Fiftieth Anniversary

Today we attended a fiftieth anniversary celebration for my former congregation. Actually, there has been a congregation of that particular persuasion in that community for 174 years, but services began at that new site in 1960. It was a very special occasion to be able to return to that kind of celebration and see familiar faces, hear stories, and get lots of hugs and kisses. Of course, I left only two years ago, so I still remember the people and most of the names.

At the worship service, each of the pastor's got to speak for three minutes. Not all were able to do that. We shared a memory or story of something that happened during the period of our ministry.

There was a lovely luncheon provided and a program which followed. The program included music, a summary of the history, a power point presentation of memories, prayer, etc.

There is just no way to put into words all that one feels about being the spiritual leader of a congregation. There were people there whose lives I know for certain were actually impacted by my ministry. There were folks whom I know hold both Gerry and I in deep regard and affection. Some have shared that they became closer to God; others grew in their faith; at least one came to the Christian faith for the first time. There were numerous people there today who were confirmed during my years, or whose family members passed away, people with whom I have laughed and cried and prayed. To have had these experiences is very very humbling.

Perhaps the most amazing and surprising thing for me to realize, listening to the overall history, is the number of physical changes that took place during my years. They are numerous! They range from renovations of the education area on the first floor, the complete renovation of the lounge, the addition of a memorial garden, an elevator, a steeple.

I would certainly have hoped to have an impact on people's faith. It is sort of unexpected for me to ponder the meaning of the significant changes to the facility. Maybe that's because faith and facility are inextricably linked. Over the course of human history, faith has consistently been made manifest. [altars, tablets, ark of the covenant, temple, churches]

I'll have to reflect on the faith/facility notion for a while and see where it leads me. Perhaps, in the end, it is not too far removed from God (Spirit) being Incarnate, the Word made human flesh, Christ coming and living among us.