Shadle Presbyterian Celebrates 50Th Year
More than 200 people turned out for a banquet last weekend to help Shadle Park Presbyterian Church celebrate its 50th anniversary. Three former pastors were on hand, as well as the widow of another previous pastor.
The celebration was lead by the Rev. Dick Avery, who has served as the church’s pastor for the last 23 years - a feat also worthy of a celebration. Avery’s original plan was to stay about six years, but he found himself hooked.
“The people are just really down to earth,” he says. “There is a sense of community.”
The church has about 310 members. Having such a large proportion of the congregation turn out for a special event isn’t really unusual, says Avery. Currently more than half the congregation is a member of a ChristCare group, small groups that meet for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. The church is also heavily involved in community programs such as the Westminster Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and the Interfaith Hospitality Network. There also is a strong youth ministry.
“We’re seeking to to be a church with a balance of social concern and evangelism,” says Avery. “We realize we can’t do everything larger churches can.”
The church formed as Boulevard Heights Presbyterian in 1947. It took the fledgling congregation three years to gather the 100 charter members required in order to be officially recognized as a church by the Presbyterian Church. When it first formed, the church had two elders on staff and an annual budget of $4,500, says Avery.
The church building was dedicated in 1949, and a new addition was completed in 1974. The addition included a fellowship hall and classrooms. The hall was converted to a sanctuary in 1990 and the original sanctuary now serves as a chapel. Now that the congregation has spent time looking at the past, it will look to the future. The church is planning a capital campaign that will raise money for a used van and other needs, says Avery.
The church is located at 5508 N. Alberta.
Ethnic dinner at St. Gregorios
Ethiopian, Indian and American food will be dished up during the second annual multicultural dinner next week put on by St. Gregorios Syrian Orthodox Church.
The meal will be served from 4 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 26 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church parish hall, 2404 N. Howard.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and must be purchased in advance by calling 325-6432. All are welcome to attend.
PG13 Christian drama
The drama “Heavens Gate’s and Hell’s Flames” will be presented this week at the First Church of the Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd. The performances, which begin at 7 p.m. each evening Sunday through Tuesday, boasts a cast of more than 50 members and special effects.
The drama is not recommended for young children. Admission is free, and child care will be available for children through grade 4. For more information, call the church office at 467-8986.