From the Pastor's Desk

JONATHAN EDWARDS: AMERICA’S THEOLOGIAN

I was thirteen years old when we celebrated our country’s bicentennial. I had recently upgraded to a ten-speed bike. As July 4th approached, I navigated the streets in Rolling Meadows, Il. Every street was decorated with American flags.

The fireworks were spectacular that year. While the, “bombs burst in mid- air,” I’m now aware, through the lens of history and hindsight, that our economy was stagnant. The impact of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal continued. In hindsight, I was living in a time of transition.

Now the country is 250 years old. I drive a Camry. I see fewer flags. However, I better understand the challenges that come with serving God during times of change. Many experts believe we are in a time like that right now. The national mood is less than enthusiastic. Perspective seems to be in short supply.

I am thrilled to have Professor John Cunnigham as our guest preacher for the last three Sundays in July. John’s preaching aims to have us connect, in a fresh way, with our nation’s premier theologian, Jonathan Edwards. Historians make the case that his contributions guided our country, theologically, through an important period of transition that rivals and even surpasses our own. It might be very helpful to look back as we move ahead as a church, informed by our tradition and Scripture.

It may just be that the legacy of Jonathan Edwards will help us focus on what the Holy Spirit is doing in our midst at present, through Christ and by faith, as we learn from our past to walk into the future.

Pastor Pat