* * * * * * * * * October 18, 2009 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * December 27, 2009 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Lord provided a beautiful day for Crop Walk 2009! It was a little windy, but thankfully sunny and not too cold. Forest Park had 17 people participate in the walk this year. Together with other church families from across the city, we walked to raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting. Besides helping Church World Service fight poverty around the globe, 25% of the money we raised went to the Reno County Food Bank! Plus, we had a great time! Join us again next year!

~Crop Walk Photos~

On December 31st the interim relationship between Pastor Ernie Williams and Forest Park officially came to a close, as he and Vernie are retiring to Kennewick, Washington. At the end of the last worship service of 2009, the congregation sang a hymn with beautiful lyrics written by Pastor Ernie himself. Afterward, we honored Ernie and Vernie with a special song and a goodbye party in Wade Hall. A good time was had by all, but the feelings were bittersweet as we look toward our diverging paths. We wish Ernie and Vernie a very wonderful and happy retirement, and hope to keep in touch!