“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133:1–3)
Last week was the 125th anniversary celebration of the founding of Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church. As the Psalmist writes about living ‘together in unity’, he remarks ‘how good and pleasant it is’. In a sense, Ebenezer’s 125 years have been a time (as a spiritual family) going through years living as a family. Our celebration looked back through the 125 years seeing the good and pleasant times of our history. Looking back leads us to look up and thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness through the years.
I want to thank the 125th anniversary committee for organizing the celebration far in advance and with much thought and careful planning. A special effort was made to include many of our members in tasks that would put our ‘best foot forward’ as we prepared to welcome our community and other guests to celebrate our anniversary. The monthly ‘historical reflections’ shared by various members helped to draw us into the rich history of Ebenezer’s ministry to our community. These reflections helped us more appreciate both the faithfulness of God and to those those who have gone before us. The anniversary committee also organized acleaning plan that included professionals as well as our own members which made our facility likely the cleanest it’s been since we first opened our doors. Within the plans of our celebration, of course food needed to planned and prepared and served. Once again, great organization and preparation was done to make the Saturday evening appetizer gathering and Sunday morning breakfast a wonderfully ‘tasteful’ success.
“Find Us Faithful” was our celebration theme taken from the text in Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)
Saturday and Sunday’s gatherings were filled with music offered to the Glory and Honor of the Lord. Music and song from all ages and musical styles became the testimony of the weekend. It was through this music that we were offered a time to:
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.” (1 Chronicles 16:29)
It was the choir that shared through song a concluding prayer: “Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.” We learn this is a prayer that will be answered when we as a Church:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2)
Pastor Mark
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