Chartering Faith
12 February 2025
Would you want to live in a neighborhood without a faith community like Christ Our Shepherd?
50 years ago, a group of Christians fervently answered “no” and took action! This Sunday, February 16 we mark exactly
50 years from the historic date when 97 adults and 62 children commenced signing a charter, expressing their determination to begin Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. These pilgrims of Peachtree City were convinced that this faith community would not only be a blessing to themselves but an essential aspect of the community’s welfare as well.
We are delighted that five of those founding members still bring vitality to COS today: Betty Schmidt, Judy Moore, Brenda Adams, and founding pastor John Weber and vivacious wife, Ginnie.
Can you see in the picture the very first signature? 8.30 service worshiper Judy Moore was the COS “John Hancock,” eager to put her name on the dotted line!
Here is what our parents in faith declared five decades ago:
“We believe it is the purpose of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, to have a place in this community that this belief may be practiced in a fellowship of worship, learning, witness, and service. Where we and our children may grow in God‘s grace through the word of God in Jesus Christ and become effective in our relationships at home and throughout the world.
In order to develop the individual ministries, we must remain flexible and open to meet the changing needs of the church, the community, and the world.
It is our aim to draw on the talents of all persons to involve them in the life and mission of the church.
We pledge:
In our desire to unite with Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, faithful support and active participation to ensure and further the goals of this congregation that we may express through our church and our life, the love and faith of Jesus Christ.”
We take a moment this week to thank those fabulous five founding members.
Their conviction and sacrifice 50 years ago allows us to experience everything we enjoy at COS today. Who could have imagined that the seeds they planted would be blessed by the Holy Spirit to grow into our beautiful facility that holds two vibrant styles of Christian worship and houses the dreams and ministries of all kind of community groups. Not to mention the pulse and potential of our 33-acre Palmetto Road property.
Here is a challenge for you, dear faith friend: reread the charter.
What phrase or concept hits your heart? What phrase or concept does Christ Our Shepherd need to emphasize today? Please inject your opinion as you talk with other Christ Our Shepherd friends this week.
What a privilege to use this charter to help us chart God’s preferred course for us in the next 50 years!
Happy 50th Anniversary (all year long!),
Pastor Fritz
Let us pray: Dear God, we praise you that 50 years ago, a special group of Christians discerned that you wanted them to establish a faithful congregation in Peachtree City. They believed that you really needed them to make a difference here in this place. Continue to send your Holy Spirit of conviction and momentum upon COS 50 years later, that still today we may always embrace passionately the pivotal difference-making ministry we accomplish together for the sake of ourselves, community and world and to your glory. Remind us that what we do together, in your name, is essential. In Jesus’ name, Amen.