The Cottage Grove (Ore.) Church is growing. Last year's sanctuary renovation included a new baptistery. A rededication ceremony was held on March 8, 2008, with Don Livesay, then Oregon Conference president, giving the keynote sermon.
The baptisms began on March 29, with Malinda Thompson and Donette Meerbergen.
Later in 2008, more candidates prepared for baptism with Len Tatom, pastor, and on Jan. 3, 2009, Bryan Perrodin, Shartell Kidd, Kiana Kidd and Andrea Davis were baptized.
Then on Jan. 17, Kathleen Darnell, a student from Emerald Christian Academy, entered the baptismal waters.
An afternoon service on Jan. 31, witnessed the church members' glad acceptance of two men: Rhiney Peschell, through baptism, and Derl Sandwick, through profession of faith.
Harlan and Cindy Gowing and Corey Kidd are also preparing to follow their Lord in this beautiful rite of baptism.
Front row, from left: Corey Kidd, Cindy Gowing, Kathleen Darnell, Andrea Davis and Kiana Kidd. Back row: Len Tatom (pastor), Harlan Gowing, Rhiney Peschell, Derl Sandwick, Shartell Kidd and Bryan Perrodin.
