THE Event

For those hoping for a recap of the momentous occasion that was the Straits Evangelical Free Church 25th Anniversary, here goes some highlights and insights.

• The weather was so blissfully cool on the cookout Saturday night, that Paul Miller has only taken 4 days to thaw! (Thanks for all the cookin', Paul)
  
• The video loop was not only funny and fun, but drew the great comment "Boy this church sure likes to eat."
• The picture table was a hit. Most folks seemed somewhat appalled at the poor quality of cameras that were used, they made all of us look soooo...........young!
• It was so great to see all the folks who made the effort to travel, sometimes great distances to make it in. Names like Feick, Sturhahn, Bonney, Stavlund, Caroffino (2 generations!), Howard, Swenor, Hart, Opal, Mahlmeister, Penner, Candle, and others that I'm sure to get in trouble for not remembering.
• Sunday morning worship. Boy, a worship leader could get used to a room full of voices booming back at him.
• The testimony time. Patrick (Rodney Dangerfield's back!) Bonney. Wow! All anyone can say is Wow! Mixing sorrow with gut-busting humour, like nobody's business. If all I remember from the weekend is "the church's first fight" ie a young Brian saying that 'Dad wasn't coming to church because he and Mom had a fight', I'll die a laughing man.
• Testimony 2. Mike Stavlund remembering all the 'tough stuff' we had to go through, while we seemed to recall all the 'tough stuff' we MADE IT THROUGH.
• Testimony 3. Different stories of the church being the church to one another, and God being praised because of it.
• Food.
• Did I mention food yet?
  
• A baby dedication. Anne Elise Penner. (Hope the spelling is right) My dear child, not only are you a beautiful young lady whose parents love you, you have a big sister who graciously gave you center stage during your dedication and didn't fuss at all.
• Special music that praised God for his faithfullness. Some pretty sweet guitar on that one, way to go Chris Ball!
• After worship potluck. Did I mention food yet? Boy did I eat good.
• All those 'goodbyes' and 'see ya laters' that felt good, rather than melancholy. Boy it was great to visit with all the great folks that God has placed in our lives. It was mentioned somewhere during the weekend that this was a foretaste of a banquet that is promised for those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (Kinda makes you wonder how much, even better the food will be there)

• Much more, that I hope Paul will share soon.

I've got to admit that one super time was had me. Hope everyone else enjoyed themselves even half as much.