The church I am a part of, Winona Lake Free Methodist, turns 80 this year. We're having a big celebration on April 26. Learning more and more about this church has me thinking about legacy.
I don't remember every moment in my life. Some moments are quite foggy. But three moments stand out with clarity. If you're counting my kids, then you know where I'm going. And at the risk of embarrassing my teenager at just the very mention of baby pictures, I'll tell you that’s exactly what I’m thinking of.
Naked they all came from the womb. There was wiggling and noises and Jennifer and I were suddenly thrust into new roles: Parents! It was a great moment, to be repeated twice more, when I would hold a newborn baby that God had given to me.
In those moments, I remember having a lot of hopes for my children. I remember having dreams of what they would become. Looking back, I know there was no way I could have predicted what Jacie would become 13 years later. Nor did I see what Luke and Jerica would be like. (In case you're wondering, I'm proud of all three of my children.)
This is the way it is when we give birth to anything. We can have a vision for it, be it a child, a new business, a piece of art, etc. But by nature or nurture, things have a way of growing into something we could not have foreseen.
Eighty years ago, some people got together and decided a Free Methodist Church was needed in Winona Lake. I wasn't a part of those conversations. But I imagine they had a vision. I am certain they had a plan. Perhaps it was for one year, maybe five. They had hopes for what would happen in and through this church.
I imagine some things happened like they hoped. Other turns brought changes they would not have originally desired. That's how our lives go as individuals, so we should not be surprised that is how the life of a church works as well.
As I make personal decisions, I like to remind myself that each choice is slowly building my legacy. It is one reason I depend on God to lead me in my choices. So it goes with the church as well. I believe God has blessed many leaders of WLFMC through eighty years. The building has changed several times. The leadership has changed many times over. Those sitting in the pews have come and gone, some to eternity. I believe God will continue to bless, as we depend on Him to lead us in our choices.
I don't remember every moment in my life. Some moments are quite foggy. But three moments stand out with clarity. If you're counting my kids, then you know where I'm going. And at the risk of embarrassing my teenager at just the very mention of baby pictures, I'll tell you that’s exactly what I’m thinking of.
Naked they all came from the womb. There was wiggling and noises and Jennifer and I were suddenly thrust into new roles: Parents! It was a great moment, to be repeated twice more, when I would hold a newborn baby that God had given to me.
In those moments, I remember having a lot of hopes for my children. I remember having dreams of what they would become. Looking back, I know there was no way I could have predicted what Jacie would become 13 years later. Nor did I see what Luke and Jerica would be like. (In case you're wondering, I'm proud of all three of my children.)
This is the way it is when we give birth to anything. We can have a vision for it, be it a child, a new business, a piece of art, etc. But by nature or nurture, things have a way of growing into something we could not have foreseen.
Eighty years ago, some people got together and decided a Free Methodist Church was needed in Winona Lake. I wasn't a part of those conversations. But I imagine they had a vision. I am certain they had a plan. Perhaps it was for one year, maybe five. They had hopes for what would happen in and through this church.
I imagine some things happened like they hoped. Other turns brought changes they would not have originally desired. That's how our lives go as individuals, so we should not be surprised that is how the life of a church works as well.
As I make personal decisions, I like to remind myself that each choice is slowly building my legacy. It is one reason I depend on God to lead me in my choices. So it goes with the church as well. I believe God has blessed many leaders of WLFMC through eighty years. The building has changed several times. The leadership has changed many times over. Those sitting in the pews have come and gone, some to eternity. I believe God will continue to bless, as we depend on Him to lead us in our choices.
Happy 80th Birthday, Winona Lake Free Methodist Church!
Here's trusting God with the next eighty.
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