by Ruth Schwalm

Continuing the Bicentennial theme, "Hope for the future through faith from the past," members and friends of the congregation looked forward to welcoming as the guest pastor, Rev. Ronald Page, the son of Mrs. Anna Page, who with her family lived only two homes away from the Shiremanstown Evangelical United Brethren Church (on this same site). Ronald accepted Christ at the age of twelve years, when the Rev. Ralph A. Strasbaugh, pastor, baptized and received him into membership in the second floor sanctuary in 1956. Rev. Page became affiliated with the Church of the Brethren in 1967. He began his preaching and pastoral ministry in 1976, and was ordained in 1987. He is presently serving as pastor of Albright Church of the Brethren in Claysburg, PA. Rev. Page has likewise been an employee of SPRINT, a telecommunications company, for 34 years.

The service was opened by Mr. John Wolfe, who then led the congregation in the Call to Worship. This was followed by a time of singing praises to God, led by Christy Yentzer. These hymns included "Emmanuel, Emmanuel," "He is Lord," and "There’s Something about that Name."

The Old Testament Lesson, found in Job 38:1-7, was read by Rev. John Kurtz, pastor. This passage challenges Job to acknowledge the mighty works of God, as well as to put aside ignorance and imbecility. The New Testament Lesson, found in John 4:34-38, also had to do with accountability. Jesus, preaching to the Samaritans, says, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his (God’s) work." He added, ..."behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together."

In addition to the morning anthem, "Footprints of Jesus," the daughter of Rev. Page, Paula Eicher of Claysburg, sang a special arrangement of one of his favorite hymns, "It is Well With My Soul."

Rev. Page, in his pre-announced sermon title, "Servants of the Most High God," first asked the congregation, "What will it take to have this congregation fulfill Christ’s mission?" He set forth the following:

First, the congregation must be dedicated; they must have a vision. John 4:34 says "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." (This is God’s work.)

Second, we must accept by faith God’s saving grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Jesus hung and died on the cross for all of us.

Third, we must believe the words of St. Paul, I Corinthians 3:9-11, where he writes, "...we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building, I (Paul) have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Fourth, Christ calls all of his disciples in the sin-darkened world to heed these words from Matthew 5:14-16: "Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven," and

Fifth, we will be able to fulfill Christ’s mission here when we commit ourselves to the task. As we increasingly experience the joy of serving the Lord; as we use the gifts of the Spirit (which He has given us) in collaboration with other persons in the congregation; as we tithe; pray and follow His word, we can complete the mission He has given us. In Christ’s strength, "There’s hope for the future through faith from the past." Now is the time for harvest!

The Service was closed with the congregational hymn of dedication, "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross" and the benediction by Rev. Kurtz.

A time of fellowship followed the service. Photographs of Rev. Page were taken for historical purposes.

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