Celebrating 60 Years of CE Leadership
Sunday, June 21st, 2009 was a day of celebration as First Baptist marked 60 years of Christian Education Leadership since moving into our current building at 1300 Oxford Street. Through the efforts of a group chaired by Ed Tummers, former and current Sunday School Superintendents, CE Board Chairs and Ministers/Associate Ministers of CE were invited and many were able to attend. We were especially pleased to welcome former Associate Ministers Rev. Dr. Phillip Griffin-Allwood (1986-89) and Rev. Adele Crowell (1989-1994).
During the service current CE Chair, Erick Lee, welcomed our visitors and thanked those who had given such great leadership over the decades. He also thanked the current team of teachers and leaders and led in presentations to graduating High School students. Former Sunday School Superintendent, Bev Smith, read the First Lesson, former CE Board Chair, Garnet Colwell, read the Epistle and former Associate Minister, Rev. Dr. Phillip Griffin-Allwood, read the Gospel. The congregation was delighted by the musical offerings of the Junior Choir, the Men's Choir and by organ-piano duets by Dr. Michio Suzuki and Lynette Wahlstrom.
Following the service we gathered in the Assembly Room for an indoor "picnic" and an opportunity to bid a warm and appreciative farewell to Rev. John Gahan who has served us as Minister of CE since November 2007. Both Rev. John Boyd and Diaconate Chair, Sheila Stanley, spoke of the many blessings of John's ministry at First Baptist and the high esteem in which he is held. Gifts were presented to John - a lap top from the members of the Diaconate and Board of CE by Erick Lee, and a "purse" representing personal gifts from many members of the congregation by Sheila Stanley. In his response John graciously spoke of his time with us and challenged us to remember the importance of faith formation for adults. He also engendered a hearty laugh as he put a yarmulke on his head and suggested his next ministry might be as a Rabbi!
Here are a few pictures from this day of celebration (thanks to Ed Tummers):
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