News Articles

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

What a glorious celebration for the glory of God!  There was anticipation in the air as 365+ people gathered in one accord for the 100^th anniversary worship service on June 9 at the East Fairview Church of the Brethren.  As people entered the sanctuary there were pictures of men and women from the past shown on the screen creating an atmosphere of memory and commitment.  Family groups, friends and members of previous years joined the present day members in filling the pews.  As the piano-organ prelude majestically prepared our spirits for worship, one began to sense the moving of the Holy Spirit in our midst.  This was soon verified when the voices of the congregation rose in joyous song and praise invigorating the Spirit working in the community of the Saints.  The Pastors had obviously been led by the Spirit as they planned and led the celebration of worship on this special occasion.  Dr. Guy Wampler, Pastor of the Lancaster congregation, challenged and inspired our spirits, calling us to be aware of the race we are running as a congregation and to focus our eyes on the face of Jesus to keep our goals and purposes clear. 

Over 300 persons then gathered in the fellowship hall for a dinner of communion soup and other ‘fixins’.  The emcee, Dennis Fahnestock, had a difficult time interrupting the buzz of people sharing memories and catching up in relationships as they sat around the tables.  He did manage to guide us through necessary announcements and quieted us down for a prayer of grace and gratitude by Pastor Jimm.  Following this meal, a few memories were shared, an historic skit was given and a poem composed by Julie Graybill, was read by Julie.  This poem challenged the church family to be as faithful in the present as the congregation was in the past for the continuation of the church’s witness for Christ and the Church.   

What a day of inspiration, memory and challenge.  What a glorious day!  A heartfelt thanks to the multitude of people making this such a significant experience. 

A SNEAK LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES

There are a multitude of ‘behind the scenes’ people working on the anniversary year celebration.  Choosing a special one, the Anniversary Committee would like to thank Gail (Graybill) DeStefanos for her graphic artistry skills that she has given so willingly.  These skills have shown up in the letter to the congregation, on the June 9^th bulletin cover, the Hershey Bar mementoes given at the meal, and also anniversary note cards which were used to send thank you messages to guest speakers this year.  She and Dennis Fahnestock designed the cover for the Anniversary Book which has, through continual use, become the logo of the church for this anniversary year.  THANK YOU GAIL! 

SLATE ARTISTS

The slate artists are to be commended for their very attractive slate art that is available to the congregation this year.  The slate is from the roof of earlier church buildings.  Therefore, all monies from these historic art pieces will go into the building fund.  Sales amounting to $350 were received on the Anniversary Sunday.  There was much interest shown in these pieces.  Many orders were taken to be filled later.  One can still order one of the designs already created or choose your own custom-made design by contacting Peggy Thilo.  Peggy has offered to make this one of her summer projects for service to the congregation. 

ANNIVERSARY BOOK

To all persons who purchased the Anniversary Book, the Committee would like to give a sincere ‘thank you’.  There were over 60 books purchased over the anniversary weekend.  This money is used to help cover expenses for the anniversary celebration.  We trust they are a worthy historic and interesting record of the past 100 years of church life.  Your purchase is a real support for this celebration year.