Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.
Hebrews 10:23 (Good News Translation)
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We must continue to hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Celebration Service
~ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Brunswick Church of the Brethren ~
Sunday Evening, December 4
Final Entry
The worship service began at 7:00 p.m. with congregational singing led by our son-in-law Mark.
Both overflow rooms were full.
I understand that there were about 150 people there.
I only used the flash on my camera a few times, so most of these pictures will be a soft focus.
We sang a favorite song of Grace Miller’s to honor her memory. Grace was part of the original six couples who moved to Maine twenty-five years ago. Her husband, Donald, died from a heart attack while serving at the Brunswick Church. Grace moved back to Pennsylvania and went home to be with the Lord a few years ago.
We also sang Angela Gould’s favorite song. She passed away a few years ago after a battle with cancer. Her husband, Jim, continues to serve as a minister to the Brunswick church.
Dale Newcomer, a deacon at Brunswick Church and one of the original six couples was the MC for the evening.
Luke Bucker (minister at Heidelberg Church of the Brethren, near Myerstown, Pennsylvania) led in opening devotions.
Merle Bievenour, minister at Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, gave the message.
For me this was an emotional highlight. This group consisted of young persons who are currently part of Brunswick Church of the Brethren. They are all twenty-five years old and younger. The two oldest were born the year the families moved to Maine.
Their first song “Jesus Loves Me This I Know” was quite emotional for me and the Myers, as it was sung in memory of Mark and Diane’s baby Elijah who died at the age of five months. That was eighteen years ago.
The group’s second song, My Jesus I Love Thee, was sung in memory of Donald Miller one of the original pastors who moved to Maine twenty-five years ago.
This group of young people sang several familiar songs while a short version of slides from the past twenty-five years was projected on the wall.
There were many precious memories.
Jim Gould, Brunswick Church minister, and one of the original six couples closed the service with some of his memories.
Before closing the service, he invited others to share their memories.
Mervin Keller, minister at Lewiston Church of the Brethren, shared some of his memories. He and the fellowship in Lewiston was our first church plant in Maine. If I remember correctly, that fellowship is thirty years old.
It had been a long, rewarding, and delightful day.
I was pleased to participate in the celebration, and pray that God will bless the churches in Maine with grace, wisdom, growth, and peace.
My Internet Just Came Back On a Few Minutes Ago 
It has been down since early this morning. I knew the problem was bigger than my house when I called Windstream and was put on hold at 5:30 in the morning.
The tech said their server went down, and it affected everyone subscribed to Windstream. They brought their customers back in parts (I think he said in grids).
I will catch up with everyone tonight.
Waiting for the Evening Program
~ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Brunswick Church of the Brethren ~
Part 6
Eric and Mark were visiting when I focused in on them with my camera. However, they noticed and posed for the picture – rather seriously, I might add.
I said, “No, no. I wanted you to be talking.” So I got exaggerated “talk.”
I think every visitor took time to look at the slide show of photos from the past twenty-five years.
Relaxing and visiting while others watch slides.
This little one is tuckered out.
Meanwhile a few people were in the sanctuary checking on last minute things before the evening program. Our son-in-law Mark was looking over the songs he was preparing to lead.
John was fine tuning things for the fifteen-minute slide show that was going to be shown on the wall while a group sang
The singing group getting last minute encouragement from Donald – grandpa to several of the singers.
As far as I can tell everyone is prepared.
~~~
Tomorrow night – the evening celebration program.
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Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 (The Message)
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Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible)
Enjoying Food & Fellowship
~ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Brunswick Church of the Brethren ~
Part 5
Making sure the guest book is ready.
It was fun to watch members and friends of the Brunswick Church arrive and enjoy great fellowship – some were from the two “sister” churches in Maine – Lewiston and Sanford.
A good storage place for Bibles and even a purse while enjoying the meal downstairs.
I was blessed to watch everyone visiting and enjoying the food.
Three generations from the Lewiston Church of the Brethren. It has been delightful to watch this family grow in the Lord during the many years we have known them.
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More Tomorrow
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Growing strong in body is all right but growing in God-like living is more important. It will not only help you in this life now but in the next life also.
1 Timothy 4:8 (New Life Version)
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Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too.
1 Timothy 4:8 (Easy-to-Read Version)
Buffet Table
~ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Brunswick Church of the Brethren ~
Part 4
It’s time to put food on the buffet table.
Preparing turkey salad sandwiches.
Veggie trays coming up
These vegetables look pretty alone, but they sure look much prettier when well arranged on one platter.
Working on another vegetable dish
Watching
Fruit kabobs
Hot ham and cheese sandwiches
Checking out the pretty cookies
These were shaped like the state of Maine, with the cinnamon candy placed in the Brunswick area.
First customers
Should we start with cookies?
I was surprised that the turnip “flower” was her first choice.
~~~
More to come
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Don’t let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
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Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (American Standard Version)
Before the Celebration
~ Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of Brunswick Church of the Brethren ~
Part 3
Children played while their parents completed meal preparations and wrapped up anything else that needed to be ready for the beginning of the celebration meal at 3:30 p.m. and the evening program.
I wish you could hear his laughter.
Playing with Connect Four buttons.
Caring for little ones while their moms were busy in the fellowship hall.
Playing outside
These two were outside waiting for guests to arrive. They were going to help park cars, so I thought they were discussing a parking plan.
However they were looking at a sketch by this young man.
My trucker husband was impressed!
With only half-an-hour left before guests begin arriving it was time to do last minute details.
These fancy apple slices are for the cold apple cider.
These ladies took time to watch the slideshow before they were needed in the kitchen.
Putting food on the buffet table.
Snack cups
Chocolate covered blue berries, lobster (lobstah according to the locals) gummies, and a cracker/pretzel/snack mix.
To be continued
