Grace Bible Church 25th Anniversary

With gratitude and heartfelt thanksgiving, the congregration, family and friends of Grace Bible Church gathered on Sunday, July 20, 2008, to celebrate our 25th Anniversary.

Set-Up

Set-up began early on the morning of Sunday, July 20. According to weather forecasts, rain was a possibility that day. However, as Everett Sollars said later, the Great Weather-Maker was gracious to us and we had a clear day with sunshine and warmth.

A big Thank You! to all those who were at the church early that morning to help with set-up.

-Many hands make light work-

A Special Invitation...

From: everett sollars [mailto:everett.sollars@buckeye-express.com]
Sent: Fri 7/18/2008 6:49 PM To: Hodak, Jerry Subject: weather

Jerry, our church, Grace Bible Church in Southgate, is celebrating 25 years on Sunday. We have the big top tent coming and your forecast is different that national weather service. We plan on eating at 12:30 to around 2:00 pm for the program. What do you think?"


"Everett, Sorry that I couldn't help. I didn't get your email until today. I was away from the office and out-of-town from Thursday night to Sunday evening. I trust everything went smoothly. Jerry Hodak, WXYZ”

Fellowship ...

Before the Worship Service began, a time of fellowship was shared in the lower level of our church. This was a time to enjoy breakfast pastries, juice & coffee; to renew old friendships and make new ones. What a blessing it was to share this special day with those we hold close to our hearts.

25th Anniversary Worship Service

After fellowship time, we gathered in the sanctuary to begin our morning service with songs of praise and thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for, our Lord has been and is gracious to His people.

Our Worship Team: Sandy Horning, Linda Gosline, Bill Wilkins, Pastor Connell

Our Pastor, Bill Connell

Bill Wilkins sang "The Anchor Holds"

Sandy Horning sang "Our Tribute"

Founding Pastor, Dr. Ken Mitchell gave the morning's sermon

This congregational photo was taken following the morning worship service.
Thank you Joel Ashby & Eric McKee for these photos

A Special Surprise ...

A representative from Senator Ray Basham's office, Brian Peters, was with us for our 25th Anniversary Celebration. Huston & Betty James were selected to receive a special proclamation on behalf of Grace Church because of their lifelong attention to civic and cultural concerns and because they are the longest continuously attending members of this congregation in its several iterations.

The proclamation itself is in the church narthex, and is essentially a recognition of the accomplishment of serving the community for the 25 years.

We thank you Huston & Betty, for your dedication and your faithfulness to family, friends, community and Grace Bible Church.

You are truly examples of what it means to be Salt and Light.

May God bless you!

After our Worship Service on Sunday, July 27, we met at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park for a Baptismal Service. We thank Pastor Russell and First Baptist for allowing us to use their facilities on this special day.

Pastor Connell had the honor of baptizing Rob Norman. Rob & his wife Rachel, and their children Bobby and Lana are blessings to Grace Bible Church and we're grateful they're a part of our congregation.

Kevin Godin had the special privilege of baptizing his daughter Abigail. Kevin, his wife Beth and their children Abigail & Zachary are members of our church and we're thankful they make their home at Grace.

Eric McKee had a double honor on this special day. He baptized both his daughters.

Madison was first.

Riley was next. We are grateful to have Eric, Kelly, Madison & Riley as part of our Grace family and deeply appreciate each one of them.

Following the worship service this next Sunday, July 27, we will be having a baptismal service at First Baptist Church in Lincoln Park. We have a number of candidates for baptism, and invite you all to be there at 1 pm. The address is: 3157 Fort Street, Lincoln Park.

A last look back ...

We hope you've enjoyed the photos and information we've shared about the history and the people of Grace Bible Church. We've seen our Lord's faithfulness through-out the past 25 years and we now look forward to that same faithfulness in each tomorrow He gives us. We have learned much during these years and we have determined we will hold fast to the truths of Scripture ... we will teach and preach the uncompromised Word of God ... and we will, to the best of our ability, be faithful to the One who has called us.

Thank you for sharing this look back, for your contributions of photos, comments, and information. You have made this possible and we thank you. If you're reading this and you're not a member of our congregation, won't you consider joining us as we step into our future? We will welcome you with open arms and open hearts and together we shall see what our next 25 years will hold.

Ministry at Grace

Former Pastor Ken Mitchell

Rev. Paul Barreca & Family

Rev. Phil Brainerd

Dave McWhorter

Bro. Max Tosh

Max Tosh & his daughter Diana Slevin

The Congregation of Grace Bible Church a few years ago