Highlights from General Council in Phoenix, AZ Aug 2011

This was taken in the general session

Mama T (Thelma Wells) was the guest speaker for the Women's Ministries Luncheon

This was the set where the interview highlighting LFA's Adult Ministries was filmed

Pastor Don Barnes answers one of the moderator's questions

The Interview took place on this set

Pastor Gary Pratt responding to a question

LFA Welcomes New Neighbors

A new business has come to our neighborhood

One of our members designed this cake...

And these cupcakes...

And these....

And these!

Steve Barnes (no relation) was very surprised...
and so were we... it was Steve's birthday and we didn't even know!

Welcome!

We are happy to have you in the area

Dr. Mark Rutland's Leadership InstituteTulsa , Oklahoma

Pastor Greg, Denice Erway, Linda and I are privileged to be a part of Dr. Mark Rutland's Leadership Institute this year. These pictures were taken in March when we were at the second session. (There are four sessions throughout this year.) We are all learning a lot. This is a graduate level Institute, so the sessions are power packed. We are learning from a great leader!

This is Dr. Rutland in one of the teaching sessions

Oral Roberts University

Dr. Rutland conducted a tour of the ORU newly renovated Prayer Tower for those attending the Leadership Institute

ORU campus taken from Prayer Tower

Mrs. Rutland is explaining how this lovely art piece was retrieved from the ORU archives, refurbished and hung in the prayer chapel.

Looking down at the lower floor where the Presidential Seal is placed

This is the President's Seal

Standing next to Mrs. Rutland

This is the ceiling in the building where Dr. Rutland's office is housed.

Dr. Rutland giving the class a tour of his office

Some of the class members in Dr. Rutland's office

LFA's Men's Ministries' Wild Game Dinner

This Mobile Bass Tank displayed in Youth Center was a big attraction

Jazz Combo comprised of LFA Converge players rehearsing before the event

Some of the displays


Wildlife art and "Wildlife Trophies" on display

The Men's Ministries of LFA went all out to present a Wild Game Dinner recently. It was a huge success. Now they are preparing for their Father's Day Bash this coming Friday evening. Plus a Family Picnic on Sunday night for the entire church! Don't miss out!

Girlfriend Time with Pastor Debbie

Many of you know that Pastor Debbie Pratt is undergoing chemo and radiation treatments. She is such a trooper! Each Wednesday evening following her chemo treatment, I have the privilege of sharing "Girlfriend Time" with Debbie so Pastor Gary can preach at LFA's Wed. evening service.

Pastor Debbie and I have a "pact." I come in with no expectations of conversation. She refers to this time as "ministry of presence" time. Following chemo treatment, she is ready for rest. She sets the pace for what we do. After her rest time, she is usually ready to walk outside and sit on her bench. Her smile tells it all. Her body may be weak, but her spirit is strong! I'm learning so much about my friend as she walks this journey. (In fact, as we walk along side her and Pastor Gary.) She has such a beautiful spirit. Her faith and confidence in God has never been stronger! She depends on the Word to sustain her through her long days and nights. She is more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who IS giving her strength. The plan as laid out by her caring physicians is for her radiation and chemo to be complete in about 2 weeks. We will all be rejoicing when she is looking back on this time, instead of walking through it.

We don't have answers for everything that happens in life, but this one thing we know...God is still on the throne and He is faithful to complete the good work that He has started!
Linda

Forever Young "Let's Go Fly a Kite" Night

The Race is on! Kaye Richey and Glenda Sparlin racing against the guys to see who can put their kite together first.

Kay is moving on!

Glenda is right in there...

Roy Palesano is doing his best to be first!

Bob Busby looks like a pro!

He IS a pro! The winner!

But Roy kept up the pace!

Glenda did it too!

So did Kaye!



Fun time by all!

Forever Young group meets monthly at LFA. Each month is a different theme. Friday, April 8th they will meet again for lunch at Biancos! If you are over 50, come join in the fun!