Church celebrates 55th anniversary
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
On May 16, Leisure World Assembly of God ( LWAG) celebrated 55 years of ministry in Seal Beach and Leisure World. The Rev. Ray and Fern Shamp started the church in May 1966 and pastored faithfully for 35 years, until 2001.
The pastoral role was then filled by Pastors Joseph and Carolyn Prettyman, 2001-2013; Pastors John and Judy Heide, 2013-2017; Pastors Paul and Norma Grasser, interim; Pastors Sam and Pat Pawlak, 2017-2020; and Pastors Chuck and Sheryl Franco, beginning in December 2020.
Leisure World Assembly of God cooperates and is actively involved with the Interfaith Council, having participated in the Good Friday/Passover observance and the National Day of Prayer. Since March, LWAG has met on Sundays at 11 a.m. in the amphitheater. As the clubhouses reopen, inside services will resume, along with a weekly Bible study and the much-loved hymn sing. People will enjoy monthly fellowship breakfasts and lunches, as well as other outings and fellowship groups as restrictions ease.
One of the core values of LWAG is to honor the past and forge the future. The wonderful work that was done by decades of pastors and people is a solid foundation on which to build. Leisure World Assembly of God looks forward to the next 55 years of presenting the gospel, training disciples, and loving and serving people.
