SILVER SPRINGS SHORES CHURCH—A LIGHT IN THE COMMUNITY

by Norma Henry
A 25th anniversary milestone is most certainly a time of celebration. For Silver Springs Shores Church members in Ocala, Fla., it was also a time to reflect on how God has led the congregation.
Membership Changes
In 1985, 45 members from Ocala Church became a nucleus for the new Silver Springs Shores Church. Over the years, membership has grown to where it now stands at nearly 250.
Facility Changes
The church was erected in 1987 by church members and a team from Maranatha Volunteers International. Recently, the sound room was enlarged, the pastor’s study took on a new look, and the restrooms and rostrum were remodeled. The Agape Center, built in 2001, presently houses Sabbath School classes, youth programs, and the Health Food Store.
Outreach Programs
The church campus is busy throughout the week with activities such as: a Bible study and a vesper program on Saturday evenings, a prayer and praise meeting at 6:30 Sunday morning followed by a free lighten-up, tighten-up exercise class, and prayer meeting on Wednesday evenings.
Youth Programs
The youth keep busy with Adventist Youth Society (AYS) and other meetings in addition to recreational activities. When local high school graduation programs fell on Sabbath, many of the church’s students took a firm stand and chose not to attend. By special request, graduation exercises were scheduled for an alternate date at the church with public school principals and other graduation personnel in attendance. The church also rewarded the graduates with a trip.
Celebration Weekend
Highlights of the anniversary weekend included music from Evidence By Name, the church’s original youth choir; a message by Pastor Donna Holland, wife of former senior Pastor Glenn Holland; and the Sabbath sermon “Hold On! Reach On! Lean On!” by Pastor Glenn Holland.
It is the church’s desire to continue bearing the light that led up to this 25th anniversary in preparation for the greatest celebration of all with our Savior and King at His second coming.