This cover illustrates at least to me what Community was all about; loving one another. It is also another example of the artwork that adorned Our Life Together.
As Ken starts this cover article he very clearly articulates why the term "ministry" may be over used. He wants to do away with roles and let each of us just be who we are; loving and serving one another. Ken clearly demonstrated this in his "ministry." Ken was just Ken -- although he could be bigger than life in some of the Elders meetings. He did insist on his prerogatives and authority. But his point was very well taken. I think that this concept was one of the high ideals practiced in community. He does take a swipe at professional counseling -- one of his pet theories. He didn't believe in the professional way of doing things and he really believed that he knew best. Of course, at the time, I agreed with him -- Seminary began to change my concepts. Looking back, Ken was right in some instances (on this issue of counseling) and wrong on others.
Perry Yates begins an article above which he continues on this page. It is a report of the "Green Lake" conference. Even in these days, the broad scope of speakers was amazing. I still marvel at what was happening in the 70s in the church. As Perry nears the end of the page, he begins to recount some of the personal things that he learned at the conference. I believe that Perry still lives in Chula Vista. He is a talented musician and a great cabinet maker.
Tim Pagaard presents another McFoone strip about discarding sin in order to feel God's presence.
As Perry's article is concluded, another article begins entitled "Gleanings from Green Lake." It starts with a little description about the conference grounds. The first speaker discussed was Leo Shlegal from Aloha, Oregon. I don't know the current whereabouts of him or what condition the church is in currently. The next speaker was Garfield Judkins from Ohio, who gave a testimony regarding physical healing. Then our own Stephanie Harris (Mahan) discussed the ministry that she had with the young girl Nancy Shukantz. Of course, Stephanie is still in the San Diego area, but I don't know what happened with Nancy. The page ends with a discussion of Ken's ministry there.
After Ken's article, Larry Clark continues "Quotable Quotes" from the conference. Howard Ervin was very active in the ABCF (American Baptist Charismatic Fellowship) for many years. He was dean of Graduate Studies at Oral Roberts University, and an Old Testament Scholar. He was a gentle, kindly scholar. He used to "wow" us with his vocabulary. But, I remember him most in the early 80s when I was a beginner pastor when he came alongside me and mentored me when we were at the conferences and other leadership meetings during the year. I miss him, but I don't even know for sure whether he is still living or not. He was a great man in our movement.
Pat Escalante presents an article on judging. Pat was a neat woman who had a tough life. Yet, she was kindly and upbeat. She worked with children at the church and I always appreciated how she ministered to my son. She finally died of cancer -- I believe that it was in the late 90s.
The children participated in dramas based upon the Narnia Chronicles of CS Lewis for several years. Mona Pagaard was the teacher and director of these efforts. The children loved the Narnia stories and the opportunity to participate in the dramas. Of course, we parents also really enjoyed them.
Clay and Cheri Ford attended the Green Lake conference. Now Clay is the National Director of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries (HSRM) the current incarnation of ABCF. There is also a little note about Julie Scott's healing. The page and the issue really concludes with an appeal for more funds to take care of expenses relating to the conference.
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