CONGREGATION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

GRANADA HILLS - Rejoicing in spiritual gifts they believe are bestowed by the Holy Ghost, the congregation at Granada Hills Assembly of God Church will celebrate their own spiritual gifts at the church's 40th anniversary on Sunday.

Tucked away on Louise Avenue, just across the street from Patrick Henry Middle School, the Pentecostal church has thrived over the years thanks to its warm, friendly atmosphere and religious offerings, said the Rev. Dennis Schreiber.

``Our church has survived through a friendship evangelism concept,'' said Schreiber, who teasingly calls his congregation ``the hugging church'' because of the hearty greetings during Sunday sermons.

Church members Gloria Macias and her husband, Mike, have a different name for the church.

``We call it a lighthouse in the area,'' said Gloria Macias, a 33-year member, who is a special-education assistant at Mayall Elementary School in North Hills.

``Over the years people have felt welcome and it became their family church. It has been a place for children to be nurtured and a place to learn about the Lord,'' she said.

The church offers many social activities, including a youth group, a women's Bible study group and a bustling preschool for the past 15 years.

Renee Barbinis, her husband Elias and their two children discovered the church through friends whose youngsters attended the church's preschool. That was two years ago. They've been members ever since.

``My first impression was it was very friendly and kind,'' said Barbinis, who wasn't familiar with the emotional worship often seen in Pentecostal churches. ``They really loved the Lord. Their biblical teaching was very good. I felt comfortable there.''

Pentecostal or ``charismatic'' are words often used to describe the style of worship of Assembly of God churches, said Schreiber. Pentecostal comes from the biblical account of Pentecost, when the disciples of Jesus spoke ``in tongues'' as they were filled with Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit.

``We are a spirit-empowered denomination. The essence of Assembly of God churches is that we are Bible-believing and our distinctive message is the baptism of the Holy Spirit,'' Schreiber said.

The church's distinctive worship style is not the only draw that keeps Barbinis and her family coming back every Sunday. She also enjoys the church's small congregation.

``Sometimes you can get lost in the real big churches,'' she said. ``It's easy to talk to people in a smaller congregation. If I want to get into a ministry, I know I can.''

Macias said the church has played a vital role in her family's life. She hopes to be there to celebrate the church's next 40 years.

``My husband and I can look back and see how it helped give our four children a foundation. They didn't become involved in drugs or gangs because they had the Lord in their life,'' Macias said.

Founding and current pastors will lead the 40th anniversary service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Granada Hills Assembly of God Church, 10452 Louise Ave., Granada Hills. Call [phone].

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Renee Barbinis, youth pastor Ryan McCray, center, and the Rev. Dennis Schreiber will note Granada Hills Assembly of God's 40th anniversary on Sunday.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer