We were able to bless 21 families through this ministry.

The ladies in the church put together a cookie mix in a jar that could be added, as a personal touch.

Putting these boxes together has become an annual ‘hi-light’ for us.

We are so thankful and blessed that we have the ability to give to the community in this way.

God is so good!…all the time

A little over a year and a half ago as our church was going through a difficult time, it made the decision to go from a ‘sovereign’ status to a ‘home missions’ status within the Assemblies of God denomination.  This allowed the church to receive the extra help it needed at this difficult time. This was also the time when Ben and I joined the church as their pastors.

11/16/08 installed as the pastors

With the return of health to this vibrant community church, we were also able to officially take the church back to it’s ‘sovereign’ status today ~ August 30, 2009.

Don and Jodi Detrick joined us this morning as the ‘officials’ from the Network office.  We started out our friendship with these people serving as their youth pastors in Chehalis, Washington in 1991.  That friendship has grown over the years to a place where we consider them some of our ‘dearest’ friends.  We felt honored that they could be a part of this eventful day in the life of our church.

Another fun element of the day was to have Ray & Arlene join us.  Ray, who is on vacation, led our worship service for us.

I love any chance I get to spend time with my sister.  Arlene and I grew up in this same church and the crosses that are in the background have been put there in memory of our Grandpa Carpenter.

…and, it only gets better.  As Ben loves to fish in Alaska each year @ my parent’s place, he also loves to share his catch.

Today was our 2nd annual Salmon BBQ.  Yummy!

I happen to feel that no church knows how to do a potluck like our church.  With the addition of fresh BBQ’d salmon and chicken for the non-salmon lovers, everything was amazingly fresh and wonderful.  There were so many dishes that came straight from the garden.

Honestly, I think that this sweet girl really has it all figured out…

Begin every meal with a cupcake!

This afternoon was our Ladies Spring Tea & Dessert @ the home of Diana Dashiell.

We had a wonderful time together, celebrating Spring, God’s love and friendship

- not to mention wonderful treats!

I particularly enjoyed the beautiful, pastoral view!