“THE UNFINISHED CHURCH”

If you’ve ever been to Bermuda, you probably spent most of your time on its beaches. Maybe you went for the golf since it has more courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world. But you may not have visited The Unfinished Church. It’s located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been a centerpiece of gothic architecture on the island. In the 1860s, the parish church for the St. George’s community was in poor condition and the government was afraid to demolish it and build a new church on the same site because yellow fever victims were buried in the churchyard and people feared construction would stir up the disease. So they decided to build a new church on another site. Construction began in the 1870s; but, because of an internal conflict over worship style that split the church, the new building was abandoned half-built. Over time, it became known to local residents as “The Unfinished Church.” In 1991 it was declared a protected historical monument. Its stone arches, grassy floor and openness to the starry sky make it a much sought-after venue for many Bermudan events.

“The Unfinished Church” describes an actual historical building with a specific history. But it’s not a bad moniker for every church. I used to see a bumper sticker that read: “Be patient with me. God isn’t finished with me yet,” which is an allusion to Philippians 1:6. We don’t have trouble describing ourselves or others we love as “unfinished.” It means God is still writing our story. God isn’t done with us. Our life isn’t over.

It’s a title every church ought to claim. To be “The Unfinished Church” says we are a people with both a history and a future. That God isn’t done with us. That God isn’t finished writing our story. First Congregational Church of East Longmeadow has always been an unfinished “work in progress.” The Meetinghouse was physically moved down the hill from its original spot to where it now sits. Looking at old pictures of the sanctuary, you can see how the interior has been altered and adapted over the years. Then, in the 1950s, the educational wing was added. Every generation has collaborated with God in writing the next chapter of this church. It is now our turn to add new chapter to the long story of this Unfinished Church.

More than a year ago, First Congregational Church contracted with Partners for Sacred Places to guide a discernment process exploring how best to activate our church’s hidden assets and make the most of our sacred space both for ourselves and our community. Their report was submitted to the congregation for further discussion in August.

This Sunday, October 29, immediately after worship is our first opportunity to gather for a congregational conversation about its key finding and suggestions. Please join us for this important discussion of what might come next for our Unfinished Church. Our story is not complete. Perhaps it’s only half-written. And all of us will be the next chapter’s authors.

We will gather immediately after worship in the sanctuary for our conversation. I am planning to shorten the service somewhat to allow for us to complete our process and still be home for lunch at a reasonable hour.

Pastor Thomas

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