“You’re only 70 years old?,” my friend asked with great surprise.

“Only 70? That’s pretty good for South Florida,” I proudly replied. 

No, my friend was not referring to my age. I am not 70, though I will turn the big 4-0 in September. She was talking about my congregation, the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale, which will celebrate 70 years in South Florida this October. 

My friend is a fellow clergy person from Connecticut, whose church turned 300 years old a few summers ago. No wonder she thought 70 was young! I had to explain to her that for Fort Lauderdale, which was founded in 1911, a 70-year-old organization is pretty rare. 

And it got me reflecting on what it takes for an organization, a community, or a person to make it to 70 years. I’d say that there is quite a bit of resilience required to survive for that long in our world today; as well as some strength, ingenuity, integrity, and the ability to build relationships with others for support.

And perhaps most of all, there must be something good and true about the work you are doing, something that resonates with others that has kept you around so long. For my church, I believe it is our welcome, our work for peace and justice, and our spirit of compassion and joy that has kept us going for 70 years. 

What is it about you, the organizations you are a part of, and the community that you call “home?” What has kept you alive and strong for this long? And what is driving you into the future? I hope you have some good answers! And I’d love for you to celebrate 70 years with my church in October! Be on the lookout for some great events this fall!

Peace and love,

Pastor Aaron