But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” - Isaiah 43:1
It has been a number of years since HMPC put out a new pictorial directory. So what better time to update the names and faces of our congregation than this 150th anniversary celebration.
It has been a big project, significantly more extensive than anyone other than those putting the directory together could imagine. The result is a state of the art booklet produced by Susan Roberson, Diane LeFiles, Bill Goode, Anna Vaughn Kincheloe and the combined efforts of many more than I could begin to name.
The team achieved an attractive publication that not only features portraits but also captures some of the vibrant life that pulsates throughout HMPC’s beautiful and historic campus.
God makes a point, throughout the Bible, of saying he knows us by name. It’s a powerful idea that lands squarely in the sweet spot of the deeply personal nature of God’s love.
The theme is picked up in the sacrament of baptism too. Sunday, September 22 the latest set of twins - Lance Cherry III and Lauryn Cherry - were welcomed into the family of God and they were baptized, by name and in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
God knows each one of us by name. We are heirs of the Kingdom, named as such. Here is an idea: Pick up a new directory, look at each picture in turn, and thank God for that individual - by name.
In love and in gratitude - Derek
