Commitments need to be renewed and celebrated or they will become lost in the busyness of everyday life. It was on September 5, 1824 that our ancestors assembled to adopt a resolution to “build in the Village of Amber, a Free Meeting House, for the true worship of God.” They followed through with their words and constructed the building that we still gather in today. On September 14, 2014 we assembled and adopted a Church Purpose Statement with the intent of renewing and reviving our inherited legacy. We pledged ourselves to focus together on “loving relationships that are committed to God, accountable to each other, and involved in Christ’s transforming work in our world.” This month we will celebrate both of these events.
The Amber Church is 200 years old. That is certainly something to celebrate. We will do so with a special observance of our history as we meet in this 200 year old building that has lovingly been maintained for “the true worship of God.” On the same day we will renew our commitment to God, to each other, and to the work of Christ in this world. If we do not renew our commitments then we are only celebrating with backward looks. Both we ourselves and our world need the church of Christ to be alive and accountable or the future will be bleak indeed.
In the days of Nehemiah the people of Israel had a time of renewal. They celebrated their commitments by holding a day of remembrance and signing their names on a “binding agreement” (Nehemiah 9:38). This has become our annual practice in what we call Covenant Renewal Sunday. Our Morning Worship on that day will include the reading aloud of our Church Purpose Statement and the signing of our names in the Covenant Renewal Book.
In the evening we are planning a celebration of our 200th Anniversary. As a part of our observance we will ring the church bell 200 times to let the whole community know that the Amber Church is here to serve them in Jesus’ name. At both of these meetings we will hear from our Conference Minister, Rev. Ron Hamilton. It is a great honor to have him share in our historical remembrances.
The Amber Church has much to celebrate as we move ahead. We are on the cusp of calling a new minister who will continue to provide Biblical instruction and pastoral leadership. The future is bright thanks to the gracious hand of our Lord Jesus Christ. Come and celebrate God’s presence among us. See you in Worship.
Rick
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