Members of the Blue Mountain Valley Adventist Church, on Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m., honored police, fire, and emergency services personnel from the towns of Adams, Athena, Helix, and Weston.
Pastor John Nichols of the First Baptist Church of Athena presented plaques to the respective departments from each of the four communities.
Patriotic music was played by Wally Ratkie, pastor of the Assembly of God church in Weston, and Charleen Ratkie led the congregational singing. With a big smile, Sharlene Devereaux welcomed everyone to her home church.
Prayers were offered by pastors Delbert Durfee of the First Christian Church of Athena and Rod Harwood of the Helix Community Church. Roger Kruger, Blue Mountain Adventist pastor, reflected on 9-11. The video “Hope for the Homeland” was shown, with scenes from 9-11 and reflections on how lives have changed since then.
Carmen LaPorte sang, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and Charles Ford and Marlene Meadows led the congregation in a responsive homily. The service ended with the singing of “God Bless America.”
Members thank local member Everly Batuik and her Program Planning Committee for making the successful evening possible. •
