Words.  Words and voices.  Words and voices from the past for blessings bestowed; words and voices in petitions for the strength and determination to press on in His service and to His glory.

The message is from a prophet on the mountain top; in the voices of angels o high; in the words from the Cross.

Read again some words of the past, messages for today, and with the challenges of tomorrow.

“No one know better than our great Master Himself that, when He set for His followers their work, He was asking the impossible things.  But He has made all things possible for us by His words of command and promise, 'go — for I will be with you always even unto the end of the world.’

“Remembering these words, your anniversary days will be glorious days, and your tomorrows even more glorious.”

“What has been done has been done with but one purpose; to glorify our Father in Heaven, to advance His Cause and His Kingdom here upon earth.  All trophies have been laid at His feet; and with His smile resting upon her may she never cease her efforts on His behalf, but continue in achievements as great in the future as in the past till time shall end in eternity.”

“We confidently hope that this Church may prove to be a valuable asset to the moral and religious life of the community, and that the Church, so blessed, will prove, even more than in past years, a blessing in her ministry of love.”

“The future lies before us.  It is a unlimited opportunity for growth and achievement.  It stands beckoning us onward. It says, Grow, Advance.  Leave the past.  Do not live just for today but for the endless tomorrow.  Let us hear that voice.  Let us respond and dedicate ourselves and our church to its Christ-given mission that our congregation may be better and larger.”

“What has gone before us is important but what we do with it is of far more importance.  Paul says, “...whatever gain I had I counted as loss...” Pride in our congregation’s past accomplishments for GOD is not evil — but over-pride is evil — especially when there is a whole world to win for CHRIST.  This we cannot do, but we can allow CHRIST to do it through us.

With Paul I call you to, “...press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of “GOD in CHRIST JESUS.”

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.  Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have thanked God on many occasions this year as we, the members of St. Mark’s have gathered to celebrate His blessing upon His flock in this place over the past one hundred and fifty years.  We have remembered and are thankful for each member the Lord called to be a part of this ministry at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.  We are thankful for the many faithful pastors who were directed to share the Word and Sacraments, and for the four faithful young men the Lord called from this congregation to serve as His ministers.

I thank God that all that has been one here has been built on the one true foundation — the sure foundation, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of the Lord’s grace and forgiveness we have continued to do His work in this place and we look forward to the future as the Lord continues to use us as His instruments to spread the love of Christ that pierces the darkness of the world. 

I thank God as He directs and empowers us to do His work.  Our hope is only in Him.  Let us look with excitement and anticipation to the days and years ahead as we see set before us a new vision for ministry.  May we accept the challenge with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Let us move forward lifting up our Savior, Jesus Christ, for all to see.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  Amen.”

The pages have started to yellow; the cover has some tears and small pieces missing along the top edge.

The anniversary program booklet for the ninetieth anniversary of St. Mark’s Lutheran church is showing its 60 years of aging.

But on the first page is a four-verse poem, or words to a hymn.  There is no author’s name, no publication date.  Although fading the typewritten words are still very legible.  The message is one of everlasting meaning.

“My Church! My Church! My dear old church
My Father’s and my own.
On prophet’s and apostle’s built,
And Christ the corner stone;
All else beside, by storm or tide,
May yet be overthrown;
But not my Church! My dear old church,
My Father’s and my own.”