Dear Editor,

 

The headline reads First Christian Church has burned down. I have to respectfully disagree. The building burned, the vessel within which my parents were married, celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary, where two grandparents were honored at their death, where I was baptized, where two great aunts served as secretary and organist, where my grandfather served as leadership during her earlier years, did in fact burn.

The vessel was special and housed so many memories, so many acts of kindness, planting seeds of goodness worldwide. Truly the saying “if those walls could talk the stories they would tell.” As I reflect on her past I am reminded of another beautiful vessel that was destroyed, and many thought with that passing would go the dreams, goodness and promises that were made. But vessels are always temporary; we just celebrated Easter, remembering the promises kept. And because of that there is joy and confidence, because in fact we know how the story ends. The goodness and promises remain long after the vessel has passed. That vessel was Jesus Christ who was and is and will always be our Lord and Savior.

As the community watches, much will be made of the passing of this landmark building. But we have confidence with what can be done in this most challenging of circumstances. The goodness and love remains. The opportunity to demonstrate unity and confidence in the victory and continue on in pursuit of the same goals that provided the strong foundation. The foundation still remains. The challenge is great but the reward is far greater. The manner in which the passing of this vessel is handled will impact many who have never entered her doors. The greatest sermons are lived not spoken.

Indeed, if the walls could talk I am confident they would say “continue on, love one another, serve on another, laugh and enjoy one another.” I have every confidence that this will happen. The future is bright for this congregation of believers. Chowder will be made, children will be taught, communion will be taken, needs will be attended to, and new memories will be made. The prayers of this community of believers are with you. Consider it pure joy when you endure all sorts of hardships in my name. –James 1:2

 

LaDonna Toler Mitchell