MARKING THE MILESTONES 

This month, we observe a few milestones along our congregation’s journey. On Sunday, November 2, we recognize All Saints’ Day, remembering those who kept the faith well and now join in the cloud of witnesses above. It is an occasion to celebrate lives lived in faith and our own endeavors to follow in the footsteps of those saints, great and small, who deepen our faith in Christ.

On Sunday, November 9, we have an unique opportunity to explore congregational history: remembering our past while journeying into our future. The Sunday sermon will reflect on “the way things used to be” as I share with you the ministry of the Rev. Frank Richard Morris, who served as the congregation’s minister one hundred years ago (1901-1908). Rev. Morris preached his last sermon on November 15, 1908, and subsequently, the sermon was published by a local printer to commemorate the occasion. I was able to locate this sermon at the University of Vermont library’s special collections archive recently, and it is a treasure! Rev. Morris reflects on what ministry was like in the first decade of the 20th-century here in Bennington. In turn, I will share some thoughts on “how times have changed and perhaps not changed at all!”

Also that morning, we celebrate our journey into the future by having coffee hour upstairs. Yes, UPSTAIRS!!! First Baptist now has a lift (ie—smaller version of a conventional elevator)! Thanks to the hard work of our trustees, both floors of the Nichols wing will be accessible to all persons! It will be an exciting day as we “lift our spirits” and begin utilizing the upstairs again!

(If you are interested in contributing especially to the costs of the lift and/or the forthcoming fire alarm installation, please send your donation marked “Building Improvements” to the attention of the church office.)

INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES!

On Wednesday, November 14 at 6 PM, the church invites the other religious communities of Bennington to a potluck dinner. It is just an easygoing event to help build up relationships between the various local congregations around Bennington. Also, one of the grand realities of the world’s religions: everyone loves to eat!

We look forward to a very tangible sign of interfaith cooperation when a Free Clinic for local persons without medical insurance opens in the next few weeks here at First Baptist. The vision of Dr. Richard Dundas and the cooperative work of the Bennington Interfaith Council, this project will be a weekly reminder of the good that happens when the faiths work together! Thanks to First Baptist for being such a willing participant in interfaith work!

 PERSONAL NOTES

From November 21-25, Kerry and I will attend the annual meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature, held in Boston, MA. This event gathers together biblical scholars to explore issues in biblical interpretation, current issues in biblical studies, and yes, even how readings of the Bible shape faith and inform discipleship. It is an enriching opportunity to learn from leading scholars and discuss the ways that sacred text inspires and challenges today’s Church and world. The SBL meeting also boasts “one of the world’s largest exhibits of books and digital resources for biblical studies.” You cannot imagine why I would be going…. (Send in a search team if I am not back in a few days!)

FINALLY

Advent starts the last Sunday of November this year. While it seems the year has gone by, may we be prepared to welcome the Christ child into the world, letting the season of waiting and watching inform us anew of the glad tidings of the Prince of Peace.

The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot

Coordinating Minister