On the Alhambra church's 80th anniversary, which members ceebrated Oct. 7, the congregation signaled its affirmation of younger generation leaders with a generational passing of the torch.

As young adults passed the torch to peers, they symbolized their commitment to leadership roles in music ministries, contemporary worship services, a sign language group, Pathfinders and Adventurers and VBS. “We are very blessed to have their youthful enthusiasm and energy in the church,” said Talbot.

The anniversary program drew residents and former members who came from many states to remember what the church had been in their lives and to reconnect with relatives and friends. “The celebration was really a ministry to many who had not been attending any church in some time,” the pastor added.

Malcolm Talge, who attended second grade in 1933 in the Alhambra church school and still attends the church, recounted historical highlights. “The first church that the congregation owned was on 2nd Street. Ground for the current church building was broken later,” he recalled.

Shirley Wood Kunkel attended in the '50s when the church was on 2nd Street. “I helped build the current church," said Kunkel. "The kids were assigned to put vinyl tile in the loft so that’s how I helped. I was active in the Pathfinders and I was married here. My first job was with an Alhambra pastor. My parents, Clyde and Valerie Wood, were here ‘forever’!”

The celebration began with a breakfast and included a discussion panel composed of previous pastors, the morning worship service, an afternoon concert with memories and reflections from current and past members and an evening dinner and social time. Children and young people were active in the the day’s programming, as were senior members.

In her worship message, Talbot noted, “With this 80th anniversary, the Alhambra church is essentially celebrating two 40-year periods. In biblical times, 40-day/year periods were times to learn to trust God for deliverance, as in the case of Noah, Moses and Jesus. The church has learned that deliverance comes from the Lord, not ourselves. For Christians, the ultimate assurance in the future in the cross, the past event of salvation. When we remember the past, we are assured of the future. ”

To illustrate, Talbot invited the congregation to take the ribbon bookmark with a small cross attached that was placed in the bulletin and tie them on their fingers. "When you see this ribbon, remember the future," she urged.