For the Lord loves justice,
Psalm 37:28
And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever,
Sunday morning, in the sanctuary here at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church, we witnessed some kind of a shift or waggle in the space-time continuum and – poof! – we welcomed a talented group of visitors from 1874. These good folk had come to 21st Century Tarboro to help tell the story of how this wonderful church came to be.
We had the legendary “Three Annas” with us, along with several other key players in the beginnings of our congregation. Between them they brought a strong message about the enthusiasm that gave birth to the vision and the faithfulness that has sustained it.
These folk, it is clear to see, are real life saints. Of course, sainthood in the Presbyterian tradition is not limited to a special selection process, it is something we can all simply live into. Sainthood means living a life dedicated to loving God and serving others in response to God’s grace.
The 2024 congregation enjoyed some powerful testimonies, along with great stories, a lot of genuine smiles, and a few impossible to hold in laughs.
But this is the real story of the Christian church; it is about regular people who are transformed by faith in Jesus, and who build a community where love, and grace, and acceptance and reaching out in generous service define life together.
There is a deep authenticity here at HMPC that speaks volumes. And the message we shared Sunday morning was crystal clear: The vision of 1874 remains as vital, as alive, as true, as compelling, as charged with life and as flat out necessary today as it was then.
Only now is a world unimagined in 1874. However, we have both needs and resources The Founders never dreamed of. But most importantly we have the mighty power of God, the deep deep love of Jesus, and the vitality of the Holy Spirit.
So let’s go, church, let’s go! – DEREK
