For many of us who have spent a lifetime in the church, there are many fond memories and an enormous sense of appreciation to those who have helped shape our lives. On the wall, in a small space between my desk and typewriter table, there's a lovely picture of a church that was once a part of my life. This picture was given to me by my beloved former minister. He is the senior minister in this historic pulpit, and he knew how much I cherished the memory of this church, For over a century, it has always been a family church, a noble landmark with a great outreach. A church can be a powerhouse a "tree known by its fruit"...
Perhaps my fondest memory is that of the people there who lived by something that was substantial, who lived by those higher values -- love in a world of hatred, and an unselfishness in a world of indulgence. Lent is a time for renewal and reflection. We do not need to go back to who we were and are and what we hope our children will be. We do need the rich heritage that is ours and the wonderful possibilities that life itself gives us. As Christian church women, may our lives always be a blessing to others as we remember the words of a favorite hymn written by the former minister of my pictured church –
God of Our Life
God of our life, through all the circling years, We trust in Thee;
In all the past, through all our hopes and fears, Thy hand we see.
With each new day, when morning lifts the veil,
We own Thy mercies' Lord, which never fail.
God of the past, our times are in Thy hand; with us abide.
Lead us by faith to hope's true promised land; Be Thou our guide. With Thee to bless, the darkness shines as light,
And faith's fair vision changes into sight.
God of the coming years, through paths unknown we follow Thee; When we are strong Lord, leave us not alone; Our refuge be.
Be Thou for us in life our daily bread,
Our heart's true home when all our Years have sped.
Written by Hugh Thomson Kerr,
pastor Shadyside PC, Pittsburgh 1913-1946
Taffy Denne (1991)
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