Church Anniversary and prayer

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.