“Hearts in Worship, Hands at Work”
14th Anniversary Theme of WIN-Seattle/Tacoma
Our community celebrated its 14th anniversary on the last week of October. This celebration of God’s favor and faithfulness involved a collection of activities that both counted the previous year’s gains and prepared the leaders and workers for the coming church year.
We started the celebration by going on a retreat entitled “Unplugged” on October 18-19, 2013 at Lakeview Christian Retreat Center in Auburn, WA . The lakeside venue was ideal for reconnecting and recharging. Their prayer times were guided by “The Circle Maker – Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears”, a video curriculum by Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. They spent the last few moments of the retreat interceding for the church and its upcoming activities, praying for one another, and anointing with oil.
On Friday, October 25, all the Workers gathered at the church Center for “Workers Appreciation Night”. Pastor Vino, Sis. Maica and their children, Amica (14 yrs. old) and Vito (9 yrs. old) hosted the night and showed their appreciation for all the hard work and sacrifice that the workers had displayed so excellently to serve the Lord in the past year. Food, gifts, games and special numbers were Pastor Vino & Sis. Maica’s way of saying, “Thank you, we appreciate you!” to all the workers of the church.
On Sunday, October 27, 2013, the celebration culminated in a Worship Service where about 150 people gathered to praise and thank the Lord for His unfailing love and faithfulness to the community. Pastor Vino also introduced 2014’s upcoming theme: “Hearts in Worship, Hands at Work (Pray. Connect. Serve)”. Sis. Maica Atienza led the Praise and Worship team and special numbers were handled by The Hanson Brothers, a Christian singing group that ministers to churches and nursing facilities in the Puget Sound area. It was indeed special!
Pastor Dondi Castillo, associate pastor, introduced and presented a slideshow of the “Year in Review” in photos. Pastor Babes Paulate, WIN-USA Overseer was there to pray for the Pastor, Council and Leadership Community of the local church. Pastor Vino Atienza preached the Word and gave an altar call where about a dozen people received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The Choir sang “The Mission” as they closed out the celebration. The anniversary lunch treat was served and the celebration continued into the early afternoon – hearing more special presentations by The Youth Ministry and again The Hanson Brothers.
On this 14th year of our church, we are indeed dreaming big and praying through while operating on the theme: “Hearts in Worship, Hands at Work”.