Amistad
We remember and celebrate (Oct 25) Reformation Sunday (1517), beginning with the Christian Protestant movement breaking away from the Catholic church. This would eventually lead to the American congregational denomination and FCC of Huntley (1852), what follows is a brief history of American congregationalism.
As the Pilgrims (1620) who came across the sea from England to North America settled in Plymouth and joined with the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay colony (1629) uniting in the Cambridge Platform of 1648, the origins of the Congregational churches: “Congregationalism asserts that ultimately the essence of the true church lies with its people. The church-constituting covenant is a mutual agreement to walk together as the people of God. Because of this mutual covenant, each member senses a responsibility not only to belong to God but to also nurture the confession of Christ in all others. In short, because of Christ the church is a company of believers in covenant with God and each other” (Justo Gonzalez).
At the heart of the Congregational structure is autonomy and democracy, those ideals that forged our great nation. Autonomy – the local congregation is independent and self-governing. Biblical evidence of the self determination of the local congregation can be seen through the pages of Acts and the Epistles there is no structure above the local church or beyond it in authority. Democratic – every member of the congregation has voice in its affairs. This freedom to act can lead to cultural change through social action; Rev. Joshua Leavitt (1794-1873) an American Congregationalist minister defended Africans slaves who overthrew their captors for control of the Spanish ship “La Amistad” in 1839. This Social Justice theme, this responsibility for all of God’s people continued to be the hallmark of American Congregational philosophy in the work of freeing civil war slaves and working for women’s rights in the late nineteenth century. Jesus quotes Isaiah; “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of God’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
Blessings, Pastor Michael
- World Communion Sunday, October 4
- Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day, October 12
- Reformation Sunday, October 25
Charging Forward in Stewardship
Rhinoceroses are remarkable creatures. Strong, sturdy and surprisingly fast, a rhino is built to protect. When it senses danger, especially near its herd or its young, it does not hesitate. It moves with focus, strength and purpose.
There may be a stewardship lesson for us in that.
God has entrusted each of us with gifts, time and resources to use for his kingdom. When opportunities come to serve, give, encourage or help, faithful stewards do not stand still and wait for someone else to go first. They respond with willing hearts and steady faith.
Stewardship is not passive. It calls us to move with purpose, give with conviction and serve with the strength God provides. May we be quick to answer God’s call, bold in putting our faith into action and faithful in caring for the people and work God has placed before us.
Luther and the Bible
Reformation Day is celebrated by many Protestant churches on October 31. It commemorates the Reformation and honors leaders such as Martin Luther, whose courage and conviction helped shape church history.
Luther’s life was threatened because he spoke out against practices he believed did not reflect the true mission of the Church. Forced into hiding, he found refuge at Wartburg Castle as the guest of the ruler of Saxony.
While there, Luther took on an enormous task: translating the Bible from the original languages into German. This was no simple project. At the time, Germany was made up of many regional dialects, making communication difficult from one area to another.
Luther wanted ordinary people to clearly understand God’s Word. To make sure his translation used everyday language, he is said to have listened carefully to common speech, even consulting the castle’s butcher for familiar expressions and wording.
Luther’s translation became a tremendous gift to the German people. Not only did it place Scripture into the hands of everyday readers, but the language he used also helped unify the many German dialects. In that sense, Martin Luther is often considered one of the fathers of the modern German language.
Make Your Blessings Count
Years ago, a newspaper shared the story of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Illingworth, an elderly Christian couple known for quiet, faithful service. Early in their marriage, they decided to use the gifts God had given them to bless others.
Through the years, they served through their church and in life-care retirement homes, offering time, kindness and generosity wherever they were needed. When a foundation later honored them for their caring philanthropy, they shared the motto that had guided their lives: “Count your blessings, and make your blessings count.”
What a wonderful reminder that God’s gifts are meant to be shared for his glory.
A Letter from Christ
Paul the Apostle gave a beautiful compliment to the believers in Corinth. He wrote:
“And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3, ESV).
What a meaningful picture. A letter carries a message, and Paul reminded the church that their lives were sharing the message of Christ with others.
The same is true for us today. Through our words, actions and faith, people can see evidence of God at work in our hearts. None of us is perfect, but living faithfully can point others toward Him.
What a wonderful goal for every Christian: to be known as “a letter from Christ.”
A Harvest of Gratitude
The colors and beauty of autumn remind us that every season carries evidence of God’s goodness. As we enjoy cooler days and changing leaves, may we pause to give thanks for His provision and share our blessings with those around us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” This verse reminds us that change is a natural part of life, much like the transition into fall.
