Pastor’s Ponderings January 2025

To the church of God as found at Marion Salem Church, called to be saints together with those in every place who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: You are miracles of God’s grace and mercy!

When you look at the history records, the Salem Class meeting began in 1830, which means our congregation is celebrating 195 years of ministry. The first church building was erected in 1851, that would make it 174 years. At our present location, we’ve been serving the community since 1868, 157 years. The sanctuary has been around since 1981, celebrating 44 years. Of course, after the fire our present configuration goes back 22 years. We are certainly close to a bicentennial celebration. We could brush up on pronouncing demisemiseptcentennial and practice celebrating with the 175 anniversary of a Salem Church building in 2026. Whether for the 175th in 2026 or the 200th in 2030, such celebrations take planning and people committed to recognizing the work of Christ that has and is happening at Salem Church. As time marches on, these days will come and go whether or not we recognize them. I believe it better to praise God as these milestones come, and in the sacrifice of praise, find His empowerment and direction for the future.

So, what would you like to see happen in a celebration either 175 or 200 years? What should the focus be of the celebration, inward or outward? Can we, in honor and recognition of the milestone, do some extravagant acts of mission work in our community and even the world to make disciples of Christ? I’m curious what this Body of Christ is dreaming about. As you ponder that, consider also what actions your God-given dreams are asking you to do in service to Christ. With it being January, why not make those actions your New Year’s resolution?

Blessings,
Jason