Trinity's 85th Anniversary

We had a weekend to remember on April 22nd and 23rd. In one powerful weekend, we celebrated 85 years of God's faithfulness to Trinity and kicked off the 100th anniversary of the Azusa Street Revival.
Saturday, April 22nd: We heard 2 great speakers today. Paul Anderson gave a "wake up" call to the church. Graeme Sellers challenged us to be dangerous to the domain of darkness. Paul returned in the evening and spoke on the Father's Gift: the Holy Spirit. Many responded to God's word.
Sunday, April 23rd: Larry Christenson started the day with a timely message on Ephesians 6.10-20. The insight that stuck with me centered around the first word in this concluding passage of Ephesians, "...Finally..." This word exhorts us to realize all that we are in Jesus Christ, all that He has accomplished for us. This word exhorts us to "be strong IN the Lord, and IN the power of His might..." It recognizes the current battle we engage in, and anticipates the future that is ours in Jesus.
Sunday Evening Celebration: What a joy to fill the MPR for fellowship with one another, and for holy and humorous stories of our life together. How good to 'belly' laugh with each other, and how good to hear of lives transformed by Jesus' good news! Then, I would say we enjoyed the highlight of our weekend.
In 1961, Pr Larry Christenson, complete with 'wrap-around' clerical collar went down the hill to the Foursquare Gospel church on 10th and Cabrillo to hear the Westbergs--an evangelist couple visiting San Pedro for special meetings. Mary was preaching that night on 1 Corinthians 12, and afterwards Larry went forward, partially hungry for more, partially to politely tell the preacher, "Good sermon." Little did he know that the Holy Spirit had a greater agenda. It was that night that Larry was baptized in the Holy Spirit, which commenced a powerful ministry at Trinity, in the Lutheran Church, and beyond.
Our enjoyment was multiplied after the potluck with a joint celebration of the Azusa Revival with Bethany Christian Fellowship--the old 1st Foursquare where Pr Christenson was prayed for. After Pastor Christenson shared his testimony, Pr Howard Meyeda stood and pointed out how ironic it is that he was taking a seminary class at the King's Seminary (Jack Hayford's Foursquare institution) which had a book by Larry as required reading. The Lord has a sense of humor.