After a four-year hiatus, on Aug. 17–19, 2018, the Eagle River and Wasilla churches, both pastored by Carl Butler Jr., held their highly anticipated combined services at the Lake Lucille campground. The weekend service was planned with the intent to bring the two churches together in fellowship as the theme dictated, “One Body of Christ.”
Eighty-one church members attended the weekend; 10 of those were visitors from other churches. Although the month of August had been rainy, God blessed the group with beautiful, sunny weather.
The ultimate goal was to create a unique worship experience coupled with breakout sessions surrounding the total functionality of the church as one. The weekend began with a Friday night service during which the campers used their surroundings to re-create a favorite Bible verse demonstrating the effectiveness of working together as one.
The Sabbath worship experience was highly attended. Youth led the music. After a hearty potluck, the afternoon events consisted of a scavenger hunt, breakout sessions surrounding the theme and a veggie hotdog roast.
Breakout sessions topics covered a variety of topics: biblical health, daily devotions, how to study the Bible, how to connect with God and how to overcome worry. The weekend closed with a hearty Sunday breakfast.
This was a cherished experience that left a spark of unity within the attendees’ hearts as they push onward within their district, eagerly awaiting Christ’s second return.
Carl Butler Jr., pastor (third from left), enjoys a Sabbath meal with members from the Wasilla and Eagle River churches.
Lake Lucille in Wasilla was the site for the combined worship weekend.
