We have been faithful. Over the years many people have come and gone. We have had great losses and great gains. But we remain faithful, as we continue to trust in the Lord.

If the church has a need, most everyone is right there to help. The 25 years since our Centennial Celebration has brought a lot of change to our church and our community. Still, we have steadfastly clung to our cornerstone – Jesus Christ. It is with optimism and humor that we look forward to the next 25 years. After all, it was one of our youth that answered "150" when asked what the church will be twenty-five years from now. Our hope is that Alcester UCC will be alive, active and standing proud.

We will be strong, growing, and united. Above all, we will continue to value and nurture children. As Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me. For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

We have been earnest servants. We have initiated and supported missions with offerings, love and service. In Alcester (the Pantry), in South Dakota (The Banquet), the nation (sponsoring the settlement of a Laotian family) and the world (Heather Day and Andy Broadwell), these are some of our outreach projects.

We have laughed. From playing "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" for our church service, talent nights, and solving a crime caper, to the human foibles and mistakes.

How do you usher the middle row, anyhow? From the lock-in when the boys pretended to be boy bands to the confirmation class in which the boys (boys again!) used the girl’s bathroom, we have laughed heartily, and moved on.

We have honored the young people. We have welcomed them as infants with the cradle rocking. The children’s sermons have become an integral and important part of every worship service. Some adults claim to understand more of the children’s sermon than the adult sermon!

The answers the children give to the minister’s questions are insightful, smart, hilarious, and sometimes make us all squirm. Pastor Jean’s puppets are fondly remembered. The many children’s Christmas musicals have touched us as we realize that God has blessed us with so much talent. And the most recent unforgettable children’s sermon starred a newborn lamb and its shepherd. What a marvelous picture we all have of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

We have used our talents. Every shape and form of creative energy has been accepted and loved. Quilting, sewing, cooking, serving, singing, performing, decorating, sculpting, woodworking, painting, drawing, writing, planting, and much, much more.

Music! We are so blessed with enthusiastic musicians who willingly share their gifts. And yet everyone’s participation is valued, even those who sing off-key. The solos, duets, ensembles, choirs, and concerts have all warmed our hearts. Sometimes it is through the music that we have received a powerful message. The healing and inspiring music has been a key part of our ministry and mission. Our talents just keep multiplying.

We are united. Even though most of us did not grow up in the Alcester UCC, we feel welcome and that we belong. We appreciate the mix of religious backgrounds of our members as that flavors the religious experience for us all.

We are willing workers, as we enjoy and share the workload. No one has to beg anyone to do anything. Simply post a sign-up sheet in Mitchell Hall and wait for people to sign it. It is common for people to draw in extra lines for their name as they didn’t get there soon enough to sign on the lines provided.

We are a fun church, a warm church, a peaceful church, and finally a dedicated church. To God the glory! We understand and hold fiercely to Jesus’s promise "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:20) And so we step forward confidently, seeking the will of God. We know He will lead us the next twenty-five years.