This story has been shared at many church gatherings recently. Three parish deacons were hiking across an old wooden foot bridge fifty feet above a dry and rocky creek bed. They stopped for a moment to absorb the breath-taking view of distant hillsides, green pastures filled with grazing cattle, and endless rows of tall cornstalks waving in the gentle breeze.

“God’s in heaven and all’s right with the world,” remarked Bill.

“It’s days like this when we really need to stop and count our blessings,” added Ralph.

“You’re both right,” said Sue, the board chairperson. “And one of our blessings is our church right down there,” she exclaimed, pointing to the 128-year-old red brick structure with the tall white steeple. “Just look at the cemetery. Think of all of our families and friends who set…