October 28, 2012 was the special
worship service to celebrate the merger of Second Congregational and
First Presbyterian Churches of Beloit WI, forming the United Church
of Beloit. It was an elaborate service, with speakers from both
denominations, Communion, and special music. The preacher for the
morning was Rev. Paul Ray, who was a pastor of Second Congregational
many years ago, and was also part of a council meeting to discuss and
vote on the merger Plan of Union and Bylaws. At that time Paul said
that 2nd had always been "inclusive and ecumenical"
and he was thrilled to see that this was still the case.
The scripture lesson for the day was
Ephesians 3:14-21.
“14 For this reason I bow my knees
before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth
is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant
you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner
being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that
you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to
comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and
height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far
more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power
at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ
Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
The reason that the Apostle Paul wrote
“I bow my knees before the Father..” is stated a couple verses
before: 11...the eternal purpose that {God} has realized in Christ
Jesus our Lord..” This is certainly a reason to bow before God...
ALL of God's purposes and planning have come to fruition in Jesus!
We will commemorate the anniversary
during the regular Sunday service. This weekend is also the
500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant
Reformation. Martin Luther brought his 95 theses to the Wittenberg
church, in an attempt to help the church of that time stop some
practices that were not based in Scripture. 500 years later, churches
everywhere are going through changes and challenges, as 'organized
religion” is being redefined. So too is much of our society!! How
pastors and congregations can keep moving forward in a season of
rapid cultural change is an ongoing conversation.
So, I am praying the prayer for the Ephesians, for every person and situation that is on my heart today. Please pray with me.
God of Unity, grace, joy, beauty...
we pray this morning for every single
person and situation that we've named, and for those on our hearts
and minds. Praying for loved ones, for our community and the world,
We pray in the words of the Apostle Paul..knowing that
11...the eternal purpose that you, Oh
God, had from the very beginning of time, has been realized in Christ
Jesus our Lord..”
For this reason we bow our knees before
you, Oh God, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that according to the riches of Your glory You may grant those we
pray for to be strengthened with power through Your Holy Spirit in
their innermost being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts
through faith—that each of them, being rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the
breadth and length and height and depth, {of love} and to know the
love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled with
all the fullness of God. Now to the One who is able to do far more
abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at
work within us, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever.
We pray these things in the Name and Spirit of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
