As I was driving from Scarborough to Acton recently on one of those vintage
Maine days, the words of the Psalmist just seemed to leap out: “This is the day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I felt filled with a true sense of gratitude to be alive and to be given the opportunity to be present with you in Acton. An authentic church, small or large, occupies such an important, unique place amidst our fractured social landscape. Its role is not to control what is around it, but to be a beacon, a channel of Christ-centered light emitted into that space beyond itself. What other group in our society is committed to such a purpose? Yet even in churches we know that focus can be compromised. Churches too can be lured by fads, cultural attitudes, secular goals, and popular opinion; or just plain lose sight of who and whose they really are, and what they are called to be. To continue being a presence in Acton, each of us is needed to be a part of this church’s continuing life and ministry. It won’t happen by people holding back, counting on others to come through, and then applauding their commitment. In this church, there is an abundance of good hearts and gracious spirits; but we can’t be lulled into resting on past laurels. For us to move forward holding to our call as a beacon of Christ-centered light and continuing to exist in the world, each of us needs to reconsider our participation and support:
personally, faithfully, financially, and organizationally. The Acton Congregational Church, our gathering of Christ’s church, is a special place. The light of the Spirit touches us and is sent out beyond our walls. Our church is needed. God doesn’t do our work for us, but I suspect God does open opportunities for our response.“This is the day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”