Church arsonists, for whatever reasons, burned churches in East Texas some months ago. Today, one was re-dedicated. Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wills Point had a dedication Sunday this morning. A packed sanctuary, restored to be one of the most beautiful anywhere, was overflowing. With God's help, a congregation had rebuilt their worship house. We celebrated, lifted Bibles and hymnals in dedication, asked God to bless again the Baptismal font and Altar, and heard words of promise about being useful to God.
For the congregation, for the former pastors gathered, for everyone, it was a powerful experience. A few months ago, a congregation stood on a bare slab, cleaned off after the burning. They said, "Here is where we meet God together, dedicate our children, make covenants, and memorialize loved ones. We meet God here, and the place should be beautiful." Today, it was, with the promise that it will be, from now on.
The meeting with God and His congregation is life's most important business. We need to be there. It shapes us. And there is a simple insight and commitment: the place where this happens should be honored by being the best and most beautiful that we can provide.
Today, I watched a congregation I once served, say that. They dedicated a place for a future of many years, to be a place prepared for meeting with God. The place, and the process, was beautiful to share for a moment. It was today's gift from God.
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