When the doors of the Fellowship Lodge opened on December 4, about one hundred senior saints were warmly welcomed by pastor Dave Lambert and his wife, Rosie. Inside, tables were decorated beautifully with dried hydrangeas, cloved oranges, ribbons, and evergreen boughs. The theme was carried through with garlands of copper and French dusty-blue colors with dried orange slices strung into them.

Brother Dave opened the festivities with greetings and called on Earl Phillips to lead in prayer. The lovely meal began with a salad of mixed greens with chopped apples, cranberries, feta cheese, candied walnuts, dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette. That was followed by beef tenderloin with mushroom gravy, baked potatoes, and roasted carrots. The stupendous dessert was chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream.

After door prizes were given out, Sola Adesope was asked to address the attendees. He thanked God for giving the greatest Christmas gift ever: His Son. Brother Sola also acknowledged the many years of service that had been offered by those in the room. He said many of the senior saints spent time in prayer in the early morning hours and late at night when no one saw them. He mentioned that many had opened their homes, fasted and prayed for revival, encouraged pastors, and stood faithfully through challenges--from street evangelism to Sunday school, from choir rehearsals to quiet sacrifices. Their service helped preserve the mission handed down by God “to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Following the closing prayer, folks lingered to chat before receiving a sweet gift of cookies and tea as they left the warm embrace of food, fellowship, and godly encouragement.