It’s a funny thing about history; there wouldn’t be any history if nothing happened!  Our churches have a wonderful history, full of rich learning; dramatic decisions, stagnant times of discouragement and a great fluctuation in membership and leadership.         One historian writes: “Time will not allow to speak of the severe trials, the dark days and heroic struggles amidst discouragement, or of the favors received, the blessings enjoyed and the victories won.  But like Paul, ‘Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before us, we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Amen!  History informs us but should never hold us prisoner.  The past offers a magnificent tapestry of experience from which we may learn and grow as we move forward.  History is what has made us what we are today and the decisions and actions we make will be tomorrow’s history!  At times churches can become stagnant, feeling locked in to ‘what has been’ rather than ‘what might be’ when Christ leads us forward to new horizons of possibility.  History is important and always to be valued, but not worshiped!