February 2019
This month I am sharing a piece written by Rev. Dr. H. D. Gray, for an “About Congregationalism” pamphlet published by the NACCC.
My Church
By Henry David Gray
My Church is not a building, although it often meets therein. It is not an organization, although it is well organized. It is not a company of people who hold to a particular set of beliefs, although it stands for great convictions. It is not a respectable community club, although it is a powerful factor in community life.
My Church is a fellowship of kindred spirits. Its members are united by a great conviction and a great purpose; the conviction that God is eager to share the road of life with us; the purpose to build personal character after the pattern of Jesus, and community life more like unto the Kingdom of God. Because we share this conviction and this purpose, our Church is a growing Church.
My Church is a living Church. It places the emphasis where Jesus placed it; on ministering unto others and in daily living. “So live that you may best work” is its motto. It is a Church which values the past and dreams of the future, but a church which lives in the present.
My Church is a thinking Church. It asks no ready assent to creed or catechism. It is a Church of the seeking mind, looking ever for the truth which God shall yet disclose through worship, art, literature, or science.
My Church is a Church of the spirit. It puts people first: before programs, committees, or things material. It is a Church which seeks to know the highest, and then humbly but fearlessly follows the light as God gives it to see the light.
My Church is the Church of my dreams, wrought into the fabric of life by the deeds of its members.
_________________
Good words to guide the life of our Church!
Rev. Dr. Mary E. Biedron
This month I am sharing a piece written by Rev. Dr. H. D. Gray, for an “About Congregationalism” pamphlet published by the NACCC.
My Church
By Henry David Gray
My Church is not a building, although it often meets therein. It is not an organization, although it is well organized. It is not a company of people who hold to a particular set of beliefs, although it stands for great convictions. It is not a respectable community club, although it is a powerful factor in community life.
My Church is a fellowship of kindred spirits. Its members are united by a great conviction and a great purpose; the conviction that God is eager to share the road of life with us; the purpose to build personal character after the pattern of Jesus, and community life more like unto the Kingdom of God. Because we share this conviction and this purpose, our Church is a growing Church.
My Church is a living Church. It places the emphasis where Jesus placed it; on ministering unto others and in daily living. “So live that you may best work” is its motto. It is a Church which values the past and dreams of the future, but a church which lives in the present.
My Church is a thinking Church. It asks no ready assent to creed or catechism. It is a Church of the seeking mind, looking ever for the truth which God shall yet disclose through worship, art, literature, or science.
My Church is a Church of the spirit. It puts people first: before programs, committees, or things material. It is a Church which seeks to know the highest, and then humbly but fearlessly follows the light as God gives it to see the light.
My Church is the Church of my dreams, wrought into the fabric of life by the deeds of its members.
_________________
Good words to guide the life of our Church!
Rev. Dr. Mary E. Biedron