Our Neighborhood

Last Sunday we celebrated a glorious Family and Friends Day! After Family and Friends Day 2025, I wrote the following:

There were two main areas for improvement I noticed. These, I would argue, are not solely the work of the co-chairs, but the work of the entire church. The first area of improvement is engagement of the community. How wonderful it would have been to have our friends from the neighborhood to celebrate with us, even if they only joined for the post-worship fellowship as a way of reintroducing ourselves to the community. The second area of improvement is engagement of children. What a joy it was to have so many children running around in the parking lot. I can see face painting and bouncy houses in our future. 

When I reflect on Family and Friends Day 2025, I thank God that the areas of improvement noted were addressed! We had neighbors join us in the parking lot. I saw some of our neighbors dancing and others having their faces painted. Speaking of face painting, what a joy to see the children with their faces painted, laughing, dancing, and running around playing with balloons! The popcorn and cotton candy machines were a bonus for all! 

Sis. Kelly Brown and Sis. Charity Gall embody the reason I assign the co-chairs of Annual Days. They took the successes of last year and built upon them. (Ahem, fans for line dancing...that was Sis. Charity) They took the areas of improvement and found ways to make tremendous improvements. They pivoted when necessary and remained focused and prayerful when obstacles arose. They utilized a multiplicity of gifts within the congregation--from the beautiful balloon decorations to the grill masters. As Pastor, I thank God for Sis. Kelly Brown, Sis. Charity Gall, and all who assisted to make the day a rousing success! I cannot wait for Family and Friends Day 2026!

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah