 WORSHIP SERVICE—Glen Weber speaks at service in mobile home park. |
Halfway house—
doorway to
the kingdom
SPOKANE, Washington—Dan Rogers, superintendent of U.S. ministers, has been encouraging members to be “halfway houses.” Traditionally, a halfway house is a place where people transition from one culture to another culture—for example, from jail back into society or from drug rehabilitation back into society.
We are looking to help non-believers transition from the world to be followers of Jesus.
About five years ago, Pastor Glen Weber began teaching about the importance of members praying for their neighbors.
WORSHIP SERVICE—Glen Weber speaks at service in mobile home park. |
John and Frances Raschko of Spirit of Grace Fellowship (the WCG congregation in Spokane) began to pray for the people in their mobile home park. They prayed for the adults and parents in the park because with their young granddaughter visiting, they became the focus of many children coming to their home. The more they prayed the more the children appeared.
John and Frances were in their early 70s at the time and asked Weber what to do. He suggested they host a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in their home. They were told about Child Evangelism Fellowship, which will come to one’s home to run a VBS. That VBS averaged 16 children each day for the five-day session.
The Raschkos then decided to host a Bible club in their home each Thursday afternoon—with the continued help of CEF. For the past four years, the process has continued—VBS in the summer and Bible club throughout the year.
 BAPTISM—John and Frances Raschko help baptize their neighbors, Ilanka Krauss and Robert Rodgers. |
Each year the Bible club would conclude with a potluck at which some from the congregation would attend with the children and their parents.
Weber occasionally led the Christmas or Easter class—and attended the potlucks. Over time the parents have begun to develop a relationship with the church.
This year, one of the mothers began to attend church and asked for baptism. This spurred another mother to also ask for baptism. Another woman asked for baptism who had been mentored by the Raschkos but did not live in the park.
Weber suggested the baptisms be done at a service in the front yard of the Raschkos’ home. On Friday evening, July 2, they conducted a worship service, and Weber gave a message on the meaning of baptism. After the service they baptized the three women with all to see.
Since that time, one of the husbands asked for baptism and was baptized in the park at the end of July. At the same time he was baptized, he and his newly baptized wife also renewed their wedding vows in Raschkos’ home. Two of the young people attended SEP Washington and asked for baptism.
 Robert and Marla Rodgers renew their vows. |
“This has truly been a halfway house to the kingdom,” Weber said. “Followers of Jesus (disciples) who set about praying for their neighbors and reaching out to them at every opportunity were soon discipling others. As a result eight people are attending church and are members of our congregation.
“More importantly they are now disciples of Jesus who are beginning to take opportunities to reach out and make more disciples. A home in a mobile home park became an open door to the kingdom of God.
“The Raschkos started in their seventh decade of life—becoming excited about what Jesus would do through them. We strongly encourage all members of our denomination to seriously consider how they can become a halfway house—a doorway to people becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Making the love of God
visible in Columbus, Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Columbus congregation, pastored by John Karlson, is making the love of God visible in our community.
The first step was to develop a survey to identify which members were currently volunteering, where we needed additional help, who would like to help and which segments of society we should target.
We began with a food drive for a food pantry. The congregation was generous in its donations, and members participated in the weekly sorting and stocking of the pantry shelves.
Our second project, headed by Liz Mertes, was adopting a nursing home. The Christmas and Spring parties featured a piano solo by Brandon Bapst, a violin solo by Nicki Bapst and a children’s church performance under the direction of Lisa Bapst, Judy Hoban and Fian Kunesh. Steve Meade delivered a message, and Tad Lamb, Ron Pollard, Dave Tyler and Larry Titus hosted a sing-along. Food was provided by the Women’s Fellowship.
The third project, led by Katie Yoder and Lisa Bapst, involves individual phone calls to each member of the congregation every three months to see if everything is OK or if there is some way that our group can assist them. Prayer requests are forwarded to those identified by our survey as having a desire to be part of the prayer team.
Our fourth project involves books. The Mission of Mercy is starting a library for the nursing home residents, and we have collected almost 200 books. The Women’s Fellowship, under Cristy Meade’s leadership, is also collecting books for the children’s hospital.
Ann Miller initiated a meal preparation program that we’ve adopted to assist the grieving. Members also house-sit for the family during calling hours and services so their homes will not be left unattended. Catherine P. Lamb.
Big Sandy church host for
community-wide events
BIG SANDY, Texas—The Big Sandy church offered a community-wide Vacation Bible School July 12 to 16 with a theme of “Rickshaw Rally Racing to the Son.”
Lois Peterson was the VBS director, with assistance from Helen and Jerome Ellerd. Rick Peterson decorated the event with a Japanese theme. Pat Alaire built a rickshaw to portray the event’s theme.
 COMMUNITY EVENT—The Big Sandy church hosted a soap box derby. [Photo by Loma Gibson]
|
Also, during the summer the congregation offered a citywide reading program on Wednesday mornings. A school librarian provided books, and the school sent a busload of children each week. Tours of the fire and police departments and city hall were a part of the program.
Also, for the second year, the congregation hosted a soap box derby to bring the community together. Pastor Sonny Parsons made a presentation at the school and sent home directions on how to build the cars.
“We are letting the people of the community know that we care,” Parsons said. “Then they are more receptive to letting us share Christ with them.”
Lucy Martin, pioneer
faculty
member at Ambassador, dies
 Lucy Martin-Wener |
PASADENA—Lucy Martin-Wener, 98, a pioneer faculty member at Ambassador College, died June 30.
Her husband and her only daughter preceded her in death.
Martin was one of eight original faculty members in 1947 and served the college in a number of positions, most notably as head of the Music Department and dean of women. She retired in 1975.
“She was never a [WCG] member but famously stood by the institution when others left,” remembered Herman Hoeh, one of the four first students of Ambassador.
Martin came to Ambassador after working on the staff of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. While working as librarian and during personnel shortages at the fledgling college, she told then Chancellor Herbert Armstrong that she had done university level work in music and offered to supplement her studies by summer study at New York’s Juilliard School of Music.
Throughout her long career Martin helped influence many undergraduates toward an appreciation of music and the fine arts. Neil Earle.
Austin church commissions
new ministry leaders
AUSTIN, Texas—The Austin congregation commissioned seven new ministry leaders June 6.
The church had been operating without any deacons for the past two years, since most of the ordained leaders had left the denomination because of doctrinal disagreements. However, God provided new servants who took up the reins of responsibility, and the church ministries have continued to serve the people of our congregation and our community.
 COMMISSIONING—From left: Dana Ripley, George Leal, Johnnie Simcik, Connie Smith, Bill Smith, Amy Wendland, Mark Wendland, elder John Ledbetter and elder Don Amundson. [Photo by Rose Sickel] |
In recognition of the God-given gifts and the hearts of these servants, Pastor Lee Berger and the church leadership team were led to commission a new slate of ministry servant-leaders. In the commissioning ceremony, the pastor and elders Don Amundson and John Ledbetter laid hands on each leader and asked a prayer for their duties within the congregation.
At the conclusion of the individual prayers, Berger spoke to the members about their responsibility to support the ministry leaders. The congregation was then led in a united verbal pledge of support for the newly commissioned leaders.
Deacons commissioned are George Leal, Dana Ripley, Johnnie Simcik, Bill Smith, Connie Smith, Amy Wendland and Mark Wendland. Lee Berger.
Houston seniors
have Bible
study
HOUSTON, Texas—John Flores presented a Bible study for the Community Christian Fellowship senior citizens Wednesday, Aug. 11. The subject was “Gossip: Is It a Sin?”
After the Bible study, the seniors had a fellowship meal prepared by Mary Washington. Eighteen people attended the study and fellowship meal. Lue Ennis.
Card ministry brings
encouragement to others
BANGOR, Maine—Nearly every week, Marie Theriault, a member of the Bangor congregation, sends cards to people who are sick, grieving a loss or celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.
Just about every Sunday, Theriault ensures that everyone in the congregation signs the cards and then she mails them to the recipients. Although she spearheads the ministry, she depends on the members to sign the cards and write notes.
All the members (and many nonmembers) have been blessed at some point by receiving these cards. Theriault is putting into practice Romans 12:8: “If it is encouraging, let him encourage.” Frank Bryant.
Chattanooga children mark
Mother’s and Father’s day
 HONORED MOTHERS— Laura O’Neal (left) and Laurie Dunn. [Photo by Frances Cimino] |
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee—The children of the Chattanooga congregation honored all the parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
On Mother’s Day, Ashley Perez read Proverbs 31. Then the children held up letters spelling out mother, while telling what each letter stood for. Then they sang “You Are My Sunshine.”
 HONORING FATHERS—From left: Savannah Dunn, Michael O’Neal, Shaleigh O’Neal, Sterlyn O’Neal, Joshua Perez and Ashley Perez. [Photo by Michael O'Neal] |
After the worship service, the women were honored with a tea. The men served cookies and punch. Each woman received a rose and a homemade card from the children. Laura O’Neal was honored as the woman who had been a mother the longest, and Laurie Dunn was honored as the newest mother. Laura O’Neal also had the most children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, totaling 20.
On Father’s Day, the children honored the dads with a surprise. Ashley Perez recited a poem about fathers written by Laura O’Neal, while the children held up corresponding letters spelling the word father.
Afterward, the children served homemade cookies they decorated. They also presented their fathers and grandfathers with a picture frame they decorated in Sunday school. Tammy Perez.
Chattanooga conducts
Vacation Bible School
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee—Twenty-five children ages 2 to 14 gathered nightly June 15 to 19
 CLOSING PRAISE AND WORSHIP [Photo by Danny O'Neal] |
for food, fun and fellowship at the Chattanooga Vacation Bible School.
The theme was SonGames 2004. This year we moved outside our community to the East Lake Community Center in a low-income area.
Children learned about Paul’s journey each night through the following points:
Join in!—Saul (Paul) is blinded on the road to Damascus and joins God’s team.
Team up!—Paul teams up with other members of God’s team.
 FAMILY SUNDAY [Photo by Michael O'Neal] |
Get strong!—Paul ministers to others while a prisoner.
Keep on!—Paul is caught in a huge storm.
Celebrate!—Paul reaches his goal by going to Rome.
Each night the children made crafts such as team visors and flags, a torch game pass, CD yo-yos, plaster dumbbells and trading pins. Games included super soccer, kangaroo relay and waterball. Each night began and ended with prayer and praise.
We have followed up with the community by sharing pictures taken during the week and conducting a pencil drive for the area schools. Tammy Perez.
Neil Earle attends church
parade in Canada
CARBONEAR, Newfoundland, Canada—Neil Earle, pastor of the Glendora, California, church, and his wife, Susan, attended a church parade in his hometown Aug. 8 in honor of Carbonear’s 589 Air Force Cadet Squadron’s 50th anniversary.
 Neil Earle (right) with Elmer Davis, air cadet chaplain. [Photos by Susan Earle] |
The air cadets are an organization for young people sponsored by the Canadian Air Force and the Royal Canadian Legion. Earle was a member of this distinguished unit from 1959 to 1962 and rose to the rank of sergeant.
The Earles sang in the Cadet Choir that Sunday after meeting with the squadron’s chaplain, Elmer Davis, an old family acquaintance.
After church at Bethany United Church, a full dress parade took place accompanied by the color party to the town’s war memorial, where wreaths were laid, religious services observed and a plaque unveiled to mark the occasion.
 Neil Earle (left) with former air cadets at 50th anniversary plaque. |
Earle later co-wrote an article that was printed in the local paper Aug. 17, which also featured a picture by his wife, who has had many photos printed in church publications over the years.
“It was an honor to be in the company of the founders of this splendid youth organization, which has done so much to instill values and citizenship in so many young Canadians,” Earle commented. “It makes you realize how important youths and youth leaders are to each church and community.”
Evylin Johnson celebrates
 Evylin Johnson [Photo by Bob Rotzien] |
94th birthday
CHAMPLIN, Minnesota— Aug. 1 was a special day for Evylin Johnson as she celebrated her 94th birthday. A longtime faithful member of the Living Hope congregation, Evylin is much loved and respected not only in our congregation but in the Twin Cities. Doug Johannsen.
Jeffrey Broadnax earns
mental health counseling degree
 COMMENCEMENT—Pastor Jeff Broadnax and son Kyle after ceremony. |
PEEKSKILL, New York—Pastor Jeffrey Broadnax earned his masters of science degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Western Connecticut State University. Having completed his internship at the University Counseling Center and Westchester County Department of Corrections, he received his degree in a ceremony May 22.
His thesis titled “Family Foundations” introduced a holistic intervention for working with emotionally and behaviorally disordered children by integrating all aspects of the family system into the therapeutic process.
Pastor Broadnax is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and was inducted into the Connecticut chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for professional counselors, as well as Pi Lambda Theta, the international honor society for educators, having completed his degree with a 4.0 grade point average.
In addition to pastoring the Living Hope Family Fellowship congregations (Middletown and Clarkstown, New York) and the Westchester Family Fellowship (White Plains, New York), Broadnax serves as a counselor and outreach consultant to the Westchester County Department of Corrections Young Offender Program.
Broadnax and his wife, Karen, have two children Jasmine, 13, and Kyle, 6.
Lancaster youths make
feature-length movie
LANCASTER, California—The youth group of the Desert Oasis Community Church (a WCG congregation) in conjunction with 7D Studios and Associates, a start-up production company (made up of the same young people), have completed a Christian feature-length movie titled My Best Friend.
The 55-minute movie, based on a short story written by Cody Urban, is a modern-day parable about the sacrificial love of a Christian for a nonbeliever. The key scripture is John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
In the movie the President of the United States (played by Ken Mitchell, youth and associate pastor) feels called by God to bring the gospel message to a non-believing Secret Service agent (Cody Urban) assigned to protect him.
As their father-son relationship develops, the President becomes increasingly concerned over foreign, sinister factions attempting to bring the United States into war. The President is determined to have peace and lays his political future on the line to follow a Christian path.
At the same time, enemies in the White House have betrayed their loyalties, placing both men in mortal danger. Special effects, drama and intrigue bring this movie to an exciting and dramatic conclusion as the forces of evil battle the forces of good.
Urban said: “The main purpose and drive behind this movie was and is evangelism. We wanted to do something for God to bring others to him. To shine his light into the dark places and touch the hearts of many, planting seeds wherever the movie is shown.
“We showed the film at the 2004 SEP in Big Bear, California, and the theme of the movie, ‘Jesus as our best friend,’ carried throughout the remainder of the session. Not only was it a blessing to be permitted to show the movie at SEP, but many of our friends from SEP took it back to their churches, taking the movie nationwide.
“It is our hope that eventually thousands of churches will use this movie as an outreach tool or as an instrument of motivation, inspiration and evangelism in their communities.”
Although the setting for the movie is Washington, D.C., it was filmed completely in the Antelope Valley and directed by Urban and Matt Waltz. It was edited by Paul and Nikki Pieper of Community Life Fellowship in Altadena, California, through their production company Pied Productions.
Other actors include Pastor Eric Shaw, Bill, Gabriele and Susie Day, Heather Mitchell, Lewis Parish and many more. Nearly every member of the Desert Oasis Youth Group handled everything from makeup to lighting, sound and camera, set building, costume selection and transportation.
“This was a huge effort,” Mitchell said. “These teenagers, with virtually no adult supervision, spent more than a year of their lives and every cent they had to produce this movie. When their money ran out, they had fund-raisers to keep production going. Hundreds of man-hours were spent, sometimes working late into the night, sometimes all night long and weekends too. In addition they still had jobs to go to, chores at home and homework to do. It truly was a labor of love.”
The movie debut was to a packed house at the Desert Oasis Community Church in Lancaster. Mitchell recalled: “I was so moved at seeing the completed project, knowing everything that went into it, and all the wonderful people who contributed, that I could hardly finish the service.
“We ended the service by singing ‘God Will Make a Way’ with tears pouring down our faces. I encourage everyone to find your own way of sharing the gospel.”
If you would like to support the young people of The Desert Oasis Community Church and 7D Studios and Associates as they desire to produce movies that honor God, you can purchase your own copy of My Best Friend by completing the order form on page 24. All proceeds will go toward production of their next movie.
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Country:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Quantity:
Movie: DVD only ($15 each)
Shipping & handling: ($2)
Donation:
Total:
Please make checks payable to Susanna Day and mail to 7D Studios, 3130 Gingerwood Lane, Lancaster, California 93536. Phone number: (661) 433-4289 E-mail: 7DStudios@aol.com
Church announces
ministerial status changes
PASADENA—Church Administration announced the following ministerial status changes.
Fred Bailey, pastor of the Richmond, Virginia, church, retired as of July 30.
Gary Endres, pastor of the Kingsport, Tennessee, and Bluefield, West Virginia, churches, changed from employed church pastor to bivocational pastor effective Oct. 15.
Lloyd Garrett, pastor of the Washington, D.C., East church, left our employ Jan. 26.
Hasadore Hall, pastor of the Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina, churches, retired as of July 30.
Leonard Holladay, pastor of the Anchorage, Alaska, church, changed from employed church pastor to bivocational pastor effective Aug. 27.
Michael J. Kuykendall, pastor of the Salt Lake City and Layton, Utah, churches, left our employ May 7. Ron Stoddart now pastors those churches.
Aaron Root, pastor of the Washington, D.C., West church, left our employ June 11 but remains an elder.
James Stokes, pastor of the Belleville and Alton, Illinois, churches, retired as of July 16.
Micah Royal, pastoral intern in the San Bernardino, Moreno Valley and Palm Springs, California, churches, left our employ Sept. 24.
White Plains church
launches coffeehouse
WHITE PLAINS, New York— Westchester Family Fellowship, the White Plains WCG congregation, along with Heaven’s Light of Day, a parachurch music ministry led by Serge Volpe, conducted their inaugural Heavenly Brew Family Coffeehouse Sept. 11 at the YWCA in White Plains.
Plans are for Heavenly Brew Family Coffeehouse to take place every other month, featuring Christian artists and providing an opportunity for Christians and non-Christians alike to come together for an evening of fellowship and entertainment in a nonthreatening environment.
By inviting more than 40 churches in the White Plains area, putting up flyers, advertising in the newspaper, on various area bulletin boards and by word of mouth, we pray that Heavenly Brew will be an ongoing interdenominational gathering.
Heavenly Brew began the evening with welcoming comments by Volpe, including a moment of silence for the victims and their families of the 9-11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and a dedication of the evening to the late Dan Bierer, pastor of Westchester Family Fellowship, and the Manhattan and Armonk WCG congregations, who died Aug. 5.
Volpe then introduced Jeff Broadnax, the new pastor of Westchester Family Fellowship. Then Heaven’s Light of Day opened the evening with music, along with an interpretive praise dance presented by Lynne Hewitt-Volpe to the song “Outside” by Gary Chapman.
After a break with coffee and food prepared by Horace and Sandra Hammond and Carson and Gerdine Thompson, the featured artist of the evening was introduced. Walter Arthur, singer and chaplain of Jacoby Hospital, presented a moving selection of songs.
Arthur ended the evening by directing his family, members of his home congregation choir, and the Jacoby Hospital choir in a spirited version of “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood. More than 70 people from 10 denominations attended the evening.
The next Heavenly Brew is scheduled for Nov. 6, and will be a celebration of thanksgiving and praise. The featured artist of the evening will be singer and mime, Tina Wills, with Heaven’s Light of Day hosting the evening. Debb Coleman.
Randy Bloom conducts
assimilation seminar in St. Louis
 Randy Bloom |
ST. LOUIS, Missouri—Church members from St. Louis and its surrounding areas met in St. Louis July 10 for a seminar on “How to Assimilate New Members” conducted by Randy Bloom, district superintendent.
Making guests welcome
When we have guests in our church, do they feel welcome? Having friendly hosts to greet them at the door and talk with them after the worship service is vital, Bloom said. It makes a difference whether they want to come back again.
All churches think they are friendly, Bloom said. The true test of friendliness comes when we include someone new into our circle of fellowship. Are we just friendly with each other, or with new members too?
That point hit home for Pam Harris, a member of the New Creation in Christ congregation in St. Louis. She shared her experience of searching for the church God wanted her to attend. “I visited many churches before finding the Worldwide Church of God. Each one was not very friendly, and the Spirit told me not to stay.
“The first three times I attended the Worldwide Church of God, people came up to me after services, extended a hand, asked me my name and told me their name. That made me want to be a part of this church.”
Inspiring worship service
Along with friendliness and warmth, guests are looking for a church that has an inspiring and well-prepared worship service, a place for children, adult programs (such as a women’s ministry, a men’s ministry and small groups) and a quality church building.
Bloom urged us to incorporate these things into our congregations. He also stressed the importance of follow-up contact with guests by church members. Eighty-two percent of people who drop out say no one contacted them after visiting.
Becoming active members
“Assimilation does not happen automatically,” Bloom said. New members need to become active members—involved and responsible—for them to stay. We need to do what we can to help this process along. Susie Ehlen.
Ministerial ordinations
Church Administration announced the following ministerial ordinations.
Troy Meisner, Spring Valley, Minnesota; Hank Lageman, Portland, Oregon; Paul Hailey, Portland, Oregon; Joseph Williams, Atlanta, Georgia; Donald Smitley, New Albany, Indiana; Carnell Johnson, Richmond, Virginia, North; Ivan Lane, Richmond, Virginia, North; Leroy Hunter, Thomasville, Georgia; James Harries, Portland, Oregon; Oscar Baslao, Davao City, Philippines; Levi Yuson, Maramag, Philippines; Joven Jaralve, Zamboanga City, Philippines; Geoffrey Balatero, Ipil, Philippines; Julio Fernandez, Ezeiza, Argentina.
Raul and Pauline Sifuentes:
Amigos Sin Fronteras
HOUSTON, Texas—The Community Christian Fellowship (CCF) congregation heard on Aug. 28 from Raul Sifuentes, a local member, about the mission work that he and his wife, Pauline, are involved in.
Sifuentes said that now is our time to fulfill the great commission of Matthew 28 to go and make disciples of all nations.
The mission is called Amigos Sin Fronteras, which means Friends Without Borders. The ministry visits indigenous people of the Aztec Indian and other tribes in the mountains of Cuernavaca, Mexico, about one and a half hours from Mexico City.
From seven to 35 people are involved in this ministry. Doctors, nurses, dentists, medical technicians and other Christians work together providing much-needed health care to these impoverished people. Surgeries have been performed in makeshift operating rooms set up in neighborhood streets.
Clothing, shoes, haircuts and toys for children are all given free. Amigos Sin Fronteras even provides clean water by the truckload, which is a valuable and necessary commodity. But the best gift that Amigos gives is the gift of evangelism. They teach the people that God exists, that he loves them and that he died for them.
Members viewed a 10 minute video of a mission visit by Amigos. After viewing the film, Pastor Mark Mounts presented a check from CCF in the amount of $200 as a donation to Amigos Sin Fronteras. Jesse Soto.
Newark church to celebrate
fifth anniversary
NEWARK, New Jersey—The 24-7 Community Church will celebrate its fifth anniversary Friday evening, Dec. 10. A dinner dance will take place at the Casa del Sol restaurant in Union, New Jersey.
The celebration will continue with a church service Sunday, Dec. 12. The guest speaker will be Curtis May, director of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries. May is a cousin of the late Ron Robinson, the first pastor of the 24-7 Community Church.
For more information, please contact Lawrence Evans by e-mail at evans_lawrence@hotmail.com or write to him at P.O. Box 154, Morganville, New Jersey, 07751. David Robinson.
Jerry Horswell named
outstanding senior woman
MASON CITY, Iowa—Geraldine “Jerry” Horswell, a resident of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and a member of the Church in Mason City, was recognized as Freeborn County’s Outstanding Senior Woman.
Horswell was honored at the Freeborn County Fair on senior day. She gave a speech describing her volunteer work and all of the support she has received from her husband, Gene, which enabled her to do it.
Horswell has made a difference in the lives of those she comes in contact with. She believes there is some kind of volunteer work for everyone. She is a good example of serving into one’s golden years. You may need to change course, but you never retire from ministering to others. Mary Crawford.
Worship retreat takes place
at Wisconsin Dells
 TESTIMONY—Tammy Neller (right) listens as Kristina Fentak shares her testimony. [Photos by Doug Johannsen] |
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisconsin—The Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells was the site of a worship retreat Sept. 9 to 12 where 1,000 members celebrated Jesus as “The Real Deal.”
They came for worship, workshops, sermons, prayers and the Kalahari’s indoor water park.
Activities included a family meet and greet, seniors luncheon, children’s church, teen church, praise and worship night, skits, interpretive dances and poolside events. Also, 671 people received communion.
 SKIT—From left: Nicki Davis, Nate Denn, Jake Zacharias and Brandon Caruso. Jake played the part of Jesus, and Nicki, Nate and Brandon were people in the crowd who mocked and beat him. |
About a pickup-truck load of food was donated to a Wisconsin Dells area food bank.
This event was planned with winning people to Jesus in mind, and we estimate at least 100 people not affiliated with the WCG attended in response to invitations extended by our members.
The dates for next year’s event are Sept. 8 to 11. For more information, send an e-mail message to coordinator Doug Johannsen at Doug.Johannsen@wcg.org
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2004
