Andy was on the waterfront of Milwaukee, had just sold his crop and his wagon was empty. He was looking at the two-day trek back to Rock Prairie, which was at the glacial terminus east of the tiny berg called Janesville. His mind drifted back to the first two years on that prairie; he and his brother breaking the sod and planting the crops that came up rich and strong. A knot of Scottish immigrants stood on the wharf talking in English, which attracted his attention amongst all the Germans in this Lake Michigan port town. He engaged them in conversation and found that they were discouraged and wanted to go ‘home’ because they could not find any good land. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and with a sparkle in his eyes told them about Rock Prairie, saying “Come on back with me boys and I’ll show you the garden of Eden.”

It’s an old legend that Alice, his great (many times great) granddaughter-in-law now tells with that same sparkle in her eye. It is far more than a legend based on the facts concerning the origin of this congregation more than 160 years ago; rather, I have found that this is a character trait of this congregation. It is a vision about God’s good earth, the power of community, and the power of hope.

Today, few get off the boat in Milwaukee. Yet, all around us folks are ‘getting off the boat and looking for something new’. Our journeys are different, varied as we walk through those doors every Sunday. Some have been to this corner of Emerald Grove and “A” for generations; others have just walked in from Janesville, Beloit, Edgerton or Milton. But no matter what path brought us through that door, we are following Andrew Barlass’ lead – looking for something that works better.

Our past here is strong and true, built on generations of faithful and many who have come recently. Today with full worship, a strong youth program, exciting and ever-shifting mission outreach and a great ethic for care of kids in education we are poised for the future. Where are you in this great dance of life? Something tugging at your heart saying “seek me”. Listen to that tap and give God a chance here at Rock Prairie, or wherever the Lord may lead you. God doesn’t care about yesterday, but only hopes in the new day. Come and find that new day and that hope with us. Over 160 years ago Andy Barlass had that hope in his eye as he chatted on the waterfront in Milwaukee. Can you hear him calling………..”Come on back with me”?

Jamie Swanson