“Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in” the Spirit of God.

I have a dream that one day soon our church will rise up and live out the gospel (good news) without shame, fear, or hesitation.

I have a dream that one day people who we have offended, and those who have offended us will be able to sit down together at the table of reconciliation set by our Lord.

I have a dream that one day our town of Silverton and our meeting will be a place known for freedom (freedom from sin and freedom from oppression) and a place of justice for ALL people – no matter their race, culture, gender, life circumstance, status, or capacity to understand and comprehend God’s mysteries.

I have a dream that our children will not be judged on external factors like appearance, special needs, skills, or abilities, and instead be judged by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day as I look out over our meeting gathered I will be able to see a sanctuary full of women and men, young and old, ALL ministers; each and every one a worshiper of God involved in the work of the ministry, not out of guilt but out of a deep love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have a dream of a church body that is passionate about sharing their faith in Christ with those hopeless and broken of our neighborhoods and communities. A dream that we would not be fearful, but compassionate, articulate, giving, and loving as we live out the good news through service to our neighbors.

I have a dream that we would, each one of us would, take seriously our obligation to study God’s Word and other great resources that support His Word, so that we may be able to love God and love our neighbors to the fullest extent.

I have a dream that this meeting would rise up above its struggles and divisions to become a shining light to the community of Silverton. Not for the recognition by the community, nor for the praise of other Christians, nor for the glory of our meeting, but for the glory of God and God alone!

And on our way to that day, we will be able to join hands and sing the words of the worship anthem: “There is no one like our God. Greater things have yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city, greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done here.”

____________

Pastor Bob’s dream for SFC – shared in his sermon on Sunday, May 20, 2013.