Lilydale Church finally got the opportunity to Celebrate her 40th Anniversary on the weekend of March 24th and 25th. It has lovingly been coined her 40+ because it was planned for 2020 however, due to that too often mentioned pandemic, this beautiful lady got to be a little coy about her age.
The weekend commenced on Friday evening with a light dinner, music through the decades, and Pastor Jeff Parker presenting an amazing message.
Sabbath was packed full of wonderful programs and opportunities to meet up with old friends and enjoy great food. The featured speaker for Sabbath morning was Doctor John Hammond, Lilydale’s gifted music team presented a choir and orchestra. Brilliant Sabbath school teams offered wonderful options for every age group, while the youth presented a panel-style adult Sabbath school lesson in the main worship centre.
The official opening of the new ministry area took place at 4:00pm accompanied by music and fanfare. Most importantly, sincere gratitude was given to our Heavenly Father and the generosity of church members, particularly the builder, elders and deacons who have given so much in time and money to allow the dream of creating more space for ministry to children, to take place. It was so hard to say thank you, not because we didn’t have the words, but because there were so many people who just kept on giving.
Senior Pastor, Darren Croft led out in telling the story of this season of this continually growing church. This beloved church has never rested on her laurels and is constantly listening to where the Holy Spirit is leading. Although celebrating her past, her mission is to always look to and plan well for the future of taking the never changing Gospel to an ever-changing world.
The honour of cutting the ribbon was given to Builder Glen Jackson, Marg Wilson – wife of the late Neville Wilson who was part of the original building team, and Counsellor Len Cox.
The beautiful celebratory cake, skilfully made by Candy Oliver, was cut by head elder Paul Woodward and head deacon Lindsay Barrett.
In the evening, dinner was followed by a wonderful concert and memories offered by past leaders and pastors. There were many old photos and videos to enjoy and remember the journey, the miracles, the fashions, the people, but mostly to remember God’s plan for His body…and keep watching; God isn’t finished with Lilydale yet!
Written by Pr Faye Stothers-Khan (Lilydale SDA Church)