St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Hts., Illinois
March 7, 2010 – Anniversary Sunday
Selections from Judges 5
Rev. Jeffrey L. Phillips, pastor
Happy 108th birthday, St. John United Church of Christ!
We’re not the biggest congregation in town, but we’re big in heart, spirit, and good works for God and God’s people!
We’re not the richest church in town, but we’re rich in love for God, one another, and the world.
God seems to specialize in underdogs like us.
Mustard seeds, the smallest seeds, grow to become the largest trees.
Jesus’ message and ministry
Cross – despised, yet the hope of humanity
Weak and weaponless Israel vs. mighty Canaanites
Deborah
Judges
Deborah and Jael vs. Sisera
St. John Church – an unlikely bearer of hope and life in the lives of thousands of people over the years, still shining brightly today, despite our size.
St. John artifacts
Dartball trophy
Minutes from the Choir
Minutes from Martha Circle
List of pastors in bulletin
Story of Pastor Gene’s car
Story of our assistance to First Pres during Depression
Cliff’s stories
Whether you are a longtime member of St. John, or more recent, you are now part of our history.
One-quarter of our members have joined in the last 6 years.
In our spiritual battle with the forces of chaos and alienation, disease and poverty, the ultimate spiritual victory is ours, just as it was for Jesus and for the Israelites under leaders like Deborah.
It is God’s doing – through us.
God is always in the business of turning the tables, overthrowing the high and mighty, lifting up the simple and lowly.
Our God is a surprising God, with always one more surprise around the corner….
Trusting in that God who loves underdogs like you and me and this church, God can and will continue to do great things through us.
Realizing this, we are called to re-commit ourselves to God’s mission through us….
*Renewal of Membership Vows in bulletin
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