A special crowd of old and new friends and members of Christ's gathered Sunday February 15 to celebrate 25 years of united ministry of United Methodists and Presbyterians (USA).

        Former pastor Gerry Hill uses a quilt to illustrate how small pieces, each keeping their own identity and shape can join together to warm, comfort and unite persons. He even suggested that new life can be conceived under a quilt.

        Former pastors Bill Barlow and John Goff shared the stage with pastor Chris Whitehead to open the service. John Mahon of the Presbytery of the Cascades and Scott Harkness representing the Oregon/Idaho Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church brought words of encouragement and support. Roger and Jean Kershner joined the church as returning former members and reminisced of their years as members years earlier.

        A branch from the Hawthorne tree in front of the church which was planted at the celebration of unity that was planted 25 years earlier was dipped into the water of the baptism font and shaken over the congregation to remember them of their baptism in our Lord Jesus Christ.

        The handbell choir played Canon in D with returning former director Georgia Wildfang and the chancel choir vigorously sang out a syncopated "I Trust in the Lord." As a prayer of thanksgiving for 25 years of service, fellowship and community, a electronic collection of pictures of past events marched across the screen.

        Now we turn to the next 25 years and with God's grace they too will be of service to God's kingdom on earth.

Christ's Church Methodist and Presbyterian United
412 Clay Street West, Monmouth, Oregon 97361
503-838-1724
christmp412@yahoo.com

Last updated March 1, 2004