More than 1,000 young and not-so-young people converged on the grounds of the Evangelical Center in Milwaukie, Ore., for the ninth annual Oregon Conference Children’s Worship Festival. The festival focuses on providing special programming for children, ages 5–12, and a learning experience for parents and children's ministries leaders.
Organized by Sherri Uhrig, Oregon Conference children’s ministries director, and Shirley Allen, assistant director, the 2005 program featured the MCO production, “Hadassah.” This exciting musical uniquely brought to life the biblical book of Esther.
The afternoon activities at Gladstone Park Convention Center included lunch, activity stations for kids, and a parenting seminar by Byron Keller, founder and executive director of Milwaukie-based Agape Youth and Family Ministries.
The next Children’s Worship Festival is scheduled for March 11, 2006.
Children of all ages enjoyed the musical, "Hadassah," presented by MCO Productions. Pictured: Sierra Watson and her mother, Jodie Aakko. (Amy L. Schrader)
The Children's Worship Festival provides a time for families to come together and enjoy the retelling of one of the Bible's most popular stories. Pictured: Jeremy Hartwell and daughter Jasmin. (Amy L Schrader)
Fair maidens await their interview with the king. (Gary McLain)
The king's messenger delivers a "mandatory invitation" for Hadassah to come to the palace. (Gary McLain)
Kate Mayne, second from left in first row, portrayed a young Hadassah in MCO's musical. (Gary McLain)
Craft time was a popular afternoon activity during the Children's Worship Festival. Pictured are cousins Tina McLain and Lanessa Long. (Gary McLain)
