theirs. He identifies many Ulstermen for their conspicuous sacrifices and gallantry, particularly in the Revolutionary War, as well as those who held important political and professional positions. Dr. Marshall recounts how twelve of those Presbyterians put their sacred honor on the line by signing their names on the Declaration of Independence. In his book, Ulster Settlers in America, Dr. Howard Cromie writes that


remembering the persecution they had faced from the established church in Scotland and Ireland—they gave us our pivotal First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or - ment was at one point colloquially called, “The Ulster-Scots Presbyteri- an Amendment.” (By the way, if you ever find yourself wondering why three of your favorite U.S. college football teams have orange in their color scheme, ask me. I promise that I’ll do my best not to brag over much when I answer you!)


Growing


So, let’s think about tomorrow! It begins where St. Paul begins, ask- ing whether there is any emotional or unfinished business from the past that holds back our church today. For Paul, the past had to go so he could move on with Jesus: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). As for Paul, so for us. Our Savior, Jesus, describes becoming a Christian as a new birth (John 3:3-5). Only through fervent prayer and personal determination can we grow beyond our glorious past and honor those who passed it down to us. There’s no future in holding on to where we used to be.


As for yourself, ask God in prayer, talk with other church members about it. What do you need to embrace that is different for your church and that will help it to survive and thrive for another generation?


Change


The deathbed declaration of an old Rabbi has a lesson for us here. He said, “When I was young, I determined that I would change the world but as I grew older, I realized that this was too ambitious. So, I decided that I would change my state. As I grew a little older, I realized that this, too, was overly ambitious. So, I decided that I would change my town. As I grew even older, I realized that this was also more than I could do. I decided that I would change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize that this, too, was more than I could do. So, I decided to change myself. Now, I know that had I started out by changing myself, I would have succeeded in changing my family, my town, my state, and, who knows, maybe even the world.” Yes, your church may be hesitant to embrace new ways of doing things but don’t let hesitation on the part of others hinder you in your new life in Christ. Embrace your past with all its joys, victories, mistakes, and sor-


One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14)


rows and determine that you will move forward with your hand in the hand of Jesus. There’s no future in the past but a glorious future lies just up ahead with all of us who “… forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” A blessed Easter to you all. Please pray for me that in this Moderatorial year that I may serve our church well for the sake of our resurrected Lord.


Leslie Holmes, D.Min., Ph.D., is the Moderator of the Associate Re- formed Presbyterian Church. You can reach him at lholmes@arp.org.


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DON GREEN UPHOLSTERY Call collect (864) 277-3795


Write: 1401 Piedmont Hwy., Piedmont, SC 29673


Building Healthy Churches! Birthing Healthy Christians! March/April 2020 5


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