The last Friday of every month for the past year, with a break during the summer months, has seen an interfaith Adult Fellowship Group come together.
The idea first developed with Eldon and Anita Kehler with Roy and Karen Olmstead. Getting together for games and to visit, Anita mentioned she saw a need in the community to bring the congregations of all the churches together creating fellowship amongst all.
"We felt there was a lacking of fellowship amongst the churches, so we thought let's try it," Roy Olmstead, the chairperson of the group, explained. "All the churches are represented now."
Roy explained that the idea for the group was then brought forth to others in the community which resulted in approximately 20 people coming together for the first event.
Since then word has spread and nearly 40 people are regularly involved each month fulfilling its goal of connecting people with shared convictions.
"The purpose of this inter-faith group is to give an opportunity for good fellowship that includes fun, food, and a devotional time each morning," the group explains.
In addition to Roy as chairperson, Pastor Paul Moore is the vice-chair, Eldon Kehler is the secretary-treasurer, Karen takes charge of communications, and the planning committee consists of Rev. Sung Shim and his wife Lynda, Jerry and Joyce Brown, the Kehlers, Pastor Moore and his wife Heather, as well as the Olmsteads.
These nights of fellowship are open to anyone interested, which is how 72 people arrived for the group's fellowship dinner on Friday, Nov. 29.
The large crowd was amassed for a turkey dinner, a musical act, and, guest speaker, MLA Don Toth.
The turkey dinner was prepared by those involved with the group, while young volunteers served coffee, juice, and dessert.
The meal was followed by the musical talents of Roy and Karen's family including their daughter Kerrie Keith and granddaughter Kristen as well as Kerrie's husband Collin and his parents Percy and Esther.
The extremely talented family played a number of Christmas carols with the entire hall joining in.
This was then followed by Don Toth speaking about his service to the Moosomin constituency to which he has been elected since 1986. Coming from humble roots of a farmer, Toth's life slowly led him towards politics, which he has been thankful to serve where he does.
"When I entered politics I told my constituents that my priorities in life were my faith and my belief in the heavenly Father who loved me, my family, and then each and every one of you," Toth explained.
"I've never had anyone say to me anything but we really appreciate that because that's what we've elected you to do, to put your family first. And I just serve in an awesome area where people have respect for those in leadership even if they make mistakes, they have respect for those in leadership who set their priorities and live by those priorities and we can all do that."
Toth also explains that he has been able to be successful in serving both God and the constituents of Moosomin because he has been blessed with the skills of speaking and listening to others.
"If you have that ability and that wisdom to just step back and be willing to talk to people, willing to listen it's amazing what you can do and what you can accomplish," Toth stated.
Overall the night of fellowship was one which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The dinner, the music, and the guest speaker brought out a togetherness which is sometimes lost.
