First Christian Church of Medina, Ohio

Celebration and Dedication Day

May 4, 2003

Message from the Minister

A Seminary Professor once told our class that perhaps the best we can hope for in this ambiguous life is to do a creative act amid the mess. Thinking of his words and wondering about the beauty of our new facility, I can’t help but be grateful beyond all measure that God has blessed us with this creative act in the midst of such fearsome times.

We launched this ministry of construction/creation on Sept. 9, 2001. We gathered around a cross that was chalked onto the land. We prayed that what we were doing would be done to the glory of God and in good faith to our heritage (ancestors) and to our future (children). Two days later, our nation was attacked. The symbols of power and value collapsed before our eyes. Since then, our nation has been at war. In the midst of it, we have been intent on helping our community grieve, while also working prayerfully to create a work of Godliness in humility and grace. An incarnational ministry of Spirit to remind us that God is faithful in the midst of dark times. God’s love for us can be trusted.

Those of us who have been involved in this process know this has never been about a building. I know that sounds ridiculous on the surface, but it’s true. This has been an act of faith and God has been blessing it in ways that have left us wonder-filled. God’s grace has been so obviously at work. There are so many people who need to know God (is faithful, loving, trustworthy, wonderful, and in the world). We need to simply tell our story.

As things turn, as events unfold, as our lives press forward, people will still need to find solace and hope in such acts and signs of faith. Do you think people need to see a cross looking like it is just hanging in the night sky? Do you think they need to hear and see and touch a visible sign of grace? Do you think they need to witness a creative act amid the mess and be blessed by it? I do.

God’s hand is real and moving in our lives. We have been called to give witness to it. What a blessing to be able to share it.

Rev. Dr. Teresa

"For I know the plans I have for you," declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

A Word from the 2003 Board President

In dedication of this building it is fitting to remember this process started, not a few years ago, but in the late 1800’s when our fore-leaders started First Christian Church. This present day we continue their vision with another building block for future generations. We are blessed to have the resources to do this. And, the greatest resource is the people of faith: The prayerful people who had vision to conceive the idea; purchase the property; expend energy and enthusiasm to raise the capital; the time and inspiration to explore the different churches to hire an architect who shared our vision; time spent on the building site overseeing God’s interests; the physical effort to move; the art of all eyes towards beautifying and preserving our surroundings; the practical ability to operate the building; and the spiritual guidance from our ministers and lay leaders. May we never take for granted we are a diverse people—within one community—to uphold one another in God, no matter the building in which God lives.

Evan Hollopeter

Last modified: 10/10/06

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