ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT GCC

I stood there in quiet contemplation.  It was Sunday.  We had arrived at church early, 6:00am.

  It was cold, damp, and shivery, anything but our customary Southern California sunny weather.
We weren't the only ones about.  Dark figures darted here and there.  The usual loud chatter and laughter absent would come later.

It was a cloudy morning and we had arrived full of anticipation.
I watched the early morning unfold from a quiet awakening to peak humanity.
I walked around in silence and awe.
There were unbelievable surprises at every turn.  Words defy what would become a remarkable day.

I had captured the first rays of light, hoping to catch an early sun rise but only caught the sun playing peekaboo creating a backdrop for the large white tent with majestic peaks.

As the church transformed to take on a life of it own, I made my way around, amazed at how much Scripture was displayed on banners everywhere.

A que began to form very early to begin the migration to secure prime seats. Southern California people are peculiar in that way. 

The worship center was not unlocked til 7:30 with service to begin at 8:30.
The logistics for the day was astounding.  It was soon buzzing around like a behive. 

I was beginning to think maybe I had been transported to the Shepherds Conference for next month as this Sunday rivaled second to all the celebrations I had ever been to.

 The city let GCC use the dirt wash front property and had opened the gates for extra parking and had also provided traffic control officers on Cantara and Roscoe.
This historic morning would not be complete without mentioning that we were celebrating our pastors fifty years of faithfulness at GCC.
The service was phenomenal.

  It included our pastor's favorite hymns.  In honor of our pastors Scottish heritage, the service began with a bagpipe fanfare and then after the services performed for the crowd outside.

The Prayer Desk

As a symbol of diligence in study and devotion to God, the grandson of Dr. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones presented Pastor John with the Doctor's personal prayer desk, from one expositor to another.

 Well, and just like that, all heaven broke loose with showers of blessing.

  Just as people were lining up to get lunch, it began to rain.

  Eight In-N-Out lunch trucks served a couple of thousand of hamburgers that day. 

Other foods were served at other stations out on the patio along with anniversary cake.

What a day!  I don't think anyone left for home completly dry.
I went home damp, tired, with cold hands, and freezing feet so I climbed into bed with the heating blanket on.