4 minute read
Church Potluck
Church Potluck What’s cooking in your congregation?
West Palm Beach Holds Snowfest
After services on Feb. 22, the West Palm Beach, Florida, congregation hosted a “Winter Snow Festival.” The stage set included Florida-style snow and an igloo created by Tracy Carreiro.
The evening started off with a pizza-and-salad supper, followed by a parade of brethren dressed in costume. Both young and old participated, with prizes awarded to best female and male contestants.
Afterward, there were numerous games (with multiple prizes) for the younger set, while the more mature played board games through the evening.
It was a fun and memorable night for all!
Kathy Cochrane
Congregations Zoom to Play Bingo
After sunset on April 18, 2020, members from the Nashville, Tennessee, and Henderson and Louisville, Kentucky, congregations “met up” online via Zoom for a game of COGWA family virtual bingo.
There were 110 participants representing 41 households from the three congregations. Bingo winners logged out with e-gift cards to use online (or in store at a later time).
The teasing, laughter and cheering throughout the event was a source of encouragement—and a wonderful reminder of the joy God’s people share when they are together.
Amanda Willoughby
Christen Petty graduates
Christen Hope Petty, the daughter of Charles and Valerie Petty of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University on Dec. 14, 2019, with a bachelor of science in psychology. She finished her last semester on the chancellor’s list and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0.
During her time at Arkansas State, she was a member of Delta Zeta Omicron Epsilon sorority, where she held multiple leadership positions and served as vice president of programs. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and the psychology club.
Christen plans to further her education with a master’s in business administration and is currently in the process of obtaining her insurance license. She is a member of the Sedgwick, Arkansas, congregation, where she attends with the rest of her family.
Justin Adkins
Recently, our Fort Worth, Texas, congregation developed a vision statement with a goal of providing a clear picture of what we hoped to achieve and become. Key elements are knowing and encouraging each individual member and calling upon their unique talents as we seek to better reflect the fullness of Christ.
When the quarantine and other COVID-related stressors and concerns arose, our members recognized that it was important to extend even greater love, support and understanding to our brethren.
In addition to regular, small-group Zoom meetings, pastor Ken Giese initiated a weekly Facebook Live program titled “Still Waters,” which allowed all interested Fort Worth and Tulsa, Oklahoma, members to connect midweek and receive comfort and assurance from the Scripture.
Our Facebook page also became a place where members could post recent family photos and “hellos” to keep in touch.
Andrea West shared several stories featuring the adventures of “JP Kittycat” and “Susie Q” for children of all ages. The series concluded after the COVID break with a fun installment in which the appropriately masked characters were smuggled via stroller into Sabbath services!
Over the weeks, our resident poet, Helen Hebert, posted a Mother’s Day tribute as well as several other comforting poems. Most of our preteen Sabbath school students were able to connect with each other through Zoom during our recess. As was the case in most congregations, cards and calls of encouragement, as well as prayers for those who were struggling, who had lost their jobs and who had been ill continued to be an important service.
We all appreciated and enjoyed opportunities to relate with one another in new and different ways during a difficult time. Though we are happily meeting together again, we still look forward to the time when we can each receive our full share of hugs and handshakes!
Kathy Giese
Stephan Petty GRADUATES
Stephan Nicole Petty, the daughter of Charles and Valerie Petty of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University on May 20, 2020, with a bachelor of science in elementary education. She attained the chancellor’s list during her last three semesters and graduated with a 3.1 cumulative GPA and a 3.9 GPA within her major.
During her time at Arkansas State, she was a member of the Delta Zeta Omicron Epsilon sorority, a Wolf Tracks Yearbook spread designer, as well as a member of the National Honor Society.
Stephan plans to further her education with a master’s in administration and is working to obtain a certificate in dyslexia therapy. She has accepted a teaching position at her alma mater, Walnut Ridge Elementary School.
Stephan is a member of the Sedgwick, Arkansas, congregation, where she attends with her family.
Justin Adkins
Charlene Williams Receives MBA Degree
Charlene Williams, a member of the St. Petersburg, Florida, congregation, received her master of business administration degree from Capella University, an accredited online university, on March 7, 2020. She did so while working full-time with the Florida Department of Revenue, where she’s worked since 2000, currently as service center manager.
Charlene has a history of taking classes while working full-time. In 2006 she earned her bachelor of science degree in public affairs from the University of Central Florida.
Charlene plans to continue working with the Department of Revenue in her present position. She is also very interested in the work she does evaluating essays on a part-time basis with the Educational Testing Service’s TOEFL program for international students.
