PASTORS MESSAGE

In April Lime Rock Baptist Church celebrates 180 years of ministry since its humble inception in 1831. 180 years ago some folks got together with a shared goal and a commitment to each other and God.

While the Lime Rock Baptist Church of 2011 and the original community of 1831 have different perspectives of the world and different expressions of faith and spirituality, they share something real and important in building bridges to Lime Rock and Lincoln residents. LRBC is a faith community whose tradition is simple and enduring – care and support for your neighbor. But the simple objective of being a caring community is actually challenging to maintain with consistency, generation after generation. Caring requires understanding, and understanding comes by listening.

As LRBC celebrates 180 years of service, it is an opportune reminder that LRBC always has before it the challenge of listening to its neighbors, and understanding the rapidly changing world in which we live.

In the midst of a complex world with complex problems LRBC is guided by goals inspired by the Gospel; i.e. service to our neighbors without discrimination, respect for human dignity, independent and devoted seekers of God, and a belief that God is truly eternal, merciful, compassionate and present in our lives. Or, as Jesus says in Luke’s Gospel, “you will love the Lord your God with all your heart, your entire mind, all your strength, and all your soul, and your neighbor as yourself.” Such simple but powerful ideas when deeply held can sustain a faith community for a very long time. It gives LRBC good reason to be optimistic about the 21^st Century, as it also prepares for that future.

Here’s to Lime Rock’s 180^th Anniversary. May your reflection upon the past inspire future labor, future learning and discoveries of God, and the satisfaction of bringing hope to others.

Rev. Michael Burch

American Baptist Churches USA