Burney Presbyterian Church Resurrects

Just yesterday, writing about the 68th Annual Harvest Dinner, I wrote, “God works in mysterious ways. The doors of the Burney Presbyterian Church building have been closed now for over a year.”

Now, one day later I am pleased to amend, “God works in mysterious ways. The doors of the Burney Presbyterian Church building have just been reopened.”

Today, Sunday, October 23, at 4 p.m. the church held it’s first service. Elder Mike Kerns welcomed about 50 people to the church. Reverend Rob Watkins, Interim General Presbyter for the Presbytery of Sacramento, was present to read from the Gospel of John and offer a short homily.

Afterwards, there was a membership dedication and welcome for the church’s new pastor, Rev. Penni Elaine. Rev. Elaine came to the front joined by her fiancée Kevin Fletcher. The couple confirmed their dedication to the ministry of Christ and the entire congregation came forward to lay hands upon them and pray for God to bless their new ministry.

Melanie Kerns played piano and sang a beautiful musical offering after which the congregation shared communion.

Following the closing hymn and benediction, everyone shared a pot luck fellowship.

Rev. Penni Elaine, Rev. Rob Watkins, Melanie Kerns, and Michael Kerns

Rev. Elaine has her M.Div. from A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary at Simpson University. Burney Presbyterian Church will be the first church she has served as minister.

The church will be holding services every Sunday at 4 p.m. There will be a Bible study followed by fellowship and food.

So, Burney Presbyterian Church, the farthest north of the 31 congregations in the Sacramento Presbytery, is now reopen.

Mike Kerns said, “God has blessed us. We are looking to the future.”

The number of active churches in Burney has grown.

God works in mysterious ways.

Amen.

PS. I apologize that the picture is blurry. I took it with my phone and didn’t check it closely enough.