Our own Betty Siegle was honored recently for the twenty-five years she spent as President of Kennesaw State University. The new (and fabulous) Student Activities and Recreation Center on the campus has been named in honor of this first female president in the University of Georgia system.

   In her remarks, as always, she was looking forward, always toward the future. The building honors the past, much of it her past, but Betty knows that what is really important is what the school and the students do with that facility in the years that lie ahead. She said it beautifully when she said, "Your memories must not overshadow your dreams."

   That line, I think, summarizes my thoughts as we move now into the refurbished sanctuary this Sunday. To be sure, the memories are there. My memories are only twelve years old, though. Many of you have memories that have been built over your entire lifetime. And some have memories that came from your parents and grandparents and great-grandparents who worshiped here.

   Perhaps you were baptized or confirmed here. Maybe married here. Maybe you heard the word of God clearly and definitely for the first time in this space. I baptized five grandchildren here. Five! And we baptized and confirmed, married and buried dear friends in this space. Tears of gratitude and remembrance come easily to us when we think on the memories and when we call some of the names.

   But as Betty the Teacher reminds us, the memories must not overshadow the dreams, and dream we will. If I asked you to speak of your dreams for the new sanctuary, what would you say?

   I dream, of course, about the people who will come there. Some will know all about the church, all about the gospel, all about scripture. And some will be perfectly new to it all and will hear it for the first time. I dream about the children who will come for "Children's Time" and challenge me and the other ministers with their insight and their keen wit. I dream about the baptisms and confirmations. I dream of hearing you say to yet another new family, "We rejoice to welcome you...." I dream about the first Thanksgiving service, the first Christmas Eve, the first Ash Wednesday, the first Easter morning. I dream about the prayers, the liturgy, the music. I dream of worship and service.

   I must admit a failure on my part, however. Since we set this "opening" date, I have thought about the sermon. I have convinced myself that I must preach something memorable, even unforgettable, and have convinced myself that much of what happens in your life and mine this Sunday depends upon the quality of my sermon. And I should have known better. At my age, I should have known better. So I confess and I repent. The Holy Spirit of God will be present in that space and that Spirit will determine all things. The Holy Spirit of God will bless the memories and bless the dreams, and that is enough. This I know.

   And I'll see you this Sunday.

A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of Marietta First United Methodist.  The class begins Sunday, September 20 at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor and runs for five weeks.  Register online or through the church office.  (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The next Power 45 is September 20 from 4-6 p.m.  Fourth and fifth graders tell your friends and get it on your calendars! (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The Senior Adult Ministry will visit the Leo Frank Exhibit at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw on Monday, September 21 at 9:30 a.m. We will depart from the Polk Street parking area. The cost of the trip is $8 plus lunch at Doug's Place in Emerson following the museum visit. (Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835).

Senior Adult Ministry Catered Luncheons resume on September 16 and continue through May 2016 on the third Wednesday of each month in the Reception Hall. The dates and speakers are:

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

September 16