Wow and Thanks to our great God! What else can I say? I don’t know if the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the church could have gone any better. The weather, the people, the memories. And the food. (Why is it always food with us Baptists?!?)
I think back to when we first started talking about the idea. I was overwhelmed by all that needed to be done to get ready. But thanks to so many of you who jumped in. From painting to pressure washing to cleaning to planting – so much hard work by so many. Hours spent sorting through church records to find over 900 addresses for invitations. Who knows how many hours spent looking through pictures to put together the display boards and slideshows in the “Memory Lane” room. Plus there was a fishing tournament, Saturday afternoon music by the band , the Fowlers and “The Happy Side.” I cannot thank you all enough for everything that was done.
I am so grateful to all the former pastors that were able to come for the weekend. Lee Graham – still a fireball at 80+. So wonderful to have your perspective and personality here. Lester Curry – you got us with the horse story. Dixie Glisson – I was asked more if you were going to be here than any other. Bob Norman – closing our service with a challenge. Fausto Morales – lots of people miss your piano playing. Hopefully again soon. All reminders of the grace and goodness of God in this church’s history.
And I was glad others could participate, even if they weren’t able to be here. Steve Zahare, now at Park Victoria Church in the Silicon Valley, California. Bill Lawrence, about to move to Rome on mission. Ron Lentine, represented by his son Chris, pastoring Mrytle Grove in Pensacola. And of course, Jake Reed, pastor in 1964 when we constituted. At 92, he still leads services twice a month and teaches Sunday School – amazing! By the way, I’ve put their letters or videos online for any who want to read or see. You can find them by clicking here. There are also pictures of the weekend up as well – a page for each of the 3 days. You can find the links at www.fbckl.com/50th-anniversary .
And finally, to answer a question many have asked, yes, the service on Sunday was recorded. I hope to have DVD’s available soon with the Sunday service as well as a few extras. I will keep you posted.
I wonder what God has in store for the next 50 years? Can’t wait to find out!