On Sunday evening , December 31, the Portland congregation gathered in the Fellowship Lodge to enjoy a wonderful New Year celebration that included food, fellowship, and a visual recap of events from the past year.

The evening began with a prayer led by Pastor Dave Lambert, who asked God to bless the food and the time of fellowship that was to follow. After the prayer, the room filled with chatter and the crowd began to form a line in which each person received a box of teriyaki chicken and white rice prepared by Rich Barrett and his crew. Next, everyone settled into their seats with family and friends at neatly set tables and a slideshow of photos from 2023 began to play. There were pictures of children in Sunday school, church events, camp meeting, youth activities, prayers being made, testimonies given, specials being played or sung, and time spent in fellowship with God and each other. The photos triggered memories for many attendees, and they began reminiscing about special events and experiences. Once the slideshow had finished, it began again for those who had arrived later or needed a second look at the photos. As conversations continued, people also enjoyed delightful peppermint ice cream and peppermint sugar cookies for dessert.

During the second viewing of the slideshow, people began to slowly disperse. It was a splendid evening of fellowship and reflection over the past year and the many amazing things God did in 2023!