In a day of functional obsolescence and disposability, it occurs to me that we likely don’t value durability nearly as much as we should. Buying something is easy but maintaining it is more of a challenge. Starting a new relationship or organization is simple, but maintaining one through the normal challenges that arise is tricky. This concept of disposability has been gradually woven into our collective consciences, degrading or at least undermining the significance of durability. And if we don’t value durability, then we likely aren’t going to celebrate it.
Two anniversaries of significance will be happening on our little island this weekend. On Saturday, down at the County Landing next to D’Fuskie’s, will be the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the annual Daufuskie Day event. As a Gullah homecoming celebration, Daufuskie Day has been passed from one generation to the next as the people who hold a cultural and heritage stake in this island come back to declare that this place and these people are important, especially to the Gullah people themselves. This is an event that has ebbed and flowed over the last 50 years, depending on the energy and availability of the folks who work behind the scenes to make it happen, but it endures. It has persevered, no matter the logistical challenges associated with a festival on a bridgeless island. Simply making it fifty years as a day of celebration is worthy of recognition, honoring the efforts of all who have contributed over those years to keep the program going.
Then, this Sunday the church will be celebrating 145 years of serving this island as a place of worship. As with Daufuskie Day, it hasn’t always been easy and there have been times of ebbing and flowing for the church. Keeping an historic building not simply intact but relevant to today’s needs as a place of worship isn’t easy, but it is possible because countless people across multiple generations have seen fit to give of themselves, whether it be of their time, treasures, or talents, to honor the efforts of those who got the church going back in 1881. There have been incredible hardships, such as the first church burning down just years after it was completed, and then the challenges of seeing our once-vibrant island whither away when the oyster canneries closed down, eliminating so many of the jobs that had employed our islanders. And yet, the church stands today as a vibrant place of worship that welcomes all to the cross.
Both of these causes are worthy of celebration, but their durability alone is worthy of celebrating as well. Neither heritage nor faith should ever be taken lightly, and they should never be seen as disposable, and this one weekend in June we will take the time to stand up and celebrate – not just their intended purposes, but the perseverance and faithfulness that it has taken across the generations to keep them going. So come out and join us this weekend!
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron