On the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Friendship Company Seventh‑day Adventist Church (TFC SDA), joined by friends of the congregation, carried out another heart‑warming chapter of our ongoing Love Project. This initiative, rooted in Total Membership Involvement, brought joy, music, and Christian fellowship to two senior homes in Lacombe: Spruce Terrace and Cameron Manor.
But the story began long before the first song was sung.
Preparing Love in Action
On Friday, April 3, the church family gathered at 7:00 p.m. at our Lacombe location (5109 51st Street) to prepare the gift packages and rehearse the program. The atmosphere was buzzing with teamwork and laughter as members of all ages worked together.
Under the leadership of Sister Wendy Machan, our Children’s Division Leader, the children created beautifully decorated heart‑shaped Easter cards, each carrying a warm message of hope and encouragement. Their creativity set the tone for the entire project.
Meanwhile, other groups worked assembly‑line style:
- One group added Bible verse stickers to the cups
- Another placed the cards and two packets of ginger‑lemon‑honey tea inside
- A third group cut sheets of transparent packaging paper
- The children cut ribbons to uniform lengths
- And the final team wrapped each cup with care, curling the ribbons for a pristine, gift‑ready presentation
Every hand contributed. Every heart was involved. It was the church at its best — united in purpose and overflowing with love.
After Sabbath worship, where the message “He Is Risen, the Tomb Is Empty” was preached, the church family enjoyed a quick lunch and gathered for a final rehearsal. Then, with joyful anticipation, we made our way to Spruce Terrace to begin the evening’s ministry.
A Christ‑Centered Program at Spruce Terrace
The program followed a crucifixion‑to‑resurrection theme, narrated by Dr. Chloe Weir and Jashenah Parchment. Their narration was interwoven with music from the TFC Program Choir, directed by Pastor Mario Parchment.
The residents were treated to a rich musical experience, including:
- “Jesus Paid It All” — featuring a duet by the Adams sisters and a solo by Hannah Amankwah
- A dramatic rendition of “In Pilate’s Courtroom”
- A stirring delivery of “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”
- Fred Mwilima’s heartfelt performance of “The Old Rugged Cross”
- Hannah’s powerful lead on “The Blood That Jesus Shed for Me”
- Pastor Mario’s moving solo, “Then Came the Morning”
- And a finale that could only be described as “award‑winning”: Fred Mwilima leading “Champion of Love” with the choir providing strong, harmonious support
At one point, a resident asked, “Can we clap? We are enjoying it — the singing is just beautiful.”
That simple question captured the spirit of the evening. The residents were all smiles. Marsha, one of the residents, expressed how truly happy she was to have us there. George stood and spoke on behalf of the group, thanking the church for coming and blessing their evening. A special moment came when Anita, one of our children whose membership was recently transferred, presented a love package to George, who was celebrating his birthday — just one day after her own. The choir joyfully sang “Happy Birthday” for him.
After conversations with the residents — and feedback from our December visit when we brought the Nativity program — we announced that beginning Sabbath, April 11, we would bring Sabbath worship to Spruce Terrace for one hour each week. The residents received the news with gratitude and excitement.
Second Blessing at Cameron Manor
From Spruce Terrace, the team traveled to Cameron Manor to share a similar program. The evening began with prayer by Sister Ruby Adams.
Two residents, Rhoda and Jenna, attended the program and were visibly moved. Their smiles never faded from the opening prayer to the final note. After receiving their love gifts, they expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit.
As we packed up to leave, another resident arrived — disappointed that she had missed the program due to waiting for an important call. Dr. Chloe Weir lovingly presented her with a gift, ensuring she too felt included and remembered.
With that final presentation, another chapter of the The Friendship Company SDA Love Project came to a close. But the spirit of service continues. Another project will be coming soon — and if the enthusiasm of our members is any indication, it will be embraced with the same unity and joy.
To every member of the Friendship Company Seventh-day Adventist Church and every friend who supported this initiative: thank you. Special thanks to Darry Davis whose musical skill and dedication has been a blessing to our congregation. In moments like these as we experience your skill and flexibility, we thank God for sending you as such a time as this. To everyone, your dedication made this a resounding success. “When God’s people unite in love and mission, there is nothing — and no one — that can stop them”.
By Mario Parchment