ARCADIA–Nearly 250 people gathered in the Arcadia High School Gym on Friday, March 25th for the 36th Annual United Methodist Men’s Family Banquet. They left being well-fed, both physically and spiritually. A fine meal was served by Whitefoot Catering to begin the evening.
Kevin and Heidi Cheng from Central City provided some music on the violin and piano prior to the meal. Pastor Jeff Hale served as the Master of Ceremonies. Justin Lueck, a senior at Arcadia High School delivered the Invocation. Following the roast beef and salmon dinner, the Cheng’s provided additional inspirational and entertaining music plus a personal testimony about how God brought Kevin to America from Taiwan and his story of conversion to Christianity.
Mr. Seth Denney followed with his keynote address which had a theme which he borrowed from ABC’s The Wide World of Sports back in the 1970’s…
“The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of defeat.” Mr. Denney shared the story of his days growing up, the son of a basketball coach. He spoke about his many successes and expectations, along with some defeats throughout high school and as a player at Hastings College. He shared stories about his own family, which consists of his wife of 25 years and their three children.
Seth then related how the experiences of both winning and losing in his athletic endeavors have served him in the trials of real life. He encouraged all who attended to build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because, no matter what happens, Jesus is always with you…whether in the thrill of victory or in the agony of defeat. He said you can count on Jesus to celebrate with you when you win and to pick you up when you are facing defeat.
Following Seth’s message, Bruce Ash presented him with a remembrance plaque made from floor boards from Arcadia’s old gym, along with a basketball jersey from the days of the Arcadia Huskies. Katie Heyen, a senior at Arcadia High School delivered the Benediction.
