12 Sep 530 Attend Hillsdale’s 15th Friends and Family Day
Pastor Les Smith speaking as the Apostle Paul, while dressed in prison garb.
Pastor Les Smith winning, once again, on the water slide.
Hillsdale UB church (Hillsdale, Mich.) celebrated its 15th annual Friends and Family Day on Sunday, August 25. Attendance hit 530.
The day included an outdoor service in the amphitheater at Michindoh Conference Center, followed by a free picnic for the community and water recreation.
Pastor Les Smith (right) portrayed the Apostle Paul and dramatized the book of Colossians. Paul wrote the book while a prisoner, so a Michigan state trooper from the congregation, Art McNew, escorted Pastor Les to and from the amphitheater. The “Apostle” appeared in chains wearing the garb of a prisoner from the Hillsdale County Jail.
Pastor Smith says he went down the water slide eight times this year. “I let the little kids tie or slightly beat me as we race down. As for the teens, I cut them no slack. I beat them 4 out of 4 this year. I don’t know if I’ve ever been beat by a teen. The adults get a kick out of watching their pastor whip on the teens. A 62-year-old guy can still get ‘er done.”
He adds, “Just like every year, it looks like we gained families from the event. Two new families and one local collegian, who first attended the outdoor service, have returned to church.”
Michelle Nichols
Posted at 14:41h, 17 SeptemberPastor les has always been competitive!! he always had fun with us in youth group and also as a church! him and linda were a hoot and would do anything for ya! that is why my husband and i fell in love with the Smith family and attended church there in Flint and thats when we had asked Pastor to marry us and it was awesome 17 yrs later God is still blessing Mike and I and our Marriage!! Thank you Pastor Les for everything!!!