Thanksgiving at the Barnes 2009

Linda has everything ready for the big "feed"

Our nephew, Jonathan was able to join us this year

Airman 1st Class Jonathan Barnes

Don and his sister, Darlene

We have so much to be thankful for as we reflect on the blessings of God in our lives. We can't come to this time of year without especially thanking God for our children. 26 years ago on Thanksgiving we had a most unusual holiday. Heather was 3 years old and we were anticipating the arrival of our 2nd child. (We didn't have the luxury of routine ultra sounds then, so we didn't know we were having a son.) He was due in February, but he decided he wanted to join us sooner. The premature labor began on Thanksgiving Day and lasted until early Sunday morning when Brent arrived (12 weeks early) He weighed 2 lbs. 14 oz. and was 15" long. The doctors told us all kinds of things could be wrong with him, but thanks to the healing hand of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Brent is healthy and whole! So happy birthday tomorrow, Brent! We are truly grateful for the "man of God" that you have become! We never want to forget the goodness of our God!

Welcome Pastor David, Lynette and Kathryn Lermy

LFA welcomed The Lermy's, Pastor David, Lynette and Kathryn, to our pastoral staff on Sunday evening, Nov. 22

Dana Knisely, wife of our Communications Director, Matt; Natashia Garland, church receptionist, and Danyel Edwards, Children's Dept. secretary were helpful hostesses for this event. Thanks girls for a job well done!

350+ Arby's sandwiches and chips awaiting the crowd attending the Marriage Conference with Guest Richard Exley to come and consume them.

Consume they did! Marriage enrichment classes, food and fellowship! What a great way to welcome the Community Life Pastor to LFA!

Staff Dinner with Richard Exley

Pastor Lacey (Early Childhood Pastor), Alisha Ramirez, Pastor Greg and Paula Ruple (Children's Pastor), Pastor David and Lynette Lermy

Pastor Don and Daniel Ghrayyeb, manager of Sodexio Food Services at Cameron University and his assistant

Special Guest, Rev. Richard Exley

Pastor Gary and Debbie Pratt Associate Pastor

Pastor Heath Corrales (Mid-high Pastor) and fiancee', Alisha Ramirez. Somehow Pastor Matt Weiszbrod (High School pastor) escaped the camera, but if you look closely, you can see his coat next to Pastor Heath!!!

Pastor Lacey Jaeger and Alisha Ramirez

Communications Director Matt Knisely and wife, Dana

Introducing our newest Pastor on staff for 1 day! Community Connect Pastor, David Lermy and wife, Lynette

We are blessed to have a great pastoral staff. Friday evening, we enjoyed some ministry time with Richard Exley. Richard addressed the staff after dinner. What a great time of fellowship and focus on what is really important! We are looking forward to his ministry to the entire church this weekend.

LFA Angel Food "Thanksgiving" Breakfast

Pastor Gary Pratt, Renee McKnight (Angel Food Coordinator,) and Debbie Pratt



This morning the Angel Food Ministry Volunteers honored all of the families who participate each month in the Angel Food Distribution. Randy and Jackie Somerlott were instrumental in preparing a wonderful breakfast. This is the 2nd year the breakfast has been offered. It is a wonderful way for us to connect with these families.



Volunteer Gene Morris cheefully serving the orange juice and coffee.

Many families joined us for the breakfast. Great way to start the day!

Following the breakfast, the monthly Angel Food Distribution took place. Margaret Good is one of the faithful volunteers

Packing in process

Here is this month's food box

Final check before the boxes leave the conveyor belt

Another satisfied Angel Food Recipient receives their order. Thanks to all our volunteers! You're the best!

Celebrating 99 years with Rosie Hood

Rosie Hood, long-time member of LFA, will celebrate her 99th birthday, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. What a precious saint of God!

Happy Birthday Rosie!


Rosie Hood and former pastor's wife, Polly Brown

Reminiscing about the "good ol' days"

Joan Ferguson, Ann Easterling, Rosie's Grandaughter, and her hair dresser

Faye Jantzen (who organized the party) talking to Rosie's beautician who has done her hair for more than 50 years each week!

Pastor Don visiting with Rosie

Adoption Party for 2 Precious Girls

Guest celebrating with the families

Climes with their big smiles

Pastor Gary and Jay Damron

LeeAnn and daughter took time to pose for the camera

Vivian Akipiri and Debbie Pratt

Proud Daddy, Daryl and beautiful daughter

So proud of this little angel.

"Momma" Jerrie getting ready to serve the ice cream treats!

"Momma" Sheila poised to serve refreshments.

This afternoon we celebrated with two LFA families the adoption of their precious little girls. Daryl and Sheila Mann and Arthur and Jerrie Abdon are the proud parents. What could be better than an Elmo Party! Congrats to these wonderful parents!

The Dream - The Vision Becomes Reality

Pastor Barnes ready for the countdown for the Ground Breaking

Some of the crowd gathering for the event

Pastor Don and Linda Barnes with Pastor Gary and Debbie Pratt
Notice Debbie's "bling" shovel! It was painted pink with rhinestones!

Pastors and Deacons turn the first dirt.