Guests came from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Slatedale, and from near and far, to the third celebratory day of the 275th anniversary of Heidelberg Union Church.

Geoff Brace, former member of the Penn Northeast Conference board of directors, presently on the board of the National Church of the United Church of Christ, and Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Samuel Zeiser, were there.

They shared in giving the message and Zeiser led the children's message.

In addition, Howard Truitt wrote a special song about Heidelberg and sang it with Jack Snyder. Truitt said this church means a lot to him. He would like to hear the church use the song.

Lutheran Pastor David Hess said since 1740 Heidelberg Church has worked with other churches and money given by the congregation goes around the world.

"We celebrate our whole Christian faith," Hess said.

Brace presented a plaque to Dennis Gough, president of the consistory, as a tribute to the church's ongoing efforts.

Music for the service included "Fantasia of Forest Green" performed by the Heidelberg Handbell Choir.

UCC Pastor Karen Yonney asked the children to come forward and she introduced them to a friend, Bishop Sam Zeiser.

Zeiser told the youngsters the day was special in the life of the congregation and he is responsible for many churches and pastors.

He brought with him a staff with an open circle on one end and a point on the bottom.

"The hook is for the sheep that wants to go off," Zeiser said. The shepherd can pull the wandering sheep back with the loop.

The pointed end is a weapon to chase off anything that wants to hurt the sheep.

"I call it a symbol of caring," he said.

The youngsters were asked to hold the staff.

"The staff has the handprints of the young people, so they will go with me to wherever I go," Zeiser said to the children. "Their spirit, energy and faith feel comforting."

By his count, Zeiser carries with him the spirits of more than 2,000 children.

In the message, Zeiser said it is good to greet people personally and in the name of Jesus Christ.

"There are lots of signs that you are a faithful and loving congregation," he said. "Isn't this a wellspring of joy for cerebrating 275 years.

"You nurture youth and care for the sick and homebound as well as providing service outside the congregation.

"Those who established the church were undaunted. They did not have it easy. This beautiful place of worship is here because people made sacrifices.

"You and I have inherited this opportunity to do good deeds in the name of Jesus.

As you move into your 276th year, there is a feeling inside you of a faith that will allow you to hold onto that faith."

Brace brought greetings from Penn Northeast Conference and from the United Church of Christ board of directors.

"The reason we are here today is the numbers 2-7-5," Brace said. "They control the work of this mission the tender touch you have made for your neighbors.

"'I confess I am not a preacher but also confess that I love this church for the love of God and for the love of each other. John said, "Love one another as I have loved you.'"

There is so much we cannot control: the heartbreak of violence or the economy, but we can be the instrument of love through our actions and words, Brace said.

"We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord, they will know we are passionate," said Brace. "The best days of this church are ahead of us. If we have only begun the process of love then the future is not so scary.

"The good news is that we will shape generations in the future. I pray for celebrations in another 275 years."

The sending song, "Now Thank We All Our God," was sung in German and English.

The next anniversary event will be April 19 with harpist Jane Williams, who will speak about the Pa. Dutch heritage.