Family Day at Gateway

by Linda M. Steinke

Friday, February 22, 2013

The inflatable obstacle course was a huge hit as this young man proves as he scrambles through a hole in the course.

   City of Leduc – Last Monday, February 18th, Gateway Family Church (known for 30 years as the Leduc Worship Centre) located on BlackGold Drive in Leduc, held its 7th Annual Family Day Event. I was astounded to hear that a contingent of 55 church leaders, staff and volunteers greeted, fed and and entertained 900 guests in three hours (yes, nine hundred guests!!). Kim Logan, church administrator and her hubby Mark confirmed that the entire day was fun, crowded and filled with a joyous and positive mood! There was a large registration area in the church’s main foyer, and that was the Start of the Adventure. It is interesting to note that this church measures 30,000 square feet, and that every square foot was utilized: that’s probably minus the Senior Pastor’s office…
   Downstairs, many activities kept everyone happy: the Thistle Hill Petting Farm minded by kid-friendly owners Al and Carol, with their multiple farm critters (and a young wallaby!) was understandably a very busy spot and the 60-foot inflatable trek was a lot of fun. Junebug’s face painting was delightful as usual, and the Carnival Games were well-planned and enjoyed by kids of all ages. At the end of the Adventure, hay rides were available in the parking lot, a treat for many. Laughter and hearty greetings were seen throughout the building. Many grand-parents were proud to attend this event with the little ones, and I am proud that I personally talked about this event to many friends and neighbors, before and after Pastor Josh Frey showed up at our door in South Telford with his wife, baby in a stroller and friend to promote the event in our neighborhood…
   Two special guests entertained the adult guests –and the kids, too: Eskimo players Nate Coehoorn and Simeon Rottier were signing autographs for football fans, and the line was long to meet them! Also, the MOJO Photo Booth was a popular attraction, allowing individuals and entire families to don fun hats and fashion items to get their photos taken by Dennis Hirsch, the congenial and patient ‘photobooth’ operator/owner. I found out that besides corporate and community events, this young and dynamic entrepreneur is keeping busy with fundraisers and charity events.
   Katie Frey, holding Bennett, her alert and adorable 5-months-old son, attended the event for a couple of hours and she said the time just flew by, as so many people kept the place hopping and fun: she added that it was a thrill to see many first time visitors join in the festivities. At the end of the event, guests were invited into the sanctuary where some fun skits took place, the first one was when the two Eskimos activated the limbs of two church leaders/actors to the crowd’s delight during a hilarious “improv” skit. The church’s new large screen was put to good use during the skits, and one of the presenters (improv actors) was Dave Swan of the “Panic Squad”.
   Laughter and chuckles were heard throughout the room during all the comedic skits, and some people were seen slapping their thighs in laughter! Gateway’s Senior Pastor Landen Dorsch took a few moments to share the Good News that “God loves each one of us”, and reminded us that “Fun, Joy and Laughter are elements of who we are as Christians, because God wanted us to have a life that we could enjoy abundantly”. The Church is presenting a Gateway Production next Sunday February 24th. More info can be obtained by calling the Church office at 780-986-1414 .

Well, many people sure seemed to have enjoyed this celebration at Gateway Family Church… abundantly!

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