Elk City Church Celebrates Homecoming Sabbath with Former Pastors and Reconnected Members
ELK CITY, Okla. — The Elk City Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed former pastors and longtime friends during a special Homecoming Sabbath that drew approximately 50 attendees for a day of worship, fellowship and renewed connections.
Among the guests were former pastor Wes Via, who now pastors in Richardson, Texas, along with spouse Lauren and children Jaime and Clay. Former Elk City pastor Dan Johnson and spouse Sylvia also joined the celebration, giving members an opportunity to reconnect and share memories from previous years of ministry.
The event was the culmination of months of effort by the church's Reconnect Committee, whose members worked diligently to locate and personally invite former members and attendees back to church. Their efforts resulted in several meaningful reunions, including the return of one individual who had not attended services since the early part of the congregation's ministry in 2022.
Throughout the Sabbath, members enjoyed worship, fellowship and the opportunity to hear stories of God's leading in the lives of those who have been part of the Elk City church family over the years. Organizers described the gathering as a tremendous success and a testament to the importance of intentional outreach and relationship-building.
"The day was a blessing for everyone involved," church members shared. "Seeing former pastors, reconnecting with members we had not seen in years and celebrating God's faithfulness made this Homecoming Sabbath especially meaningful."
The Elk City congregation continues to emphasize member care, community outreach and evangelism while seeking to strengthen relationships within its church family. Leaders expressed gratitude for the work of the Reconnect Committee and for the many members and guests who made the event a memorable occasion.
Homecoming Sabbath served as a reminder that the bonds formed through faith and fellowship remain strong, and that a simple invitation can open the door to renewed participation in the life and mission of the church.
Reported by Jasmine Purvis Smith
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