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Local Church Updates
Austin Holds Annual Youth Day SabbathOn Feb. 17, 2007, the Austin, Minnesota, congregation held its yearly Youth Day at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, just outside of Rochester. It was a Mexican fiesta with 140 in attendance. Joining us were members of our three sister churches (Mankato, Minnesota; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and La Crosse, Wisconsin), along with brethren from Eau Claire and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Since it was Youth Day, the teens did their part. Songs were led by Isaac Nelson and Justin Boyer, while prayers were given by Luke Nelson and Jacob Yule. Special music consisted of a vocal duet by Prisca Myers and Katlyn Whynaucht, a piano solo by Daniel Jacobsen and a vocal duet by Paul and James Myers. Accompanying the song service were Amanda Boyer on flute and Katlyn Whynaucht on violin. Alex Riess gave a sermonette showing that "Hard Work Does Pay Off," after which Daniel Jacobsen admonished us to "Stick to What We Have Been Taught." A PowerPoint sermon on "Signs of a Christian" was given by Steve Myers. It was an evening of fantastic food, fellowship and fun, as the men and boys donned black mustaches of various shapes, while the ladies and girls were given colorful paper flowers for their hair. Señora Irma Faulkner wore the best Mexican outfit. The rustic hall was decorated with colorful tablecloths and napkins. There were very large, bright, handmade paper flowers for centerpieces. Mexican blankets and large sombreros added special flavor to the evening. After sundown, those who wanted to go sliding on tubes left the hall for a couple of hours of exercise, while others chose sleigh rides, gliding along on the fresh soft snow with only the jingle of the horses' harnesses to break the silence. Still others chose to stay inside and fellowship. A silent auction brought in funds to assist a young German couple needing medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic. A baking contest, with prizes for appearance as well as taste, was held for 10- to 20-year-olds. There were cakes, bars and pies for all to sample. Bill and Gayle Baylor organized the social. It was a most rewarding event. —Norma Nelson [ back to top ] Charlotte Hosts Good Works Fund-raiser AuctionFollowing services and a picnic potluck on Jan. 27, 2007, brethren from several congregations gathered at the China Grove Community Center for a Good Works auction, hosted by the Charlotte, North Carolina, congregation. Items donated by Church members from Charlotte, Asheboro and Raleigh included handmade, crocheted, and hand-painted donations; new and gently used items; and services to be performed. The children participated by collecting pennies in the weeks prior to the event. Some children did chores, while others thought of innovative ways to earn them. One creative child sold his loose tooth. Young adults served along with auctioneer Antoine Smith, who led the lively bidding. Everyone enjoyed the evening and came away happy with their treasures. The total raised by the auction was $4,133, which provided funding for two projects in Ochuna Nyahera and Kosele, Kenya, and contributed to the Rwandan dental project. All agreed that our goal of fulfilling Galatians 6:9-10 was achieved. —Marti Springer [ back to top ] Tampa Serves Senior Ladies TeaThe highlight of 2006 for the Tampa senior ladies was the fabulous tea given by our younger members of the Ladies' Club on July 23, 2006. They spent many months in planning and preparing for this elegant occasion. It was perfectly beautiful in every way—from the specially designed invitations and delicious food (teas, soups and pastries), all prepared by the ladies, to the gorgeous decorations. No tea house anywhere could compare with our beautifully transformed fellowship hall. The senior ladies were greatly honored and they deeply appreciate their loving and generous sisters for giving them this beautiful experience. —Jackie Southall [ back to top ] Marietta Holds Dinner and AuctionApproximately 70 people from the Morgantown, West Virginia, and Athens and Marietta, Ohio, congregations enjoyed an evening of food and fellowship March 3 as Marietta hosted a dinner and auction fund-raiser. The objective of the fund-raiser was twofold, according to the pastor Tim Waddle. First, it was "to give every young person who wanted to go, the opportunity to go to camp." Second, a portion of the proceeds would also go toward good works projects in the local area. The evening began with a spaghetti dinner prepared by the Athens-Marietta Women's Club. Candles at each table and a slide show featuring candid shots of Church members added a family feeling to the atmosphere. Afterward, bidding began in the silent auction. Approximately 30 items, ranging from note cards to necklaces to artwork to baked goods, had been handmade and donated by members of the three congregations. One of the more popular items was a handmade cloth dish-holder, perfect for carrying casserole dishes to potlucks. As soon as bidding closed for the silent auction, Mr. Waddle, auctioneer for the evening, kicked off the live auction. Friendly inter-church rivalry, and even some sibling rivalry, kept the bidding lively. The hot item of the evening was a full-length, handmade quilt by Anna Waggoner of the Marietta congregation. It brought a high bid of $110 for the evening. Other popular items included homemade fudge; a relaxation basket filled with an instrumental CD, a bottle of wine, chocolates, etc.; a hand-stitched pillow; a pumpkin pie; artwork by one of the older teens; and a blanket decorated with pictures of birds. Approximately 20 items, handmade and donated by Church members, were auctioned off during the live auction. A total of $1,017 was raised during the evening's activities. —Angie Wilson [ back to top ] Brethren From 12 States Attend Midwest Family WeekendFeb. 16 to 18, over the Presidents' Day Weekend, more than 340 brethren from 12 states joined together for the 12th annual Midwest Family Weekend in Branson, Missouri. The event started the very first year of United and has been an annual event ever since. The weekend began with a relaxing Friday evening fellowship reception. This was followed the next day by nonstop activities that continued throughout the weekend. Sabbath activities included seven seminars on various aspects of being helpers of our brethren, afternoon services, a PowerPoint presentation on the work in Africa and dinner together. This was followed Saturday evening by a talent show and dance. Sunday's activities included seminars repeated from the Sabbath, lunch, a skating party, a luau pool party and a game night. The theme for the weekend, "Helpers of Their Joy," was taken from 2 Corinthians 1:24. What a great joy the weekend was, as brethren fellowshipped, served and got to know each other better. The guest speaker for the weekend was Jim Franks, who attended with his wife, Sharron. Mr. Franks gave the sermon and the presentation on the work in Africa. Many were inspired by the growth of the work there. Many people commented that the weekend was like a mini-Feast of Tabernacles. —Paul Carter [ back to top ] Tampa Bay Hosts “Walking by Faith” Women’s ConferenceFeb. 24 and 25, 105 ladies convened in Tampa, Florida, for this region's first women's conference. Attendees ranged in age from mid-teens to octogenarians and came from Texas, Indiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida. The record 203 people in attendance at Tampa's church service were treated to five special music presentations, each relating to the weekend's theme of "Walking by Faith." Guest speaker Vernon Hargrove, pastor of the Elkhart and Hammond, Indiana, congregations, gave the sermon titled "Faith and Works." After the service, Tampa members provided a bountiful potluck meal, which offered a relaxing time for fellowship. Saturday evening—after the men and children had departed—Maria Blencowe and her creative crew transformed the meeting facility into a warm, inviting flower garden. The ladies shared a lovely wine, cheese and chocolate reception, enhanced by creative get-acquainted activities coordinated by Tyeise Summers. Courtney Ballo, 17, won a prize for being the first person to gather 25 different signatures to complete the evening's Find Someone Who Has…challenge. On Sunday morning the ladies were warmly greeted and given a folder with professionally designed handouts detailing the day's activities. The conference then officially began with event coordinator Teddi Treybig welcoming the ladies and sharing research from a UCLA study on friendship among women by Gale Berkowitz (www.anapsid.org/cnd/gender/tendfend.html). This study concluded that friendships between women are especially helpful to them in lessening stress and that women respond differently to stress than do men. While men often respond to stress with a fight-or-flight reaction, women generally respond to stress in a tend-and-befriend manner. Mrs. Treybig explained that it was the hope of the planning committee that this conference would nurture friendships, new and old, plus encourage and inspire the ladies as they continue their faithful walk with God. Following the welcome, Kristin Yarbrough led the attendees in a lively warm-up activity. Then Dee Bailey sang "El Shaddai" as a prelude to DeLee Hargrove's keynote address: "You, Too, Are Building an Ark." In her address Mrs. Hargrove likened the faith we need as we follow God's instructions today to Noah's task of building the ark while living in a society that didn't understand his calling or God's plan for mankind. After a break, attendees enjoyed another vocal presentation, "You Are Still Holy," performed by Colene Erickson. The morning session concluded with an interactive symposium moderated by Cassandra Howard that focused on four key faith areas. The faith areas and presenters were: "Children Walking by Faith" by Jennifer Zoellner, "Walking by Faith Through Health Trials" by Wanda Smith, "A Mother's Example of Walking by Faith" by Jean Bratnick and "Walking by Faith Through Religious Confusion" by Dee Bailey. After each presenter shared a personal story illustrating her faith area, audience members were given the opportunity to add their own insights and personal experiences. Elaine Allen and her tireless helpers served a delicious soup/salad/sandwich luncheon, which was organized to allow the ladies to get better acquainted with each other by drawing for seats. Sandi Williams created special Prayer Rocks as favors for all the ladies. Gifts were also presented to the lady who had traveled the farthest to attend (Kathy Cochrane from New Hampshire) and to the one who had been baptized the longest (Betty Oldroyd, who has been walking by faith for over 45 years). The afternoon provided four interactive breakout sessions. During the first time slot, ladies chose between attending "Achieving Balance" moderated by Sharon Babcock or "Faith in Action" by Judy Servidio. During the second time period, the choices were "Enemies of Faith" by Kristin Yarbrough or "A Faithful Approach to Prayer" by Colene Erickson. The ladies then reconvened for the closing activities: a vocal duet, "I'll Never Leave You," sung by sisters Maria Blencowe and Tami Hannaway, summary remarks by DeLee Hargrove and acknowledgements of appreciation by Teddi Treybig. She gave special thanks to the planning committee members—Elaine Allen, Maria Blencowe, Becky Fisher, Rebecca Krohn, Tyiese Summers and Kristin Yarbrough—and to the dozens of other ladies who worked so diligently on the event. The ladies then joined in singing "God Will See Us Through," exchanged warm farewells and began their journeys home. After the conference, one attendee wrote: "I loved your theme, and it made for some really good and nourishing stories from our own ladies of faith. Their stories and lives have left a wonderful imprint on my heart." Another responded: "I was very impressed with this weekend. These conferences show women God's way of being a 'help meet.'" Another participant summed it up this way: "I am looking forward to the next one. We'll be praying we all will be there. And I was not going to go. Glad I did!" —Teddi Treybig [ back to top ] Portsmouth Surprises PastorOn Feb. 3, 2007, the Portsmouth, Ohio, congregation had the pleasure of honoring Gary and Liz Smith with a surprise recognition party for their years of service and dedication to God's Church. Mr. Smith was ordained a local church elder on the Day of Atonement in 1977 by Bob Boyce, pastor of the Peoria and Macomb, Illinois, congregations. This year marks Mr. Smith's 30th year serving as an elder and his 25th year serving as a full-time minister. Both of the Smith's children were born while they lived in Peoria. Erinn was born in 1980 and Ian in 1983. In February 1982, Mr. Smith was hired full-time by the Church and worked for three years in Peoria and Macomb under Jess Ernest. In the summer of 1985, the Smiths were transferred to St. Louis, Missouri, where they served with Bob Spence for two years. After two years they were transferred to serve the Dallas, Texas, East congregation in the summer of 1987. In 1990, they were notified that they would be transferring to southern Ohio to pastor the Chillicothe and Portsmouth, congregations. They arrived in the summer of 1990 and moved to the town of Waverly, Ohio. Over the years, there have been many marriages, births, baptisms and funerals. The congregation wanted to honor and recognize the Smiths for their years of service to the Church, so the occasion was kept secret by the brethren in Portsmouth and Prestonsburg, Kentucky, until the announcement period during services. At that time Kevin Call, a deacon in Portsmouth, read some expressions of appreciation from a few of the brethren, presented Mr. and Mrs. Smith with a book of appreciation from the brethren, and then brought out their children, Erinn and Ian, who had secretly been invited to the occasion. The book of appreciation was the biggest surprise since it was a compilation of comments from Church members from Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Portsmouth and Prestonsburg, and from other ministers with whom Mr. and Mrs. Smith have worked over the years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have served the Portsmouth and Prestonsburg congregations for enough years that for many young people they are the only minister and wife that they have ever known. One member commented, "He has been with us for 16 years and we hope that we can keep him another 16 years." —Darlene Call [ back to top ] 295 Attend Garden Grove’s 40th Anniversary CelebrationOn Feb. 24, 2007, the Garden Grove, California, congregation hosted a memorable 40th anniversary celebration of the Church of God in Orange County. It was held in their regular church facility in Garden Grove, spruced up festively with a themed banner, balloon decorations, photo and memorabilia displays and beautiful floral arrangements. Approximately 295 came to share the celebration with us—including over 110 guests. Our jam-packed day began with regular services at 2:30. Guest speakers Robin Webber and Dennis Luker, former pastors of our congregation, gave inspiring split sermons. Immediately following services, three of the charter members still in the Southern California area, Bob Fiske, Randi Hilgen and Drenda Wassner, were presented with appreciation certificates. The other four charter members in the area, Tim Gilroy, Roberta Harrison, Stan and Verna Norton, unfortunately were not able to attend The Garden Grove congregation hosted a special dinner in the Fellowship Hall upstairs, which was attractively decorated with lilac linen tablecloths and floral centerpieces on each table. The meal was delicious and simplified to accommodate our many guests. Several ladies brought main meat dishes, our kitchen crew provided hot side dishes and our members brought a great variety of salads. Anniversary cake capped off the meal. The evening program began with a 45-minute DVD produced by Robert Bates that entertained us all as we viewed it, clapping and laughing at glimpses from the past 40 years in pictures and sound. Afterward we were treated to reflections by former pastors and wives, Dennis and LeeAnn Luker and Robin and Susan Webber, and our current pastoral couple, Mario and Caty Seiglie. Our members and guests left that evening with warm memories of a day full of joy, happiness and much fellowshipping with friends past and present. We thank the many in our congregation who worked so diligently to make this event the memorable success it was. —Jean Updegraff [ back to top ] Milwaukee Hosts Dinner DanceOn the Sabbath of April 7, 2007, members from around the Midwest were hosted by the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, congregation at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. Traditionally the Milwaukee congregation hosts a dinner dance after the Sabbath during Unleavened Bread. A special guest speaker, Tom Kirkpatrick, was flown in from the home office to give both the sermonette and sermon. His wife was in attendance with him. Altogether 232 people attended the services, some traveling from as far as Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be with the group. Special music was provided by the combined Milwaukee and Oshkosh congregations. They sang "You Are My All in All" and their all-time favorite "River in Judea." Following Sabbath services, 171 people stayed for the evening's events, which consisted of a formal dinner and a dance afterwards. The dinner consisted of a succulent steak and chicken, garlic mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Fabry were honored in one of the dances for having worked very hard in organizing this big event. Everyone had a fun time. Dan Dowd, the host pastor, even danced the hokey pokey. Truly that's what it's all about! —Leone Burns [ back to top ] Good News: Baby James Guerra Prayer UpdateNatalie Guerra of the Corpus Christi, Texas, congregation wishes to thank the many brethren who have prayed for baby James and have sent encouraging cards. With big brother Marcus and James' needs for supervision, Mrs. Guerra hasn't been able to answer everyone. James' condition was described in the prayer request sent out Jan. 19: "James Ryan Guerra, the month-old son of Gian and Natalie Guerra, was born with CCHS (Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome). Mrs. Guerra and her parents, Mark and Amalia Monsivais, are in the Corpus Christi congregation. "James is unable to breathe on his own while sleeping. He underwent a tracheotomy to make it easier and safer for him to breathe on a ventilator." James still must breathe with help of a ventilator, but is a happy little baby. His doctor anticipates that James will be able to breathe on his own as he matures. Currently "he must be attached to the ventilator 24/7 and someone must monitor him and the equipment," said Jack Hendren, pastor of the Corpus Christi congregation. "You can just imagine the workload it puts on the family and extended family. I am impressed with the 'grit' of this young mother and the support from her family." Your prayers are still much appreciated. [ back to top ] Dallas Celebrates 50 Years of ServiceOn the Sabbath of April 7, 2007, between the Holy Days of Unleavened Bread, the Dallas, Texas, United Church of God congregation celebrated 50 years of God's truth being preached in the area, 1956 to 2006. Meeting together with the Fort Worth brethren at the Marriott Solana Hotel in Westlake, many friends, family and members and ministers who have moved to other areas enjoyed renewing old acquaintances and reliving joyful times. At the start of services the 50th Anniversary Keepsake Booklet was distributed. The booklet contained pictures of ministers and wives who have served in the area, along with a history of the local church. During the sermonette portion of Sabbath services, the three remaining pioneer founders in the area were recognized: Kitty Brisco, Maisie Wheat and Louise Winant. It was in Mrs. Winant's home in 1956 that the Dallas church held its first service. Sculptures were presented to each of these ladies in honor of their longtime service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A fine sermon was then given by Jim Franks on change from the heart. After the service there was a lobby reception where many of our brethren could meet and all were having a grand time. After moving back into the meeting hall, Doug Horchak, who has served as pastor since 2000, introduced Bob Hedge (now in Mena, Arkansas), who was a ministerial trainee in the area in 1972. Mr. Hedge gave a short remembrance presentation, mentioning that the ministers at that time in Dallas were visiting up to 50 prospective members in one week! Frank McCrady III (now in Dayton, Ohio), who served in Dallas from 1987 to 2000, also spoke to the group. Recordings of greetings from several past ministers were played: Ken Martin (Macon, Georgia), who served in the area from 1966 to 1969; Ken Treybig (East Texas), from 1984 to 1985; Gary Smith (Portsmouth, Ohio) , from 1987 to 1990; and Don Hooser (Sedro-Wooley, Washington), from 1991 to 2001. Another highlight was a heartening presentation from local member Tina Engelbart, who served with her late husband, Ozzie Engelbart, from 1967 to 1973. Shortly thereafter attendees viewed a 30-minute slide show of the history of the Church of God in Dallas for those 50 years. Tears came to some longtime members remembering the sacrifices many have made to forward God's Church in the area. Plans are to make that presentation available on a self-contained DVD for those who could not be there that Sabbath. Later that evening a dinner/dance commenced, with music provided by the Sound Post band of the Fort Worth congregation. During the dance, the slide show was presented once again plus an expanded presentation of many other pictures. The dance ended an exciting day at midnight. Thanks to all our members throughout the years for the contributions made to God's Church for the first 50 years in Dallas, Texas! —John Lusk [ back to top ] Illinois Member Gets Bachelor of Science in NursingDerek Olar graduated with honors from Methodist College of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois, on May 12 with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Derek attends the Canton/Bloomington, Illinois, church area. He has been married for 11 years to Kim and has two boys, Andrew and Damien. Derek's wife and children are very proud of his accomplishment. Derek will begin his career as a nurse with Methodist Hospital in June on the cardiac floor. —Kim Olar [ back to top ] Sacramento/Reno Holds Leadership BanquetAfter nine months of interactive Leadership Development Club, the Sacramento, California/Reno, Nevada, group celebrated with a year-end banquet on Jan. 27. Held in an entertaining restaurant, the buffet meal was enjoyed by the 28 in attendance. Club member spouses joined in, as well as several widows and single ladies who were invited as guests. The club director, Joe Horchak, presented his version of the club's assignment, "Welcome to My World." An entertaining discussion session was emceed by Scott Butler, who had the attendees comment on a variety of subjects relating to leadership, some quite humorous. At each meeting one member was selected as the "Sharpest Contributor" and awarded a handsome pocketknife. The year's winners were: Beverly Butler (our only lady to stay with the club all year), Denton Trone, Rufus O'Quin, Jim Lewis (the only Reno member to make all regular meetings), Jim C. Springer, Scott Butler, Dirk Trone and Ken Blanchard. There were five members who attended every meeting throughout the year: Jim Butler, Scott Butler, Joe Horchak II (our youngest member), Denton Trone and Tory Trone. All participants were required to identify biblical and other examples for the topic covered each month. Formal presentations and discussions focused on each subject presented. Topics covered were: Gaining Knowledge, Building Relationships, Making Decisions, Communication, Setting Strategies, Establishing Vision, Gaining Experience, Leading by Example and Commitment and Action. The club members decided to take a break and reassess what form the club will take when they reconvene later in the year. —Joe Horchak [ back to top ] Coach Shows Respect for Player’s FaithDavid Dance, a teen in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, congregation, was recently featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press in an article by Stephen Hargis. The article is reprinted below by permission. Pastor Roy Holladay adds, "The coach for Ooltewah changed the schedule this year so that David might be able to play all the games except one. As you may be aware, half of high school games traditionally fall on Friday night." Once district tournaments begin in high school basketball, phrases like, "survive and advance" roll off coaches' lips. This is the time of year sport typically becomes very cut-throat since any win means the season is extended and most coaches would love to catch an opponent at a disadvantage. All of that makes the District 6-AAA tournament a bit of fresh air. Red Bank boys' coach John Cherne knew if the tournament schedule remained as it was originally planned, Ooltewah would be without one of its top players. Owls junior David Dance attends United Church of God, which is similar to Seventh-day Adventists and observes the biblical Sabbath by not working or competing from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. Cherne contacted the other coaches in the district and tournament director David Wehunt and arranged for Ooltewah's game against Soddy-Daisy to be moved from Friday night to Saturday. Red Bank, originally set to play Saturday, swapped its game with Central and will now play that game tonight. "If we can cater to a kid's religious beliefs, we should make it so he can play," said Cherne, whose Lions are 20-10 and the top seed in the tournament. "He's a nice kid and a good player, and it would be a shame for him to miss the district tournament. "It's high school sports. The kid should get to play the sport he enjoys. That's what it's all about." Dance, a 6-foot-2 junior, is Ooltewah's best outside shooter, averaging just under 13 points per game. The Owls actually were able to schedule all of their district games except one on nights other than Friday this year to allow him to play. In the one game he missed, at Soddy-Daisy, Ooltewah lost by three in overtime. "I think it shows great sportsmanship by our whole district," Owls coach Chris Baker said. "His ability to hit the outside shots makes teams extend their defense and really opens up our whole offense. He's really a big part of our team, and I'm not crazy, so when I got called about it, I said we would love to move the game." Being different in any way can be difficult for teenagers, but Dance said his religious beliefs are actually a source of strength. Friday nights are typically spent relaxing with his family. And after church on Saturdays, the afternoons are spent resting. Who in their right mind would argue with that? "It's great to have a day to not have to worry about any pressure from school or the world," Dance said. "I've done it all my life, so it's not a big deal at all to me. I don't feel like I've missed out on anything at all. I do wonder how the team does without me when I'm not there, but it's the right choice for me. "But I really appreciate that the coaches worked things out so I can play." —Stephen Hargis, Chattanooga Times Free Press [ back to top ] A Matter of Faith: For Mark Twain Senior, Sports Is SecondaryTerri Christal is the granddaughter of Dave and Beverly Christal, a deacon and deaconess in United in Columbia, Missouri. She was recently featured in the Courier-Post of Hannibal, Missouri, in an article by Shaun Parker. The article is reprinted below by permission. The Mark Twain Lady Tigers basketball program hasn't won a district title since 1975… This year, the team is the top seed in its district as postseason play gets under way this week. If the Lady Tigers do play for a second district championship game, they will be without their starting point guard, Terri Christal. She isn't injured. She hasn't been suspended for breaking any rules. She didn't have a falling out with a coach. She is merely holding fast to her convictions. Christal and her family are members of the Church of God and follow a strict adherence to the Fourth Commandment… It is that belief that he [Terri's father Shawn] grew up adhering to; a belief that his wife, Carmen, has also shared since a young age; and a belief that they have passed on to their daughter. With all the importance put on sports and the value of winning and losing—not to mention the peer pressure that comes with just being a teenager—there should be nothing but admiration for the path that Terri Christal has chosen to follow. Not only is she Mark Twain's starting point guard during the basketball season, Christal has also played centerfield and hit clean-up for the softball team. "I think that goes back to her family upbringing and it's something she believes strongly in," said Brooke Hudson, Mark Twain's softball coach. "I'm sure Terri will say this, too, if we're at a district championship and she's not there, you can't tell me the thought doesn't enter her mind, but you have to think a lot of a young adult who makes those decisions and follows through with them. It wasn't a choice where she followed it one year and didn't from game to game. She stuck through it and I admire her and her family for that." Make no mistake, she would love to be at every game… But as much as she wants to be there, it's not worth abandoning her faith. "At first, it's difficult. It goes through my mind, 'What if I was there?' But I've done it all my life," she said. "I'm just like, 'Well, I wish it was on a different day.' That's the way I look at it…" Not only does Terri have the support of her family, but also that of her teammates. "It means a lot to have teammates that understand," she said. "Because if they don't understand and support me, it would very difficult—much more difficult than it is right now…" Although somewhat apprehensive to address the issue at first, Terri said she would rather answer questions than deal with rumors or assumptions. "I don't think people understand how much pressure and how much stress is involved in fighting this all my life," she said. "People not understanding. Ask me questions. I don't mind answering questions. It's always something that's there. It's always been there for me… I'd much rather them ask me a question than just assume…" An all-conference player in both basketball and softball, on Wednesday Christal signed a letter of intent to play softball for John Wood Community College next season. "I'm so excited," she said, smiling. "It's just a great opportunity. I just hope that I can be a good asset to the team in the future." And as she prepares to go out on her own this fall, she doesn't anticipate any changes in her life or her faith. "I'm not going to change at all," she said. "Our churches are located all over the nation and if we travel somewhere, I can find somebody in my area and go to church on Saturday like normal. Coach Schlager understands…" And if the opportunity presents itself in two years to move on and continuing playing softball at a four-year university Terri won't hesitate to keep slugging away. "I'd like to keep playing if I get that opportunity," she said, smiling. "I'd definitely take it." —Shaun Parker, Hannibal, Missouri, Courier-Post [ back to top ] Church Gymnast Wins State MeetLauren Kelly, 14-year-old daughter of Stuart and Tammy Kelly of the Portland, Oregon, congregation, became the 2006 All Around State Level 6 Champion (in the 13+ age group) in a competitive girls gymnastics meet Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. Lauren has been training at the Gym-Nest for over five years and homeschools through Oregon Connections Academy. Lauren is thankful to her coaches for their support at the meets and for working with her to accommodate her commitment to keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. "Most of my competitions fell on the Sabbath, and my convictions to God's way kept me from participating. So whenever I had a chance to compete, I knew I had to do my very best." Lauren has also been Irish dancing for a couple of years and has competed several times with success in that as well. She is maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Teri Hayes, the owner of the Gym-Nest, says, "Lauren is an asset to our gym. Her positive attitude and dedication is a good example to the other gymnasts, and we have appreciated her involvement." —Stuart Kelly [ back to top ] Volunteers HonoredOn April 18, home office Mail Processing staff members prepared a luncheon to honor 19 volunteers who help with processing the Holy Day offerings. The volunteers were from the Dayton, Columbus, Portsmouth and Cincinnati North and East congregations. —Janet Treadway
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