Founding pastor attends church reunion

More than 250 attended the Penryn Faith Foursquare Church, 2252 Penryn Road, reunion June 21.Pastor Gail Sponsler, who founded the church in Orangevale in the late 1960s, came from Oregon to be with his "church family." The church relocated to Penryn in 1974.Sponsler's five grown children also attended the eventBob Birch, who pastored the church 10 years after Sponsler moved to Vallejo, came from Mojave with his family to see old friends and former parishioners. Tony Gavia, who pastored the church until recently, also attended.Rev. Bob Owen, who came to Penryn in January, hosted the event."It was great seeing everyone again," Owen said. "It may be the last time we see some of our friends this side of heaven." Guests listened to music by Christian recording group Psalmody, Randy Richardson, The Owen Sisters and many former choir members who joined together for songs from the 1970s musical "Come Together."A table of memories was laden with photos and address books for guests to see.Services at Penryn are Sundays at 10 a.m. and a common meal is served before Thursday's Bible study at 6:30 p.m.Call 663-3226.