THE MINISTER'S MESSAGE

A church building is a visible symbol of the activity of Christ in the lives of people past and present. It represents the dedication of the Christians- who built it and of those who have since maintained it. Such symbols can get old (as this 100 year old one) but their message remains constant-—here is a place forfoné to gather for praise, prayer, fellowship, learning, comfort, growth in faith, service, witness, planning, joy, sharing, caring.

A well-kept church building is a witness to the comoperative effort of a community of faith. It qxgks of the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people as they are received into the covenant rela- tionship with God by Baptism, profess their faith beflhe the congregation, promise their love in Christian Marriage, minister to each other through the youth and adult programs and witness in death by preparing their funeral requests for the Celebration of Resurrection at the time of burial.

The church building of a United Church congregatnm is also a symbol of our past and present aim to be faithful to Jesus' prayer——found in John 17: 11, 21-23 that his followers ”may all be one”.

Elmsdale United Church has already moved into our second century of service to Jesus Christ, since we are a few years older, as a congregation, than ourtmihfing. As we proceed, may we continue to lead people to a profession of faith in our Lord, multiply the cause of Christ at home and abroad, and in all other ways to seek to live to the glory and praise of God, our Cnanor and Redeemer.

RolandIL Hutchinson