Afterglow

            I woke up this morning in the warm afterglow of a wonderful week end. Our church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The week end was packed with different events full of friendship and reunion.

            We became part of this church only eight years ago, so many of those returning to celebrate were unknown to me. It wasn’t so much any one individual that I rejoiced in seeing as it was the outpouring of love between so many that just overwhelmed us all. The hugs, the stories, the laughter and the tears became all inclusive and swept us all along in a happy glow. The big dinner party for 200 people on Saturday evening went off almost without a hitch. The fact that a big storm blew out all electrical power an hour before the party did not diminish the joy. Our dinner was by candlelight and the room grew warm in the absence of air conditioning, but the evening was perfect.

            Sunday morning was the best part of the week end. I always enjoy our Sunday morning worship, but this Sunday was awesome. The building was packed with people, many who had traveled far to be here for the occasion. These are the people who helped to build this church into a community of God’s love. These are the people who are here now, helping to build on the vision of those builders. These are the people who are our children and will carry God’s love into the next generation. I am glad to be part of this church family.

            The music was incredible. It was majestic and glorious. We sang “Crown Him With Many Crowns” and “The Church’s One Foundation,” both of which were sung at the very first organization service of this congregation fifty years ago.  We sang well. The folk group which was an important part of the church’s life in the 70’s sang “They Will Know We Are Christian by Our Love.” They joyously reflected an important part of this church’s history. The choirs and musicians that are part of today’s church made us know that God was present in that place. The music was spine-tingling good. 

            Four ministers who have served this church participated in the service. It was interesting to see the diverse personalities who have all been so important to the life of this church. Three of these people were here before our arrival. It was interesting to meet them and try to match them with the stories I have heard about past times.

            It was a good week end. Old friends and new friends. Music that inspired. Good food. Much laughter. Stories of long ago and visions for a future. The laughter of children. Communion with the saints.

            God is good. To God be the glory.