From Reverend Pat Kriss: Our Life Journeys
(Posted May 4, 2018)
On this Sunday, our Anniversary Sunday, we direct our attention to the ways that this wonderful congregation has not only survived since 1696, but thrived despite challenges that might have discouraged less- committed Christians. Throughout our long history, we have risen above crises such as the burning to the ground of our fourth meetinghouse. How did we do this? By rising from the ashes in 1907, and believing Christ’s promise to be by our side in all things, not only as our savior, but as our friend.
This Sunday the Gospel reflects this partnership with God. In John 15 Jesus tells us:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another."
We are chosen. And we choose.
The most important sacred objects in this church do include the Emerson Pulpit, and the Comfort Starr Baptismal bowl. But most important are all the long term members who have chosen to walk their life journey with this church and with us all. It is an inspiration to all others more recently drawn to First Church who sense in all of our members a sacred community that does bear fruit, and shares that harvest with the greater Danbury community. Blessings to all! –Pastor Pat Kriss