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 Central Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
14 Titcomb Street, P.O. Box 372
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Message from the Pastor - September 2010
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Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylight, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee, in inches, in miles
In laughter, in strife, in five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.
How do you measure a year in the life?
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These words from the hit song of the Broadway musical, Rent, came to mind as I reflected on the past year that I have served as your pastor. I confess that I haven’t yet seen the musical (although it’s been on my list for many years), but the song, ―Seasons of Love asks a question that I have asked myself: ―How do you measure a year in the life of the church?
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You can measure the year in numbers, like the number of minutes in a year. In the church we might focus on increased attendance on Sunday morning, participation in Sunday School, success in stewardship, and new members who joined the church. By these measures, we have reasons to celebrate.
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But some aspects of life in the church go beyond numbers and statistics—spiritual vitality in worship, renewed confidence within the congregation, a willingness to take risks, and a desire to reach out to the community and the world. In the past year, we have been blessed with powerful worship—candlelight on Christmas Eve, on the beach at sunrise at Easter and welcoming our confirmands into the church on Pentacost. During these special teims and the weeks in between, our choir and gospel choir have inspired us with musical excellence.
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We have also gathered for Bible Studey, book groups, and meetings to plan the work of the church. We gathered to the music of U2 Eucharist to support the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate extremem poverty. In response to a devastating earthquake in Chile, we surpassed our fundraising goal to rebuild homes for our sisters and brothers in the Pentecostal Church of Chile. In the Greater Newburyport area, we have worked with social service organizations and other churches to meet the needs of our neighbors in need.
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At the same time, we have cared for each other in many ways—visiting a sick member in the hospital, sending a card when someone is feeling down, visiting during a time of loss, knitting a prayer shawl, or preparing a meal for a family when they are busy caring for one another. In these ways, and so many more, we have shown our support and love for one another.
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That’s the conclusion of the song in Rent:
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How about love, how about love,
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How about love, measure in love.
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As we look back at the year just ended and look together at the years ahead—let’s measure our days in love. The love we share with one another, the love we share with the world and the many ways we experience God’s love.
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Grace and peace,
Chris
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