Greenacres Christian Installs Pastor

Sat., Oct. 11, 1997

Nina Culver Correspondent

The small congregation at Greenacres Christian Church officially installed Steve Thornton as their pastor in September, although he has been preaching at services since July.

Thornton says that learning people’s names and getting to know them is his first priority. To that end, he has taken photos of everyone so he can put names and faces together. Thornton says he also wants to learn about the history of the church, which has been in existence since the early 1900s.

Being the pastor of a small church has its unique aspects, and Thornton says he enjoys it. “There’s really something special about a small church,” says Thornton. “Small churches have big hearts.”

People in congregations of all sizes have a need to be loved and affirmed by their minister, says Thornton, but even more so in small churches. “In a small church like this, the hug, the handshake, the smile are very important.”

Thornton, who originally planned to become a teacher, became a pastor 20 years ago. He says he felt the need to speak about God and thinks the spoken word can change lives.

Thornton says his only long range plans so far are to prepare for the growth that is sure to make its way to his area in a few years. “I want to be ready to meet that challenge.”

The Sunday worship service at Greenacres Christian Church, 18010 E. Mission, is at 11 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:45.

Harvest dinner on Thursday

The Veradale United Church of Christ, 611 N. Progress Road, will serve a harvest dinner Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu will include turkey, ham, Swedish meatballs, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salads, homemade pie and cake. A bake sale will also be held during the evening.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $3.50 for children age 6-12, or $18 per family. Children age five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the church at 926-7173. Family tickets must be purchased in advance.

New Boy Scout troop

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 810 S. Sullivan Road, is starting a new Boy Scout troop.

An organizational meeting for those interested in the troop will be held at the church at 7 p.m. on Monday.

Boys must be at least 11 years old to join the troop. The new troop will be led by Dean Opsal, the former scoutmaster of Troop 419.

For more information, call the church at 926-8611.

Organist to perform

Organist Helen Byrne will perform a recital titled “Off the Sunday Morning Leash” at Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines, at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Byrne has been playing the organ during Opportunity’s worship services for a year and is also a cellist with the Spokane Symphony. A reception will follow the free concert.

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