HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania--Harrisburg members celebrated the 35th anniversary of their congregation June 13 and 14 at the Marriott Hotel.
Pastor General Joseph Tkach spoke at the worship service June 13. This was the first time a WCG pastor general preached in Harrisburg.
Before the service, Mr. Tkach met with many of the brethren, including John Kreidich, who had been a boyhood friend when the Tkaches lived in Chicago, and his parents.
Mark Hardway led an inspiring praise and worship service that included a performance by the children's, teen and Gospel choirs singing, "Aleluha, Praise Jehovah."
Former pastor Jim Rosenthal spoke on the history of the Harrisburg congregation, and Tom Pickett, the current pastor, spoke on the congregation's future.
Mr. Tkach then gave his sermon titled "Love in Any Language" from 1 Corinthians 13.
The 309 in attendance included members from the following areas: Lancaster, Reading, Lewisburg, Wilkes-Barre, Bethlehem and Huntington, Pennsylvania; and Baltimore, Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland.
During the worship service, Peter and Charlotte Whitting, who pastor the Frederick and Cumberland, Maryland, and Strasburg, Virginia, congregations, received their 25 year watches and a plaque for their service in the WCG.
That evening a dinner and dance took place at the Marriott. Charles Bardell, a deacon, reminisced about the early years of the congregation and introduced several original members, including his 90-year-old mother, Sara Cathryn.
Sunday at noon, the celebration continued with a fried chicken buffet lunch at the Lower Allen Township Community Park.
 LONGTIME SERVANTS--Pastor General Joseph Tkach presents 25-year plaque and watches to Peter and Charlotte Whitting, who pastor the Frederick and Cumberland, Maryland, and Strasburg, Virginia, congregations. [Photo by Sue Leschke] |
 Tom Pickett |
 Joseph Tkach |
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