“We Dedicate this
Building...” It’s
hard to believe that our big dedication day is over! During these past
four months I have been mulling over in my head the many fond memories
that I have from the day. I’m thankful that Paul, Ingrid and Tim could
be with us for a rich morning communion service that moved me deeply. I
remember that the rain came and then went away with perfect timing – as
foretold. I can still hear the bell calling us to gather for our service
and see that beautiful new processional cross lifted up and leading the
way. I was touched that the Bishop wore his liturgical finest and made
the long trip to be with us and to bless us.
I remember that we processed.
We moved from one place to the next, throughout our beautiful new
building. And boy did we bless things – people, kids, the church, the
study, the "pastor’s porch", the hall and even the bathrooms – a first
(and maybe the last) for our Bishop.
And then who could forget the
meal! Food that celebrated our rural heritage. Tables laden with our
fruitful abundance. Tables dressed with our creativity and God’s floral
amazement. And did I mention the pie? I told my colleagues to come and
that they would be amazed. And they were!
We had 17 ministers from our
ecumenical friends in and around Salisbury, our partners from Area 9 and
the faithful clergy who have served Peace over the years. They came to
celebrate with us, as did the Vice President of our Central States Synod
and our Associate Mission Leader. They came and blessed us with their
presence and even danced. We thankfully have the pictures to prove it! I
can still see all of those wonderful pictures of our friends and family
gathered together in love and celebration for this place.
And now the GIFT! Most of you
have already heard by now about our good fortune. Nearly two years ago
we began to plan for this building. We worked together to raise a
structure that was based on our creative plans, utilized all of our
gifted laborers and would be a gift for generations to come. After our
beautiful dedication we began to prepare for the process of paying off
our remaining debt through gifts, fundraisers and our own dedicated
stewardship. We anticipated a long journey ahead. All that changed when
one of our members stepped forward and in loving memory of her family
paid off the entire remaining balance on our building loan debt. The
entire debt is now paid in full and we are reveling in this amazingly
unexpected grace.
On Sunday, October 3rd at the
conclusion of worship we will process once more around the church – this
time to the foot of the great fire. If you are able please join us as we
prepare to ritually burn the mortgage for our new building and celebrate
our community life with a festive church picnic. After worship we will
have a congregational meeting followed by an outdoor meal. Join us in
celebrating our amazing grace!
Peace, Pastor Chris
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