Amid the elegant surroundings of the Marriott Hotel, 184 brethren from as far as Alaska assembled for Sabbath services Nov. 18, marking the 50th anniversary of the Milwaukee Church of God. The first resident pastor, George Meeker, had been invited to speak to the congregation.

The first sermon was given by his son, Joel Meeker, who spoke about how God views time. We were reminded once again that God's purpose for humans is to bring many sons into His family. God inhabits eternity, and our spiritual roots are to be planted in God and not this world.

The second sermon, given by George Meeker, was on the subject of time and chance. He explained that our calling was not just luck but was because God has a purpose for us. God knows all His sheep by name and each of us is important as we all fit into the plan He has for us.

Fellowship followed services for about another hour and a half, then a formal dinner was served to 200. There was ample time for more fellowship and many people were able to see old friends they had not seen in many years, some even decades.

After dinner, a photo presentation was narrated by Dave Kroll and Michael Hanisko. Old photos had been gathered and organized for this presentation. We saw photos of people in many activities such as the Spokesman's Club, YOU activities, the music program, fund-raisers, baseball teams ("the purple Turkeys"?) and the ever-popular potlucks. Some of the men we saw in the photos still had hair.

After this presentation the dance band began their music. They even delighted the audience with the Beer Barrel Polka.

After a long but joyous day, the event ended at midnight and people returned to their homes, happy for having the opportunity to thank God for 50 years of the Church in the Milwaukee area.