This church epitomises the phrase, "Small but mighty!" Emmanuel Methodist Church in Southampton is a small, humble group of hard workers that are ready to celebrate the history of their church.

As part of the 140 year celebration of existence in Bermuda, they are wrapping up their festivities with a banquet tonight at the Pompano Beach Club.

They truly deserve a break considering what they've been able to accomplish with such a small congregation.

With fewer than 50 members, ranging in age from one to 91, they come from humble beginnings, but they have a lot of heart.

In the words of their minister, Rev. Judy Bowman, Emmanuel has attracted "creative, innovative, thinking people", and that's a part of their legacy.

"They're not wealthy people," she notes, "We're not well endowed like some churches, but the people — they're very pragmatic. They roll up their sleeves and rise to the occasion."

She isn't just giving a biased opinion here, either. Members have been celebrating for a few months now with a concert, hymn sing and anniversary service.

The renovations in the interior and exterior of the church, as well as the cemetery, were all accomplished in five weeks!

They have a right to lay down their tools for a while and make merry with each other.

"Our focus is to strengthen the faith of our people," explains Rev. Bowman, "We also are hospitable and inclusive to all who come."

This attitude may be what has helped this tiny church be around for so long.

It seems that in the festive spirit, they are able to keep in mind Ecclesiastes 3:2b-4 which says there is "…a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…"

This is the time for laughing, for celebrating and rejoicing.

While this is not a fund-raiser, any who have been or are affiliated with the church are welcome to come, as well as anyone who is just interested in joining!

Dinner is at 7 p.m. tonight and tickets are $45.00.

Call Rev. Judy Bowman on 238-1945 for reservations or further information.