150 Years: “The Family of God”

Last Saturday I sat down to watch a video created by Lu Ann Miller’s father Bob Frerichs. He had taken home video clips of our church from 1952-1976. I was fascinated by it even though I didn’t know anyone in the film until around 1976. I found myself pondering, smiling and even shedding some tears. Why? Because it reminded me that a church just isn’t a building or programs or agendas. A church is family. Our church has been blessed for 150 years because we are family. The evidence was in the film:

·         Picnics with great food, gunny sack races, egg toss, tug of war, lots of laughter and sharing

·          Christmas Eve programs with angels, shepherds, the wise men and of course baby Jesus

·         Gatherings held together on Sunday to worship, to encourage and share life together

·         Children’s musicals

·         Cantatas

·         Baptisms

·         Potlucks where everyone went for Sonjia’s almond bars, Margaret’s carrot cake and Linda’s ham balls

·         Sunday School classes – Sunday School parties

·         People chatting with one another about their week – their hopes- their losses and their joys

·         Skating parties – bridal showers – wedding showers – youth gatherings –

·         Caring for one another in times of loss

·         Disagreements that are resolved, not abandoning the church

·         Rejoicing with one another

·         People glorifying God by giving of their time and resources

·         People growing in their love for Jesus

150 years of families doing life together – Yes, I cried because I am so thankful that the LORD has blessed this church and my family for so many years. Consider and remember how the Lord has blessed you with church family. Watch for the video sometime during our 150th celebration Saturday morning or before the banquet in Main Street. The style of clothes etc. has changes through the years, but the sense of family continues - people loving God and loving others.