On April 25, 2015, the congregations of Garden Grove, Los Angeles and Redlands combined for Sabbath services and lunch together in beautiful rustic Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California. Garden Grove has been doing this special Sabbath twice a year since the fall of 2009. This year Garden Grove invited the congregations of Los Angeles and Redlands to join them in the park. Some brethren came from the San Diego congregation as well.

Hymns were accompanied by the local “orchestra”—six guitars, two violins and one flute. The sermonette was given by Robin Webber, pastor of the Los Angeles, Redlands, and San Diego congregations. He tied in the 20-year history in the United Church of God and where we should focus as we move forward. Mario Seiglie, pastor of the Garden Grove congregation, gave a message on God’s greatness—“God’s 10 Great Wonders in Isaiah 40.”

After services we enjoyed a delicious “fix your own sandwich” lunch along with salads, side dishes and desserts provided by our brethren, followed by fellowshipping. This day was a special treat for many of our regular Sabbath crews, who were able to enjoy a day off of their regular duties with more time to visit with others. Unexpected rain after lunch caused the day to be cut shorter than usual, but it didn’t dampen the positive comments about this enjoyable combined Sabbath in the park.