September is upon us with Fall just around the corner, but I am still reflecting on the amazing Summer Youth Program that meant so much to so many children and youth, the wonderful Summer Women’s Bible Study on Esther with the concluding Feast of Purim banquet, and the Chapel’s special celebration of 75 years.
During the worship service on June 22, 2025, a beautiful leather-bound Bible was placed in the sanctuary by the Board of Governors to commemorate this special 75th year. Rich Pollock dedicated the book during that service, and it now resides on the table in front of the pulpit. It will be an ongoing symbol for us all to seek truth from scriptures in all things pertaining to the life of EAMC and in our personal lives. Lately I have been thinking about that Bible!
Anne Graham Lotz says, “The Bible is a wonderful book of history and poetry and prophecy and ceremony. Anyone can be blessed by just reading this truly magnificent piece of literature that spans the years of human history. But there is a unique blessing that is reserved for those who prayerfully, earnestly, and humbly approach it by faith as the truth, seeking to go past the surface reading into the deeper meaning.”
The fact that the Bible is a compilation of 66 books and letters divided into the Old and New Testaments written by more than 40 authors during a period of approximately 1500 years is impressive. The Bible is the best-selling book of all times published in 2400 languages, but what really stands out to me is that it is “God-breathed”…the inspired Word of God. Mary Fairchild explains it this way, “The Bible unfolds as a divine love story between the Creator God and the object of his love, humankind. Many have called the Bible a guidebook for living the Christian faith.”
In addition to having the Holy Scriptures, believers are given the Holy Spirit to clarify the truth and guide us into understanding. How wonderful. As Herb Ormond stated in the Memories Book reprinted for this special year, “We are so grateful that God gave us His Word and His Spirit to lead and guide us into the next 75 years of Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel.”
The next time you are in the sanctuary, explore our new Bible. Feel free to turn the pages, read the scriptures, and enjoy the illustrations. If you have a special occasion at the Chapel like a wedding, baptism or memorial, consider reading from it during the service. It is a very special addition to our sanctuary for all to use, appreciate, and remember. Thanks be to God for His Holy Word!