Summoned by Joy
I love how we do church. Most of you know, I like to sit under the balcony steps at the back
of the sanctuary where I can watch our celebrations unfold. I can notice when folks return
after an absence and when folks come for the first time. My heart soars when so many of
you make a point of welcoming new faces, or make sure those returning meet new the
people they may have missed while they were away.
This year The Park Church is 150 years old! We became The Park Church when our
congregation was first able to re-gather in what we now call Beecher Hall – when the first
third of Rev. Beecher’s massive building construction project was completed in 1874. He
had big ideas and audacious goals -- that we could and would serve all of Elmira. And we
have been lucky enough to be able to continue that legacy right up to today.
But remember, we don’t do things because we’ve always just done it that way – we do
things because they have a purpose. We strive to welcome and meet people where they are.
We choose to gather so that we can regain our own balance in the midst of this community.
We remember how it felt the first time we walked into this imposing building, wondering
whether we would fit in. We return because we find acceptance and other people who can
soothe our hearts and minds in these crazy times – even if it’s just for a few hours a week.
But I’m happy to say that it’s not just Sunday mornings anymore. Our building is full – just
as Mr. Beecher had wished it to be – seven days a week. Upstairs, downstairs, we’re full of
regular weekly meetings, lessons, classes, rehearsals, concerts, performances, community
gatherings and celebrations. We’ve made significant improvements in our building’s
capacity to serve. And we’ve widened our willingness to host folks who may not be
worshiping with us on Sundays. It’s been a dream of mine, for the past dozen years that I’ve
been among you, that The Park Church would be top-of-mind when people needed a place
to gather. That we could return to Mr. Beecher’s vision of what Practical Christianity looks
like.
I am summoned by joy to be with you. Thank you for the way you welcomed me then and
how you continue to enrich my life. Whenever I feel the need for clarity in this crazy,
unpredictable world, I know I can find it among you. Blessed Be.
See you next Sunday, Jenny
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