Building Together

Today is a joyful and meaningful day in the life of our church. We gather to install newly elected members of the consistory, to give thanks for faithful service completed, and to celebrate a new chapter of leadership—including the installation of our first female chief elder. All of this comes just three months after celebrating 110 years of God’s faithfulness to this congregation. We are reminded that we are part of a story far greater than ourselves.

Our theme today, “Building Together What We Did Not Begin,” speaks of both humility and hope. Humility, because none of us started this church. Hope, because by God’s grace, we are entrusted to carry it forward.

Scripture calls us to remember those who came before us:

“Remember your leaders… consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

And Paul reminds us,

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

This church was planted by faithful people—many whose names we may not know—who prayed, sacrificed, and trusted God with a future they would never see. Because of their faith, we are here today.

Today we give thanks for our outgoing chief elder, who has served faithfully for six years. Church leadership is not about recognition or authority, but about responsibility, prayer, perseverance, and love. We are deeply grateful for service that strengthened and guided this congregation.

At the same time, we look forward with joy. We welcome new consistory members who have said yes to serving God and this church. And we celebrate a historic moment as we install our first female chief elder—rejoicing in how God calls, equips, and sends both women and men to lead faithfully.

Jesus reminds us that leadership in the church is not about standing above others, but standing with them:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). This is the leadership we affirm today—leadership rooted in service, listening, and love.

A familiar story tells of cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. One said, “I’m cutting stone.” Another, “I’m earning a living.” A third said, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God.” None lived to see it finished, yet each played a vital role. That is the church.

Some of us lead. Some serve quietly. Some teach, pray, give, or simply show up faithfully. None of us builds alone, and none of us sees the full picture. But together, guided by God, we build something greater than ourselves.

To the new consistory and chief elder: you are not starting from scratch. You inherit 110 years of faith, prayer, worship, and service. Honor the past by building faithfully for the future.

To the congregation: this calling belongs to all of us. The church is not the consistory—it is the people of God. Every one of us is a builder.

So let us move forward with gratitude for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future—trusting that the God who has been faithful for 110 years will continue to be faithful in the years to come.

Amen.