Read Acts 4:32-35

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NLT).

As I begin my first day as pastor of East Bangor United Methodist Community Church, following several years as the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Newton, I find myself reflecting on the concept of legacy. What mark do we leave on the communities we serve? How do our actions ripple through time, touching lives long after we’re gone?

One individual whose legacy continues to shape Newton is Newman E. Drake. Born in Andover, NJ in 1860, Drake founded Drake’s Bakeries, creating beloved treats like Ring Dings, Devil Dogs, and Funny Bones. However, it’s his contributions to Newton that truly highlight his legacy of giving.

In 1928, Drake purchased and donated 10.84 acres of land to Newton, which became Memory Park. This park, envisioned as “a playground and general recreation field under direction of the Town of Newton,” has provided countless residents with a place to gather, play, and create memories for nearly a century. My family and I have enjoyed Memory Park, along with many other families in the area. Drake’s generosity didn’t stop there; he also supported the opening of the original Newton Theatre in 1924, which continues to enrich the cultural life of our community. My family and I have also enjoyed performances at the Newton Theatre, and we look forward to many more in the future.

Drake’s spirit of community involvement and generosity has inspired many others in Newton over the years. In fact, my connection to the Newton Rotary Club has been instrumental in teaching me about the ongoing legacy of generosity found in Sussex County. The Rotary Club, which was present when Newman Drake donated Memory Park in 1928, is currently celebrating its centennial year (July 2023-June 2024), marking 100 years of contributing to local and global causes. As the club’s past president for 2022-2023, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact of Rotary’s service and generosity in our community.

Interestingly, Drake’s legacy of giving continues even today. In 2016, McKee Foods, the current owner of Drake’s Cakes, donated $20,000 to improve Memory Park, funding a new pavilion and outdoor furniture. This gift demonstrates how one act of generosity can inspire others and continue to benefit a community for generations.

Drake’s story reminds me of the early Christian community described in Acts 4:32-35, where believers shared everything they had, ensuring that no one among them was in need. Like those early Christians, Drake used his success to benefit others, embodying the principle found in Proverbs 11:25 that “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

As we approach Independence Day, I’m reminded that the spirit of generosity exemplified by Drake is part of the foundation upon which our nation was built. The Founding Fathers, in their pursuit of freedom and justice, also sought to create a society where individuals could prosper and contribute to the common good.

This spirit of giving back to one’s community isn’t limited to our local history. It’s a universal ideal, exemplified by figures like Bob Marley, whose music we celebrate on International Reggae Day (July 1). Marley, like Drake, used his success to uplift his community. As a person of faith, Marley’s Rastafarian beliefs, which have roots in Christianity, deeply influenced his music and activism. One of Marley’s most notable contributions was the One Love Peace Concert held on April 22, 1978, in Kingston, Jamaica, just over two months after I was born. This concert was a significant event during a political civil war in Jamaica, where Marley famously brought together political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga on stage, symbolizing unity and peace. Marley’s efforts went beyond music; he pushed for change, love, and peace, as highlighted in the recent film “Bob Marley: One Love.”

In my role as pastor, known as ‘The Rockin’ Reverend‘ for my love of rock music and heavy metal, I’ve seen how music and community service can go hand in hand. Whether through business acumen like Drake, musical talent like Marley, or simply through acts of kindness, we all have the power to build a legacy that strengthens our communities.

Newton and Sussex County, you have shown me the true meaning of community. From the rich mining history of Franklin to the generosity of individuals like Newman Drake, you’ve taught me that our greatest resource is our capacity to care for one another. My grandfather, an engineer and supervisor in both the Franklin and Sterling Hill Mines, played a significant role in the mining industry. A blueprint of the Sterling Hill Mine, donated by my family to the Smithsonian, stands as a testament to our family’s contributions to this important part of local history.

As I embark on this new chapter in East Bangor, I carry with me the lessons of generosity and community spirit that I’ve learned here. May we all continue to embody this spirit, using our unique gifts to refresh others and build stronger communities. In doing so, we create a legacy that echoes through generations, just as Newman Drake’s generosity continues to bless Newton today.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
What legacy of generosity are you building in your community today?

PRAYER
Lord, guide us in creating legacies of generosity that reflect Your love and grace. Help us to use our gifts to refresh others and build stronger communities. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.