E-votional Message...
 

In Celebration of Our Library

I love libraries.  Through the years I have had the pleasure of experiencing many different libraries.  I love the smell of books, the echo and the comfortable beauty I’ve found in so many.  Libraries were also a struggle for me. I am a bit hyper, so struggling with concentration and sitting still was a constant challenge, especially when I was younger.

My love of libraries extends from my own collection of books, to the great libraries I’ve visited once or twice, as well as those I practically lived in.  To  this day I miss card catalogs and volumes of indexes that helped one find rare books and periodicals.  Computers have made it so much easier, but I miss  the feeling of satisfaction that came from finding the perfect article.  The search made me feel like Indiana Jones on an adventurous quest. 

The one place in my life where libraries were not magical, relevant, or even acceptable was at church.  I never used or even entered a church library growing up.  The rooms were not inviting, the books were often not clearly marked or properly cataloged.  It seemed that the most ignored part of churches in my history were their libraries. 

Then I came to Westminster, and was so impressed with our library.  The books are properly cataloged.  Some books are old, while others are recently purchased.  The books are not only on theology, but many subjects are included.  The children are not forgotten in our church library.  There are tables, chairs and even a place to get coffee. It’s a real, working, relevant church library!  Thrilling! 

Soon after my arrival, I learned why our library is so special – it has a committee of people who love books and libraries and have a faithful commitment to our church library.  Gene Wilson has been the chair of our church library committee for the last eight and one-half years. Paula Morrell has been involved for as long as Gene, and Doris Buckley also serves on the committee. 

Gene Wilson feels it is time for new leadership on the Library Committee. He will continue to provide support and committee participation, but he feels it is time to involve new people and enlarge the committee. On behalf of Westminster Church, I would like to thank Gene Wilson for his long service to our church and its library. When you see Gene, please take the time to thank him for his dedicated service.  Then, please pray for the future of our church library. 

The library will continue to grow and meet new challenges. Like so many areas, technology is a challenge the library will need to tackle. Is there a way to incorporate e-books into our library? We will also want to continue adding new books on a variety of subjects to the library. Can we develop a relationship between our church library and the Des Moines Library system, and perhaps the Presbyterian seminary libraries? There are so many ways we can continue to enhance our library.

Please pray for our church library. Remember the library if you want to make a donation of books or dollars. Consider offering your assistance in volunteering at our library.  Finally, simply take the time to come in and use our library.  We are blessed to have such a good library.  Enjoy it!

Blessings,
Scott 

“When one door closes another opens. But often we look so long so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us.”

                                                                                                                        Helen Keller