A Message from the Pastor on Occasion of Plymouth's 50th Anniversary

September 30, 2007

edford Pfister, Rosa Peterson, Lloyd Ruesink, Mildred Russell, Alex Peterson, Will Knight, who are these people? They are saints. No, they have not been canonized; they were not even Catholic. They weren’t necessarily even all that “saintly”—they were UCC after all! They were just a few of the “saints of the church” when I was growing up. Lloyd and Mildred were Sunday School teachers of mine. Alex and Medford were wise and had inviting spirits. Rosa was insightful and had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Will was gruff and one of the most quietly generous and thoughtful people I have known. Common folks, uncommonly faithful simply by sharing their gifts, attending worship, being part of the faith community. Now, they are a part of that “cloud of witnesses” of which Paul speaks, cheering me on to “run my race.”

In its 50 years, there are so many saints of this church whom I knew, and many who came before. They are Ruth, Elnora, John, Charlie, Dorothy, Norma, Ernie, Betty, Russ, Angie, Howard, and Pat, to name just a very few that ride around in my mind, that are part of that cloud of witnesses for me and who are part of Plymouth’s legacy.

The text of one of our hymns goes like this:

        They did not build in vain who founded here a church.

        As witness to God’s love amid a world of pain ...

        Those who have loved this place, a cloud of witnesses,

        surround and urge us on as we now run our race…

Make this a meeting place where doubt finds grounds of faith, where hurt finds healing love, our penitence your grace.

Plymouth Church, 50 years of making a difference! We have conducted over 2,600 worship services, sung over 8,000 hymns, done at least 700 weddings and that many baptisms and funerals. Nurtured children and youth, provided direct service to thousands, and financial support to scores of thousands all over the world.

You have done this along with those who went before. You are doing that now.

You are the saints of the church! You will be part of that cloud of witnesses for those who come after.

Praise be to God.