legacy resources

Wednesday, April 19, was a wonderful day in the life of Sapulpa 1st Methodist Church as we celebrated the 100 birthday of Jackie Robertson.  Jackie has been a "professing member" of our church since 1931 (her chronological member number is "5"!) and her contribution to the life of the church (and the Sapulpa community) has been beyond measure.  At a dinner in her honor, she was joined by some 40 family members, over 100 members of our church, and many special guests and friends.  Highlights of the evening included Jackie being awarded a certificate recognizing her as an official member of the Oklahoma Centenarian Society.  She was also honored by letters from state representatives, officials of the Cherokee Nation, and the singing of the National Anthem (in Cherokee) by one of her grandsons.  A very special moment was when she rose to address those who were gathered.  

Everyone enjoyed hearing her reflections, stories, and words of wisdom.  

On Sunday, May 7, we further honored Jackie as we celebrated our annual Heritage Sunday.  This is a day in which we recognize all of our "professing members" who have been a part of our church for over 50 years.  Jackie is in fact, both our oldest living member and our longest active professing member.  She was unable to be with us on Heritage Sunday but her name was read and once again we shared about the impact she has had on so many through her work and service in the Sapulpa 1st United Methodist Church.  Jackie, along with other Heritage members, have been people who have touched our lives in many ways.

Sometimes we fail to recognize it, but each of us find great resources from the legacy and heritage of special people who have gone before us.  For each of us there are people who have:  inspired us, taught us, encouraged us, and have been role models for us of what it means to live life well.  Most of our Heritage members are people who have faced numerous trials and struggles in their life and they have done so with fortitude and grace.  They are, for us, a true example of how we should live.

​So, if you are facing a life challenge or trial, remember people like Jackie.  Give thanks to God for the resources of faith that were planted in your life by people who have gone before you.  Draw upon their wisdom, be inspired by their example, and be strengthened by the knowledge that God walks with us just as he has walked with so many who have gone before us.