July 26 – “25”

Well, 25^th Anniversary Sunday has come and gone.  Guess Seaside has officially started on the next 25.  It was hard to get an accurate count of the people who came, mainly since we were meeting outside.  The best estimate at this time is 186 souls who braved the heat and worshipped under the retreat center building.  And it was an amazingly “Seaside” conglomeration of folks.  Lots and lots of former Seasiders who have moved away.  Most of our most recent regular attenders.  Several new to the community families.  Some esteemed dignitaries.  And then there was the avowed atheist on the front row.  And the grieving agnostic back in the back.  All of us were sitting together peacefully, enjoying the festivities. 

 

The esteemed guests started us off.  Jamaica Beach’s Mayor Clay did a great job with his very short, “not a real politician” speech, thanking Seaside for its valuable, contributing outreach programs in the community.  Ernest represented the Baptist General Convention of Texas and presented us with a declaration of appreciation and congratulations.  Then Dr. Jim from the Galveston Baptist Association gave us a plaque commemorating our 25 years.  Current and former staff members were recognized for their significant contributions.  Even some of the key volunteers from years past received a nod.  And I had to mention Lauren.  She and her team worked hard to get everything decorated and set up for the event.  As always, it was a beautiful set-up.

 

During the service we heard scripture readings and prayer from former youth pastors Josh and Kel and Mike.  Former worship pastors Wes and Andy joined the praise team, and Andy played Amazing Grace on his bagpipes during the communion time.  The teaching was on how Jesus gave Simon a new name that Peter spent the rest of his life trying to live up to.  And lo and behold we discovered that God has a new name for us – our own “name written on a white rock.”  And it is our responsibility to live up to that name as well.  Simon’s was Peter, or Rock.  He became a strong leader.  Ours could be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, or even integrity.  Or maybe he has a special one just for you.  Live up to it. 

 

After the service we all gathered on the ramp and the porch and spilled out onto the parking lot for a massive 25^th anniversary photo op.  Then some folks headed back into the shade for an impromptu jam session by the musicians.  Others made their way inside to check out the photos framed on every table, nook and cranny.  Some were thumbing through the scrapbooks or photo albums.  Some snuck a little appetizer from the food room, too.  We had to wait a few minutes for the brisket to arrive, but it was fresh and hot from Koop’s Barbeque.  The serving tables inside were heavy laden with all manner of potato salads and baked beans and green bean casseroles and sweets.  A local Jamaica Beach vendor donated enough cake to feed 200 people and more. 

 

Hugs abounded as tales of “the good old days” mingled with stories from the most recent of times.  Children made their way to the playground.  Lots of photos were taken in front of the huge yard sign that wished Seaside a Happy 25^th Anniversary.  It sprang up during the wee hours of Sunday morning, and provided a wonderful surprise as people arrived at the church.  Chris and I received more than our share of affirmations for our minor role over the last few decades. Pastor Kel was encouraged by many as well, as he begins his new tenure as co-pastor and ultimately as senior pastor.  This celebration of the past was truly amazing.  Our prayer now is that the now-bright outlook for the future has a chance to grow and blossom into something just as beautiful. 

 

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

 

Father, thank you for the chance to see so many former Seasiders.  Thank you for trusting me with the chance to share the gospel with so many folks as well.  Please soften the heart of that atheist and ease the ache of that agnostic.  Draw them to yourself.  Amen.