16 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, May 11, 2007 Georgetown Christian Reformed Church Celebrates 50 Years Rooted in Christ - Growing in Faith GCRC Celebrates 50 years One of the largest congregations in Halton Hills, the Georgetown Christian Reformed Church (GCRC), is joyfully marking its 50th anniversary this month. Since 1957 the church, on Trafalgar Rd., north of Maple Ave., has grown into a caring and supportive congregation of more than 600 members that includes Christians of all ages. Many of the 98 people who formed the original congregation are still represented in the Church's membership today. GCRC held its first service in the old Stewarttown Hall on January 27, 1957. The church later moved to a renovated dairy in downtown Georgetown and in 1967 to a new church on Trafalgar Rd. This building, having since undergone two expansions, is now one of the largest in Halton Hills with a seating capacity of over 600. The two regular services held each Sunday (10 a.m. and 6 p.m.) are led by the lead pastor, Rev. Gary van Leeuwen or the associate pastor, Rev. Ted Bootsma. GCRC offers a wide range of Christian educational ministries, including Cadets and GEMS for the youth; special services for groups of mentally and physically challenged adults and community programs such as Just Me and the Kids, a course for single parents and their children. Other programs at GCRC serve youth, young mothers and seniors. Bible study classes are ongoing. Last year the church deacons hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for those who were alone or new to Georgetown. The deacons plan to make this an annual event. Members of the congregation volunteer for a wide variety of local charities, clubs, and organizations. The church occasionally, as is the case presently, sponsors and aids in the settlement of refugee families in Georgetown. Martin Boomsma and Tom Schenk, long-standing members of the congregation, were both named Georgetown Citizens of the Year in recent years. Nearly a thousand churches are part of the Christian Reformed Church network in North America. In Canada the denomination has more than 78,000 members from B.C. to Nova Scotia. GCRC, located across from Jones Funeral Home, will hold a special 50th.anniversary program on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 - the Victoria Day weekend. Area residents are invited to attend these events: · Saturday, May 19, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: A "standup reception social" at Georgetown District Christian School (next to church). Followed by an hour-long program commemorating the anniversary at 7:30 p.m. in the church. · Sunday, May 20: 10 a.m. A Special thanksgiving service at GCRC with refreshments being served afterwards in the fellowship hall. For more information on GCRC and some of its denominational agencies check out the following websites: www.gcrc.on.ca and www.crcna.org Trafalgar Rd. - 1987 Stewarttown Hall - 1957 55 Main St. North - 1962 Trafalgar Rd. - 1967 Trafalgar Rd. - 2004 CIBC - The Manager & Staff of CIBC Main St. Congratulations on your 50th. JONES FUNERAL HOME We wish you the very best, in the future. Congratulations. GEORGETOWN CHILDREN CHORUS KEATES-GEISSLER PIPE ORGANS ROYAL LEPAGE MEADOWTOWNE REALTY Congratulations on fifty years of service to the congregation and the community. We encourage you in your continuing witness of the Reformed Faith in Halton Hills. - Tony & Carol Walraven GEORGETOWN CHORAL SOCIETY Congratulations to Georgetown Christian Reformed Church on your 50th Anniversary. Thank you for the use of your beautiful Sanctuary Happy 50th Anniversary! The fact that you're growing stronger We would like to express our congratulations on your every day is a result of your great faith and passion for your 50th Anniversary. church. Thanks for allowing us to rehearse in your wonderful VERSTRATE TRAVEL & CRUISES church and congratulations! Aurora & St. Catherines wishes you Gods Blessings in BENNETT VILLAGE the years to come. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary. ROBERTSON HALL INSURANCE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS Best wishes and blessings from the staff of Robertson Hall Congratulations and Best Wishes on the occasion of your 50th Insurance to the Georgetown Christian Reformed Church. Anniversary. GEORGETOWN TERMINAL WAREHOUSES GEORGETOWN MARKET PLACE Congratulations Georgetown Christian Reformed Church on 50 years of faithful service in our community. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary. HOWELL PIPE & SUPPLY We wish you Gods Blessing on your 50th Anniversary. GEORGETOWN NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAM Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary from all the children at Georgetown Nursery School. HOLLAND SHOP ACTON Congratulations on your Golden Anniversary.