It is not often that we as a church family have the opportunity to meet together with our sister churches dressed in our "After 5" garb for a night on the town. However, that opportunity arose with the first Biennial Winter Gala, sponsored by the Your Bible Speaks Community Choir. This year's hosts were Louis and Deborah Turner. Attendees were blessed and amazed by the musical talents of Jaime Jorge, who tore the place down with his rendition of the Lutheran hymn "A Mighty Fortress," and The Old Thyme Religion Singers, who took us back to the days when gospel music consisted of more heartfelt, biblical lyrics and well-blended acapella harmonies. YBSCC also sang their version of the negro spiritual "Done Made My Vow to the Lord." Guests attended from as far north as Seattle, Wash., to as far south as Sacramento, Calif. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Portland, Ore., whose staff provided excellent service to each guest. YBSCC extends special thanks to Operation ReachBack, Inc., Portland Chapter, and the North Pacific Union Conference Office of Regional Affairs for their support and sponsorship of this grand event. The verdict is in: All who attended are already asking about the next winter gala! The planning for the Biennial Winter Gala 2013 has already begun, so please keep your eyes open for updates.
