Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Psalm 154:3-4
Pastor John Writes:
What does it mean for a church to celebrate 250 years of ministry? Friedland traces its beginnings to around the start of the American Revolution, and Friedland has now endured for a quarter of a millennium. When we celebrate 250 years, we acknowledge a major milestone. We call this anniversary a Sestercentennial, or a Quarter-Millennial celebration.
These years reflect generations of worship, baptisms, marriages, funerals, and service. These years reflect the faithfulness of our community to God, and God’s continued faithfulness to our church. Our church has continued in ministry during changes in our neighborhood, in our nation, and throughout the world. Friedland has nurtured generations of faithful believers, and has sent and supported numerous missionaries who have brought God’s word, and God’s help, to many different places.
We are filled with gratitude for the generations who have walked before us in faith, and we look with hope toward the future God continues to shape. Our challenge is to continue looking to the future, while honoring our past. We honor the legacy of faith that has brought us here, and we recommit ourselves to the mission that still lies ahead.
This month, and throughout this year, we celebrate 250 years — and the many more to come. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!
In Christ,
The Rev. John G. Rights
