Joseph Tkach, Dan Rogers,

Jim Valekis

Ted Johnston and Carn Catherwood, the Lexington conference, like all of the regional conferences, offered break-out sessions. The sessions offered in Lexington included two shared by Jim Valekis and Rick Shallenberger, district youth coordinators.
    

Topics included using drama in worship; describing what happens at SEP

Rick Shallenberger

 (showing that the focus isn’t on fun and games; the focus is on Jesus—who also can have fun); developing a vision statement for the local youth group, and “Death to Youth Day,” which suggests we get youths involved in every worship service rather than focusing on the youths once or twice a year.

  A break-out session for women, organized by Vicki Hart and Becky Valekis, was titled “Seeking Higher Ground.” Ruth Miller, wife of Pastor Bob Miller, spoke about “Being Mary in a Martha World.”

Becky Valekis

An intergenerational praise band was put together with people representing four congregations and three generations. The youngest was Jacob Head, 12, who played violin. The oldest was guitarist Jim Smoak, 68, who used to play with the late king of bluegrass, Bill Monroe.
 

Ruth Miller

“It was awesome seeing all the people worship together,” said Jeannette Koch from One in Christ Fellowship, the WCG congregation in Fort Wright, Kentucky.

Jeannette, who graduated from high school this year, sang in the band and also performed special music for communion.

“I have met new members of the Worldwide Church of God at all three of these conferences,” Dr. Tkach said. “I have appreciated the unassuming nature that characterizes so many of our ministers and members these days. I believe that God uses us more effectively when we realize our own weakness. Out of the poverty of a humble spirit God’s power flows through us to do good things in his service. It is Jesus’ righteousness that makes us holy, not our own human opinions of our skills, knowledge and expertise.” Rick Shallenberger.

Victor Stiso and Art Perreira honored for service

PEAPACK, New Jersey—Victor Stiso and Art Perreira of the Union, New Jersey, congregation, each received awards of excellence for their annual participation in Ron Robinson’s Indoor Carnival at Matheny School and Hospital.

Matheny Hospital houses 100-plus severely disabled children and young adults. They range in age from 5 to 30 years old.

The late Pastor Ron Robinson started organizing parties at this facility in 1994. Since then the party has grown to become the biggest activity at Matheny.

“What started as a WCG singles club outreach has now become an annual party mobilizing 140-plus volunteers from the community,” reported John Szkwarko, acting director.

“It never ceases to surprise me how so many people of all ages come together and volunteer their time, money and effort for one purpose: making a dismal day fun and exciting for those who, by all accounts are orphans—forgotten children. Many of these children have no family support,” Mr. Szkwarko said.

 
HONORED VOLUNTEERS—John Szkwarko, director (left),
and Art Perreira (left photo) and Victor Stiso (right photo),
honored for serving disabled children and young adults.

EXPERIENCING THE WORD—Mary
Cunningham, a member of the Canfield,
Ohio, church, receives certificate of
achievement from Pastor John Dobritch
for completing the Experiencing the Word course.

Detroit area churches to celebrate 40th anniversary

DETROIT, Michigan—The Detroit area churches will celebrate their 40th anniversary Aug. 23.

The celebration will begin with a 2:30 worship service, followed by dinner at 5, video scrapbook at 6 and a dance beginning at 7. The cost for the day’s activities is $40 per person. The celebration will take place at Burton Manor (formerly Roma Hall) in Livonia. Former ministers to the area have been invited to participate.

A picnic will take place the following day. (Hotel information is also available.)

Please send us pictures (identify people in the picture and put your name and address on the back) to be used in the video scrapbook.  Letters of remembrance are also welcome.

Ron Washington

Please send your payment, which is your reservation, by Aug. 6 to   Helen Denning, 612 W. Brockton Ave., Madison Heights, Michigan, 48071. You can send e-mail to her at RWDenning@aol.com (with 40th anniversary in the subject line). Ron Washington.
 

Lafayette, Louisiana, to celebrate 25th anniversary

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana—The Lafayette church will celebrate its 25th anniversary July 12. The event will take place at 108 Acadian Dr. in Lafayette. Festivities start at 1 p.m. with fellowship and a meal, followed by 2:30 p.m. worship and celebration activities. 

The congregation was established by Karl Beyersdorfer. The first service was conducted at the War Memorial Building on July 8, 1978. Ministers and their wives who served the Lafayette church over the years are Karl and Gaylon Beyersdorfer, Alton and Madeline Billingsley and John and Genie Ogwyn. The congregation is currently pastored by Anthony and Karen Rice. Associate ministers who served in the area are Dennis and Lena Doucet, Warren and Pam Waian and Herb and Anne Teitgen.

Anthony Rice

Current and former members and ministers are invited to share in the memories and activities. For more information or to pass on your plans to attend, please telephone Anthony Rice at 1-225-755-6406 or send e-mail to him at anthony.rice@wcg.org Walt Zenon.
   

Wilkes-Barre church to celebrate 35th anniversary

WILKES-BARRE, Pennsylvania—The Wilkes-Barre church (formerly Mount Pocono) will celebrate its 35th anniversary Sunday, Aug. 24. The worship service will be at The Inn at Nichols Village in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. A luncheon and fellowship will follow. For further information please contact Pastor Tom Davis at 1-570- 961-0650 or send e-mail to him at  tom.davis@wcg.org Dan Schilling.

Philadelphians celebrate evangelism weekend

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania—Comedian and pastor Gordon Douglas entertained members and visitors at Philadelphia’s New Covenant Community Bible Church during the congregation’s annual evangelism weekend April 12. 

About 100 attendees laughed along with Mr. Douglas as he used his observational humor to remind everyone of the grace of God. His comedy skills took him from the nightclubs of Philadelphia to Hollywood before the Lord called him and he began to use his gift of humor to minister across the country to young and old alike. Peter McClung.

Washington women have second luncheon

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania—The Fountain of Life Secret Sisters had a luncheon March 23.

The women of the church who choose to be members submit their name, birthday, anniversary, hobbies and interests. They all secretly choose a name. A basket is placed in the church hall, and the women can secretly place cards or gifts of encouragement or for special occasions in the basket for their secret sister. During the luncheon the women reveal who their secret sister was for the previous year. Shirley Collins.

Las Vegas teens attend Acquire the Fire

LAS VEGAS, Nevada—Nine Las Vegas teens were among the 1,500 teens, parents, youth leaders and pastors who attended Acquire the Fire March 7 and 8 at the International Church of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas teens who attended  along with Pastor Tom Melear are Cherise and Dianna Connors, Ashlee Gibbs, Tanisha Sanders, Shanice and Deon Porter, Milan and Imani Dixon and Janet Vaughn.

The speaker at a breakout session for youth leaders talked about the need to listen with an extra ear to our teens. In between the afternoon and evening service on Saturday, March 8, the teens went to the home of Cleo Dawson, youth pastor, and his wife, Mary, for pizza and punch. Cleo Dawson.