Dear Lord
Sixty years ago, our predecessors
stood on this site after completing their march up the hill. Their march took them from a location where
they had worshipped you and lived as good servants of Your will. But they also knew that to enable the church
to grow and spread the good news of your Word that a sacrifice was called for
on their part. That sacrifice was
manifested not only in their selfless contributions of time and money but also
a willingness to take a risk and embrace change for the benefit of those to
follow them.
We are the
beneficiaries of the sacrifices that they made.
Today we honor the legacy which we have inherited from them and others
who have come before us.
We thank you Lord for
inspiring the work of your servants in the past which not only allows us to
enjoy this beautiful church but has also propelled our mission to change lives
in your Name.
We pray that just as
the sacrifices that our predecessors made have benefited us, let us be willing
to make sacrifices to help other people whether they be in need of food,
shelter, clothing, education, medical care or compassion.
We place our trust in
you Lord that you may enable us to remember and honor our heritage but at the
same time maintain our focus on the future and be open to looking for new ways
in which to carry forward the Good News of Your Word.
Thank you Lord for this
beautiful church and all of the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We realize
a church is more than just a building.
The real essence of a church is the spirit of the people who gather in
your Name to worship together, to pray together, to have fun together and to
grow together. Lord give us the
collective wisdom to ascertain how we can best move forward together and use
the gifts we have received to benefit those who will follow us. By doing so we will truly honor You and those
who have come before us.
Amen
