Dedication Day RetrospectiveSunday, August 21 will stand prominently in the memories of many of us. We’ll recall: Fun, Joy, Celebration, Friendship, Awesome Worship, Gratitude and Pride.
In many ways the day was the realization of a dream reaching back to 1997 when we first began to explore the possibility of union. It also represented our galvanization into ministry and mission as strongly as did the day of our organization as a new congregation in 1999. The property is being used more and more and in ways we could not have predicted even when we moved in a mere five months ago. Imagine what other new ministries and community-based organizations will find a “home” within these walls in the future.
Among the highlights of the afternoon were
- The concert by our youth band, Altitude
- The music, supported by the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Praise Team, brass ensemble and, of course, Choirmaster Peyton Strouth and Organist John Burkwall
- The greetings from Council member Bill Blaydes and presbyterial representatives David Wasserman and Betty Youngman
- The congratulatory letters from Mayor Laura Miller and President Bush
- The sermon by Dr. Cynthia Campbell, President of McCormick Theological Seminary
- The dedicatory prayer by Robert M. Shelton (printed at the bottom of this page)
Literally dozens and dozens of people worked in one phase or another to make Dedication Day an enjoyable, memorable experience. I could not begin to name them all; I would prefer to say that it was an effort by the church entire. I do need to acknowledge the committee that began work in June to make it a marvelous event:
Robert M. Shelton, chair
Martha Boyd
Missy Rodgers
Chuck Ramsay
Chris Jacobie
Ginger Williams
Cris Emrich
Erik Swanson
Once again, people of Lake Highlands Presbyterian, you give me cause to be glad and grateful that I can serve alongside you.
—Robert E Shelton