Madison Church
Dedication Weekend

May 1-3, 2009

by Ebenezer Idowu

The Apostolic Faith Church in Madison, Wisconsin, celebrated the dedication of its new church building the weekend of May 1-3, beginning with a prayer meeting on Friday evening. The excitement could be felt on Saturday morning as many visitors arrived. Some of these visitors were a part of the Madison congregation when it was still worshiping in the basement of Reverend Charles and Antonia Schleicher’s house and later at the Dane County Boys and Girls Club, and their joy and excitement at seeing the new church was contagious. Reverend Joe Bishop, from Woodlake, California, gave a Bible teaching on “The Church,” tracing the history of the Church throughout the Old and New Testaments. Reverend Bishop said that the Church is not the building, but individual members who constitute the church congregation. He also brought out the importance of building strong families, and stated that “as the family goes, so goes the Church.”

A picnic was held at a local park on Saturday afternoon. It was a great time of fellowship during which everyone had an opportunity to interact together. The children were also active participants as they put the swings and play areas to good use. Even the grownups participated in a track event, and it was amusing to see young adults and senior adults running together for fun. Everyone also enjoyed the pizza that was provided.

During the service on Saturday evening, Josie Adenuga, from Langley, BC, testified and thanked God for the teachings and training she received while living in Madison, which helped establish her in the Gospel. Reverend Darrel Lee, Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith organization, preached on “Prayer,” stating that God answers prayer even when the prayer is only a sigh. He pointed out that if one has not received an answer to his prayer, it is not because God did not hear—He is working to provide the best answer.

Antonia Schleicher talked briefly during the Sunday school general assembly of the little beginnings from which God brought the Madison church to this point. She said the Madison congregation prayed for a church building for years, and God eventually answered their prayers by providing this beautiful facility.

The dedication service on Sunday morning began with a piano solo by Carla Schleicher, from Minneapolis, followed by another piano solo by Mary Bishop, from Woodlake. Then Carla and Josie played a violin duet, after which the choir sang “Come Holy Spirit.” Recognition for those who helped with the remodeling of the church was given by Reverend Joe Bishop, who supervised the renovations. Among those acknowledged was the contractor who agreed to work with the church volunteers, even though it meant a reduced profit to him.

Reverend Mark Worthington, the pastor in St. Louis, Missouri, prayed the dedication prayer, and Reverend Darrel Lee gave the dedication message. Around 175 people attended the dedication service, including attendees from Brownsburg, Indiana; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Portland, Oregon; Richland Center, Wisconsin; Atlanta, Georgia; and Woodlake, California. Also among those who attended were people from the local neighborhood, and the prayer is that God will use this opportunity to show them the light of the Gospel.

An intercontinental dinner was provided after the dedication service, which included both African and American foods. The food appeared to be representative of the nationalities which make up the congregations in Madison and Richland Center. The dinner was a wonderful occasion of fellowship and time to say goodbye to most of the visitors who needed to leave to go to their hometowns, although some who lived close by were able to stay for the Sunday evening service.

For the final service, Reverend Lee preached on “Spiritual Growth.” He said that in order to grow, one must realize that Christianity is not about emotions or feelings. He pointed out that it takes a conscious decision for one to get saved—hence, it would take a conscious decision to lose one’s salvation. Reverend Lee said that it is important to realize the difference between humanity and sin. Although salvation took care of the sin, a Christian’s human weaknesses must be taken care of by growing spiritually.

The special weekend and church dedication in Madison was a wonderful time of spiritual fellowship and refreshment for all who attended. The congregation in Madison is greatly encouraged, and the memory of this weekend will linger for a long time to come.