If everyone would please take their places and allow me, I would like to welcome each one gathered together at this opportunity for us to honor our beloved pastor on the occasion of his 70th Birthday. As part of our gift of love to our pastor, we will ask that those who are so inclined take the opportunity to share with the rest of us the joy of what Christ has been doing in various lives in our midst on Sunday Evening. It has always been a wonderful time, when we have taken the occasion to share with each other how wonderfully Christ is livingly working in our midst. This will be such an opportunity, and will alleviate the need for Dad to prepare a message for this Sunday. As you are lead, please come prepared to bless the assembly this Sunday Evening with testimonies, psalms, and songs bearing witness to the goodness of our God.
	This evening there will be a representative expression of what our pastor means to us, but first, we would like to recognize some of our guests who have joined us from afar, whether in distance or in time. The response to the invitations has varied from actually being able to join us, as evidenced by those gathered here, to the cards of well-wishers, and some verbal expressions from those who couldn’t attend due to illness, distance or obligations beyond their control. 
	It is wonderful to have with us:

	Later, you will be given a videotape that Bob has put together containing birthday greetings from some very familiar people. You will also have a slew of cards to open, great for those times in the early morning hours when you are restless and just need a touch of the love of God to start your day.
	Right now, however, there are those among us who would appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the splendid repast that has been lovingly gathered together at this banquet of the celebration of the Love of God that you are to each one of us.
	The order of food service will begin through these doors and will proceed around the patio to the far doors. There are serving tables with equivalent cuisine to allow for, hopefully, the prompt and efficient distribution of food. Our honored guest will precede the group with his family, and then our guests will be invited to follow. 
	As a vital announcement, it is imperative that none of the candles on the tables are lit. It is against fire codes to have any open flames or matches in this room so we ask you to enjoy the spendidly arranged table decor without lighting the candles.
	Now I will ask Todd Lyche to please lead us in the invocation and blessing as we begin this celebration?