The very special event was held in our usual rented facility’s fellowship hall in Garden Grove, spruced up festively with a themed banner, balloon decorations, gold-colored table centerpieces, memorabilia and photo displays spanning five decades. Approximately 160 shared the celebration with us.

Our jam-packed day began with regular services at 2:30 p.m.  Robin Webber, co-pastor and pastor from 1994-2001, and Mario Seiglie, pastor from 2001 to the present, gave inspiring split-sermons.

The Garden Grove congregation hosted a special (and scrumptious) dinner in the attractively decorated fellowship hall upstairs. The meal featured mouth-watering pot roast prepared by Jesse Api, one of our Garden Grove members—plus chicken, side dishes and salads furnished by our Garden Grove members. Anniversary cake and other desserts capped off the meal.

The evening program began with an hour program of reflections. Presenters were Jean Updegraff with an overall history, then several with reflections of their time in our church area: Knute Josifek for the early years beginning in 1967, followed by Dan Salcedo, an elder who began attending in 1971, then Robin Webber and Mario Seiglie with reflections on their time periods here.   

Our members and guests left that evening with warm memories of a day full of joy, happiness, and fellowship with friends past and present. We thank the many in our congregation who prepared and worked so diligently to make this event the memorable success it was.