What a Celebration! September 27/28, 2008

To all who might read this blog!
This past weekend (September 27/28, 2008) was OVER THE TOP! Eastside Christian Church simply "outdid herself!" Judy and I were honored, in our opinion, in a way we could only describe as AWESOME! From the music in the worship, the video stories, the hugs, tears, words of encouragement and endearment, the prayers, the ovations and the final song "FRIENDS" were handled with such grace and power! But that was not the end of the story!

Eastside, under the leadership of Arty VanGeloof and his Brew Crew (along with so many others) put together a lunch and program all held in the West Parking lot of the church AFTER the Sunday morning services. Todd and Kelly Roberts donated a covered awning arrangement so that the 1500 people or so were essentially sitting under shade! Officials from the City of Fullerton, from Hope International University, and two local Pastors, Dale Burke from EVFree Fullerton and Matthew Cork from Yorba Linda Friends (Church on the Hill) came to give brief words of congratulations. Judy spoke and our daughter Carolyn spoke for the four children! My brother Wes, and his wife, Nancy were with us. There were various Staff MC's and we heard from Tim Bond, Chairman of the Elders of Eastside.

A very special and significant presentation was the gift of a picture taken during one of our Communion Services on Good Friday. The picture captures our ministry here. Surrounding the picture are Sermon Themes I had preached here at Eastside over the years. (We will have a picture of this gift in another blog!)

Judy and I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and kindnesses. People were given the opportunity to write short notes- it has taken us the better part of two days to read all of the cards! We are a blessed couple, indeed!

All four of our children were able to be with us for this event: Curtis (and Carole) from Fullerton, California; Carolyn from Wasilla/Palmer, Alaska; Wesley from Boise,Idaho; Melanie (and baby Stella) from Boulder, Colorado. The three children came by themselves leaving their spouses to care for our Grandchildren in their respective homes. (Many thanks to those three wonderful spouses for making sure our adult children were able to get here!)
I know, I know- not all of the blogs will be like this. But I would be less than honest if I did not say that Judy and I were totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love!

All we can say is "Thank You All and We Love You!" Graydon and Judy