Moving Upward Together: Day 27

 

Day 27, The Archives – John Northrip

 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it” (1 Corinthians 3:10, NRSVUE.) 

There is a small room, unknown to many, that may well be the heart of St. Mark. Collected and curated by members of the congregation over the years, the church archives tell the story of St. Mark through photo albums, committee minutes, orders of worship, newsletters, contracts, blueprints, and so, so, much more. It is a record of the history of the church, but as well a reminder of all the lives that have been a part of the effort to keep it vibrant and moving forward over the years, through the challenges and changes each generation has faced. That is the part of the story I find most encouraging as we take our turn to deliver St. Mark into the future, that the past is not gone, but is here now as an example, giving us momentum to carry on the work of our mission. 

“Eternal God, we give you thanks we give you thanks for your incarnational presence in the world and in our lives. We praise you for your help in ages past; please be our help for years to come. Amen.”