18 Dec 2025, 10:27Sherril RichardsonPortsmouth, Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom
Garden of Love - Possibilities Ministry End-of-Year Banquet
On Sunday, 7 December 2025, Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Possibilities Ministry hosted its End‑of‑Year Banquet with the theme “Garden of Love.” The vibrant, garden‑themed décor created a warm, dignified atmosphere for fellowship and thanksgiving, embodying the ministry’s aim to champion inclusion, hospitality, and hope.
Seventeen guests from outside the Adventist community attended, including regular Centre of Hope food bank visitors and two members of the Romanian church. Community turnout surpassed church family attendance, reflecting the event’s outward‑facing mission and the trust built through year‑round service. Poetry and live music from church members and the Soli Deo Gloria Ensemble—a group formed by children from Areas 2 and 3—lifted spirits and filled the room with joy, encouraging conversation and connection among guests and volunteers.
“Thank you to the organisers for a wonderful, well‑organised party. The service, the food, and the entertainment were out of this world. I was glad to belong to this community. Keep up the good work—be blessed.”
A three‑course meal, prepared and presented by professional chefs within the church family, showcased careful planning and heartfelt service. Between courses, brief remarks highlighted the ministry’s purpose: accessible, dignified hospitality where seniors and individuals with additional needs experience genuine care, belonging, and hope. Volunteers and carers were thanked for their faithful support throughout the year, and guests were invited to share feedback and testimonies that would guide future gatherings.
“Rob and I just wanted to say a big thank you for a fantastic afternoon. We loved the music from such lovely, talented people and the company. It was such a happy time—vibrant and beautiful décor. We thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous meal! We are praising Father God with thankful, grateful hearts for you and everyone who made it so special and welcoming. God bless you all, and thanks to everyone!” — Delene McGeoch & Rob Greebe
The evening concluded in a spirit of gratitude—thanking all who contributed time, resources, and prayer—and with an open invitation to continue journeying together in the new year. The ministry signposted inclusive worship opportunities, community meals, and practical support, encouraging guests to stay connected and to invite friends and neighbours who might benefit from companionship and care. In closing, organisers reaffirmed a simple commitment: to cultivate a “garden” where every person was seen, cherished, and welcomed, and where hope took root through consistent, compassionate action.
Written by Sherril Richardson
Possibility ministries lead
Photography by Maricar Medina
On Sunday, 7 December 2025, Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Possibilities Ministry hosted its End‑of‑Year Banquet with the theme “Garden of Love.” The vibrant, garden‑themed décor created a warm, dignified atmosphere for fellowship and thanksgiving, embodying the ministry’s aim to champion inclusion, hospitality, and hope.
Seventeen guests from outside the Adventist community attended, including regular Centre of Hope food bank visitors and two members of the Romanian church. Community turnout surpassed church family attendance, reflecting the event’s outward‑facing mission and the trust built through year‑round service. Poetry and live music from church members and the Soli Deo Gloria Ensemble—a group formed by children from Areas 2 and 3—lifted spirits and filled the room with joy, encouraging conversation and connection among guests and volunteers.
“Thank you to the organisers for a wonderful, well‑organised party. The service, the food, and the entertainment were out of this world. I was glad to belong to this community. Keep up the good work—be blessed.”
A three‑course meal, prepared and presented by professional chefs within the church family, showcased careful planning and heartfelt service. Between courses, brief remarks highlighted the ministry’s purpose: accessible, dignified hospitality where seniors and individuals with additional needs experience genuine care, belonging, and hope. Volunteers and carers were thanked for their faithful support throughout the year, and guests were invited to share feedback and testimonies that would guide future gatherings.
“Rob and I just wanted to say a big thank you for a fantastic afternoon. We loved the music from such lovely, talented people and the company. It was such a happy time—vibrant and beautiful décor. We thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous meal! We are praising Father God with thankful, grateful hearts for you and everyone who made it so special and welcoming. God bless you all, and thanks to everyone!” — Delene McGeoch & Rob Greebe
The evening concluded in a spirit of gratitude—thanking all who contributed time, resources, and prayer—and with an open invitation to continue journeying together in the new year. The ministry signposted inclusive worship opportunities, community meals, and practical support, encouraging guests to stay connected and to invite friends and neighbours who might benefit from companionship and care. In closing, organisers reaffirmed a simple commitment: to cultivate a “garden” where every person was seen, cherished, and welcomed, and where hope took root through consistent, compassionate action.
Written by Sherril Richardson
Possibility ministries lead
Photography by Maricar Medina
