The church I’ve attended since I was in the baby room celebrates 250 years this year. This weekend was a big celebration — special speakers, personal testimonies (my dad and husband included), baptism, beautiful music, sweet stories shared.

I want to be sure to mark the gift of sitting under the tent with our two girls, surrounded by Church family familiar and new, on grounds even my Dad grew up playing and learning and singing. To mark the gift of being part of a legacy so long and still going so strong. To mark the gift of the opportunity to be part of Kiokee’s story, even if my name isn’t in any history book. To mark the gift with thankfulness for the faith and fortitude of the many mothers and fathers who parented, loved and discipled before me. To mark the gift of joy in being part of a Church family full of people who delight me, who I trust with all of me, who I love to share life with, who I worship Jesus beside.

Church, the capital ‘C’ Church, is a gift. And I’m especially grateful for the mercy of God in keeping ours alive and well for so many years. It is His mercy that will continue to lead us forward, and it’s His presence and gospel we will enjoy and give away for what I pray is another 250 years.