One of Bluffton’s oldest congregations, St. John’s United Church of Christ, celebrates its 140th anniversary Sunday, Sept. 15, according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor.
Using the theme “Joy in the journey,” the congregation has several events planned during the day.
Rev. Charles Jordan, a son of the congregation, will preach the anniversary sermon, titled “Reaching into the future with faithfulness.” The service starts at 10:30 a.m.
Rev. Jordan, a Bluffton High School graduate, graduated from Eden Theological Seminary and has served UCC churches in Indiana and Ohio. He served two terms as president of the Board of Directors of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC. He currently is chair of the Committee on Ministry for his current association and has taught UCC polity at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis.
A catered dinner will follow the worship service. Rev. Clemens said that well over 100 persons plan to attend.
Two former pastors will worship with the congregation on Sunday. They are Rev. Mark Williams and Rev. Judy Huber.
Several historical exhibits will be on display. One includes a photo display of all former St. John’s pastors. Another includes photos of all St. John’s confirmation classes.
The congregation formed in 1873 and originally worshiped in the original Presbyterian church building. In 1879 the St. John’s congregation built a church where it has been located ever since, at the corner of College Avenue and Jackson Street.
The congregation was an outgrowth of what is today the Emmanuel United Church of Christ on Phillips Road. The Emmanuel and St. John’s original members were Swiss immigrants. The original congregations were part of the “Swiss” Reformed church. After several mergers, the congregation became a United Church of Christ.
The congregation is active in several community programs. Its largest presence in the community is that it serves as home to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program’s food pantry.
Rev. Clemens, current pastor, has served the congregation since October 2010.
She said that the UCC denomination’s theme “God is still speaking.” On the church lawn are several “commas” place in the lawn. Rev. Clemens said that the common serves as a reminder.
“My church gave me this comma, reminding me to balance our rich religious past with openness to the new ideas, new people, and new possibilities of the future,” she said.
Events of the day are open to the public.
