The fourth annual Dallas seniors' luncheon was held on Sabbath, April 29. The theme this year, choreographed by Kris Brooks, was a Texan barnyard barbecue honoring our seniors for being a special part of our congregation.

A CD complied by Mike Westberry of many all-time favorites of country music was given to each honored guest. The teens from the Dallas congregation joined with our older members to enjoy a fine home-cooked meal prepared by Dora Jennings and J.J. Brooks.

John Lusk welcomed the guests and provided introductory remarks to get the luncheon off to a stimulating start. After a blessing on the meal, each guest was served by one of the teens.

During the luncheon everyone enjoyed the down-home country atmosphere and dinner music. Afterwards, J.J. Brooks introduced a few of the teens and their parents (Katie Collins, Amber Benedict and Dara and Greg Vaughn) who treated us to a variety of musical selections.

After a break, Rick Bennis facilitated our traditional panel including three of our senior members (Tillie Crandall, Mary Ann Brennan and Dick Knapp) who answered many questions from the teens about their own lives as teens, the lessons they learned growing to adulthood, and the influence of God's way throughout their lives. This was a great opportunity for us to get know our panel members better and have them share their life experiences with all of us.

In addition, this year one of our senior members, Dick Knapp, offered a few words encouraging the teens and elder members regarding the benefits of painting as a hobby. He brought in one of his beautiful landscape paintings, which was given to a selected honored guest, Charles Oren.

After concluding remarks and thanks given by John Lusk and Rick Bennis, the teens came up on stage and led everyone in a rendition of "Happy Trails to You... Until We Meet Again." The luncheon then came to a close so that everyone could attend the regular Sabbath service.

In addition to the teens, the following Special Services team members helped make the luncheon an enjoyable success: John and Danny Bynum (sound crew); Rhona Springfield, Karen Collins and Denise Vulchev (food service); D.J. Palacios (transportation); and Diane Bennis (photographer/hostess).