Holy Ground

by Rev. Dr. Amy Chilton on 12/19/24

Have you ever wondered about the second verse of the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”? While our current hymnal reads “Here I raise to thee an altar,” I do not doubt that many of you have the original lyrics memorized: “here I raise an Ebenezer.” It is no wonder the words were updated. I mean, who knows what an Ebenezer even is? (Hint: it isn’t Scrooge.)

Ebenezer is a Hebrew name meaning “stone of help.” In the Hebrew Scripture book of 1 Samuel, we read about the Israelites being defeated by the Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant taken. (The Ark was a sacred box holding divine relics and believed to be the seat of God’s presence on earth.) When the Ark was returned to the Israelites and the Israelites had reconsecrated themselves to God, the prophet Samuel set up a stone and “named it Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’” (1 Sam. 7:12).

You might wonder why I have had the Ebenezer stone on my mind this week - after all, it isn’t the most thought of story in Scripture! Let me explain. A rock carron (stack) has appeared outside the PMBC lobby door. It has been slowly getting taller over the past few weeks. At first I assumed that our Sexton had moved some rocks after our landscaping work. But, then our secretary watched a teen on their way to school add a rock to the pile!

Now, I have seen many rock carrons along hiking trails or at the beach (there are always carrons at Fisherman’s Memorial near Pt. Judith). But, I have never seen one in front of PMBC. My initial thought was to dismantle it. But, carrons are often built to indicate a sacred space or holy ground - much like the Ebenezer stone. So, instead of unstacking them I added a sign to the window behind the stack that reads:

Thank You

For

Stacking these Stones!

 

Stacked stones indicate that this is holy Ground!

 

Also - We welcome and affirm all folx!

Join us on Sunday Morning at 10 a.m.

What kind of Baptist would I be if I didn’t issue an invitation to Sunday Morning service?! Seriously.

I don’t know who started this stack or what meaning it has for them, but what a perfect place to put it. The church gathered is a sacred place - a place where we remember how God’s help has brought us thus far. As we wrap up 2024 and our 124th year of life together, we too can also sing of many communal and personal trials that God has brought this faith family through. And God willing, we will continue to sing of God’s faithfulness in this community and beyond.

So, this week, perhaps make a rock carron of your own. Large or small, it doesn’t matter. And as you build it remember what God has brought you through and spend a moment offering thanks for the sacred ground on which God’s grace has met you.

Blessings,

Pastor Amy