East Leonard Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., is marking its 100th anniversary in October with the theme “We Praise God for His Faithfulness.”
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19. Open to the congregation and the larger community, Saturday includes a picnic, carnival games, and more activities in the church parking lot. The lot is already a familiar space to attendees of the congregation’s Prayer Tent Ministry. Pastor Ben Gandy said the prayer ministry has been helpful in inviting the community to the anniversary celebration.
On Sunday some of East Leonard CRC’s former pastors will be present, including Terry Slachter (2002-2012) and Gerry Heyboer (2008-2021). Pastor Zach Olson (2013-2021) will send a video of congratulations and blessing from his current church in Florida. Congregants will enjoy a meal and a time of singing and sharing after the service.
Under the direction of anniversary celebration chair Steve Oosterheert and committee, an anniversary book has been prepared, including a historical account of the church along with various articles and memories submitted by the congregation.
Paul Jeltema, 95, is East Leonard CRC’s oldest lifelong member and is still attending worship, Gandy said.
Over the next year the congregation looks forward to replacing the parking lot prayer tent with a permanent structure to host the ongoing prayer outreach.