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A popular online dictionary for kids defines the word "dedication" as "the condition of being faithful or devoted to something." With all due respect to Merriam Webster, I cannot think of a better definition for any person of any age. To be dedicated to a goal or endeavor is to devote yourself to it... to be loyal to it... and to commit a significant and valuable part of yourself to it.
"Dedication" can also refer to a ritual or ceremony. For example, on November 2, 1930, in the midst of the Great Depression, the people of Larchmont Avenue Church gathered for a very special worship service. Its purpose was to dedicate their newly built sanctuary to the glory of God and to the proclamation of the gospel. In prayers and proclamation, they presented the space as a gathering place for people of goodwill, a sacred site for worship, spiritual nurture, and service to the community. Through these formal acts of dedication, the congregation celebrated "the condition of being faithful or devoted" to a cause greater than themselves.
This week, our Dedication Sunday worship service will channel the same spirit and purpose of that gathering that took place over 95 years ago. As our stewardship campaign draws to a close, we dedicate our gifts and promises to God, pledging our faithfulness and devotion to God and Christ's church. We will also be making a formal dedication of new benches engineered and constructed by our own John Sykes V, who led a team of Scouts in the beautification and improvement of our Memorial Garden for his Eagle Scout project. John's work is a perfect example of what it means to be dedicated to a goal or cause -- to be faithful with the gifts and resources God has given us, and to be devoted in service to God and others.
We hope you will join us for a very special worship service this Sunday, as we dedicate ourselves anew -- in faithfulness and devotion -- to the promises of God and the mission that has been entrusted to us at Larchmont Avenue Church.
Blessings and peace,
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