Alliance Church hosts largest Business After Hours event to date

The Chinook Alliance Church had a large turnout when members hosted the January Business After Hours event in The Annex. Earlier, Pastor Dennis Fendorff said, "Part of the reason we wanted to host a Business After Hours event was to let people see our new offices and educational facility." The remodeled building was the site of L & L Pizza, just up the hill from the church's sanctuary at the corner of Indiana Street and Highway 2. The church began using The Annex last September.

Members had prepared cheese burgers with all the trimmings...and lots of desserts. Despite some spitting snow members were cooking burgers on grills in front of the building, passing the burgers through the office window to a waiting line of guests.

One Sunday school room was very 'kid-friendly.' Theresa Ellison and Nellie Jo Nicholson were helping youngsters make 'slime' and pine cone bird feeders. The kids seemed to be having a great time. Other Sunday school rooms and the large meeting room, at the west end of the building, were filled with diners enjoying their burgers.

Jennifer Hellman, representing the Chamber of Commerce, welcomed everyone to the event. She noted this was the start of the third year for the Business After Hours program and the biggest turnout in the history of Business After Hours. She introduced Pastor Findorff who also welcomed the guest on behalf of the Alliance Church.

Findorff said when he came to be the pastor of the church seven years ago he thought the L & L Pizza building would be an excellent additional facility for the church. Two years ago the building was for sale and the church purchased it.

Findorff used the example of how The Annex was renovated as a parallel to the 'business' of the church, renovating people's hearts. He added it was a privilege for the church to be a part of the community and a partner with the Chamber. Later, in a post event interview, he added, "The attendance was overwhelming, we were very pleased with the turnout and having so many guests visit The Annex."

The February Business After Hours will be hosted by the American Garage. That's set for February 11. Business After Hours events allow chamber members to showcase their products and services. Everyone is welcome to attend.