Father’s Day celebrations began in the younger Sunday school departments, where the children were encouraged to thank their dads for all they do, and for being good examples. In the Beginners Department, dads were invited to join their youngsters for a snack in class. The children were served small donuts and the dads received large donuts. The primary department students left their classes with a paper card folded to look like a dress shirt and a pen to present to their dads.

The morning service opened with the orchestra playing a medley of “You Are My Hiding Place” and “As the Deer,” followed by “Higher Ground.” The prelude continued as the choir sang, “Let the People Rejoice.” During congregational singing, songs continued the theme of worship of the heavenly Father with “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “We Declare Your Majesty.”  

Tim Debusk, visiting from Chehalis, Washington, brought the message. He opened by reading from Matthew 7:7-11 and then recognizing all the fathers in attendance. By simply coming to church and bringing his family to church, a father is taking steps toward setting a godly example. Brother Tim pointed out that earthly fathers are not perfect, but they can bless their children by living for the Lord and striving to be a reflection of His love. The love a father has for his children is one way God reveals His love for individuals. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:15). The heavenly Father notices a sparrow that falls, and is even more attentive to His children's needs.

In closing, Brother Tim talked about the parable of the Prodigal Son, whose father loved and prayed for him. Eventually, the son recognized what he had abandoned, humbled himself, and was willing to return to his father’s house as a servant. When he came home, his father was looking for him and embraced him. That father had been watching for his son since the time the son had left. Brother Tim appealed to any spiritual wanderers to return to the Father’s house.