"A Word"
From Your Shepherd

Dr. Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty

Past "Words"

E-mail Pastor Gus

     A Generation. Often, 40 years is considered to be the time frame for a generation. This month, on September 5th, 6th, and 7th, we will be celebrating the fact that Fair Haven Assembly of God has been a VOICE for Jesus Christ in Dearborn Heights for a Generation…40 years! Many of you are familiar with the history of Fair Haven. It was started by a small group of 4 families. The German Church, Tabor Tabernacle, they had been attending in Detroit was closing its doors. This small group of Christ-followers felt God was directing them to start a new church in this Central Wayne County suburb, and Fair Haven Assembly of God was born in 1968.
     However, in 1972, the church was in some financial trouble. The founders originally hoped to establish a Christian Day Care Center to help with expenses. When the city declared the building didn't meet code for a Child Care Center, the financial troubles began. But God really wanted Fair Haven to succeed and grow. Southfield Assembly of God was looking for property to build a new church to accommodate their growing congregation. Rev. Fred McDaniel heard about Fair Haven and soon, the two churches merged.
     Over the course of its 40 year history in Dearborn Heights, Fair Haven has been blessed with godly leaders and a wonderful congregation. I am looking forward to a great time of celebrating what God has done for the past 40 years and looking forward to what God will do for generations to come. You have probably received your invitation and letter outlining the activities for the weekend. Let me briefly review them with you. Friday, Sept. 5, a Celebration Banquet will be held at Warren Valley Golf Course & Banquet Hall. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required ($20.00 each - Kids 6-12, $12.95). Rev. Fred McDaniel will be our special guest. And we'll watch a PowerPoint presentation telling the history of Fair Haven. Saturday evening, beginning at 7:00 p.m., we will feature some of the music and drama talents God has given to Fair Haven over the years. A cookie and punch reception will follow the service, in the Fellowship Hall.
     The weekend will culminate with our service on Sunday morning. The service will take place in the sanctuary and will be followed by our Annual Church Picnic. Unfortunately, Rev. Hugh Duncan (Pastor of Fair Haven from 1982-1992) will not be able to be with us. His recent surgery makes it impossible for him and Joyce to travel from Springfield, MO. to Dearborn Heights. But he is planning on sending a video taped greeting and we are making plans to have a live telephone conversation with Pastor Duncan that Sunday morning. By the way, we are changing the service time for that Sunday only. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
     I know this will be a great celebration and a wonderful way to launch the Fall Ministries of Fair Haven. I trust you are planning to be with us. And I hope you bring a friend or two to celebrate with you!

Blessings to you!
Pastor Gus Flaherty