As I write this we are preparing for our 12th anniversary Sunday. Years ago someone sent me a card that outlined the Standard Schedule of Anniversary Gifts. Well, it was a joke. The 25th Anniversary, Silver, and the 50th, Gold, were for real – but the others ranged from Duct Tape to Teflon to Terry Cloth. The 12th year’s gift is Spackle. Lucky us.
This is an exciting time for our church. We are beginning a visioning process to prepare for the future. We are approaching the summer with all its fun – Vacation Bible School, Carpenters for Christ, and a Youth Mission Trip. Summer is also the time of longer days, more outside fun, and more excuses to get together with family and friends.
As we think about our history here at Cornerstone Baptist Church, it is easy to think of the highs and triumphs. The church has been healthy and blessed with many loving members and talented staffers. As we think about the future we anticipate much: expanding ministries, spiritual growth, numeric growth, increased presence in the community, expanded facilities, and the like.
But now we meet here in the middle of the future and of the past. We are each right here right now. My prayer is that we embrace the fact that God has placed each of us here for a purpose. Each of us is called to be a servant and a disciple in our families, with our friends, and in our church. This is a wonderful opportunity; it is also a responsibility.
Over the past 12 years we have used our share of Spackling, huh? We’ve needed mending here in our new facility and at the old building and among our fellowship, too, I am sure. During the next 12 years we will certainly need much more. But God has called us together on a journey. And journeys aren’t always predictable and they aren’t always easy and they certainly aren’t always real neat and tidy. Our confidence is in the One who has called us. He was our Hope in the past and he’ll be our Provider for the future – and this will be enough.
As I write this we are preparing for our 12th anniversary Sunday. Years ago someone sent me a card that outlined the Standard Schedule of Anniversary Gifts. Well, it was a joke. The 25th Anniversary, Silver, and the 50th, Gold, were for real – but the others ranged from Duct Tape to Teflon to Terry Cloth. The 12th year’s gift is Spackle. Lucky us.