Conversation

Conversation...an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people.

 

I would say that Webster's definition aptly describes the setting for our summer book conversations which begin this Monday night.  Our first "informal talk" focuses on Dr. Atul Gawande's powerful book, "Being Mortal."  The power of the book lies in its challenge to confront issues of life and death, particularly in the context of difficult decisions that often must be made in the midst of declining health.  Some might see such discussions as too difficult, even depressing, but they are significant and therefore worth exploring in that they affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.  Whether or not you have read the book, I hope you will join the conversation Monday evening at 7 in the music suite.  Life is indeed enriched through our conversations.

 

There is a correction to the arrangements for the calling hours for Emilie Bretz on Monday.  Originally, we posted visitation at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home from 4-6 p.m., but the family has decided to change those hours from 4-8 p.m.  The service will be at 10 on Tuesday morning, followed immediately by a reception in Whitten Hall, then burial at Fairfax Memorial Cemetery at 2 p.m.  Please remember this family in your prayers.  

Join us for worship this Sunday morning as Andre will be sharing a bit about his trip to Israel, Mindy Burts will provide special music as she plays the clarinet, and I will be bringing a message entitled, "Enough," based on Lamentations 3:22-26.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

 

Jim Abernathy

All of God's Creation

We awakened this morning to the news of another mass shooting in the United States. Nine people were killed while attending a Bible study at the Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.  Some are noting the significance of this horrific event as a hate crime, while others highlight the fact that it took place in a church.  For some it is another opportunity to tout the need for gun control while others cite this as yet another example of how armed citizens could have responded in a moment like this to prevent such tragedies.  Some will see this as another example of the devaluing of African-American lives.  I suppose there is some truth in each of these arguments, and yet, there is always more at work than just what is seen on the surface. We tend to pick and choose our rallying points in the aftermath of such tragedy, but in the end, the devastation is the same; nine lives lost...Cynthia Hurd, 54, Susie Jackson, 87, Ethel Lance, 70, Tywanza Sanders, 26, Myra Thompson, 59, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41, Rev. Daniel Simmons, 74, and Rev. Sharonda Singelton, 45.

 

Black lives are important, as are those of every race, ethnicity, religious, political, or ideological perspective.  To value every life is more than simple tolerance..it is to recognize the wonder of God's creation, all of God's creation.  Then, it is to realize that the way we treat others does make a difference. 

 

Prayer is the greatest gift I can offer the people of Emmanuel AME Church and the city of Charleston tonight.  But tomorrow, I can view my neighbor, my co-worker, my classmate with different eyes.  I can look for ways to reach across the barriers that divide and risk myself in valuing others as God does. It isn't easy work.  There are great challenges that persist, but if I claim faith in the One whose sacrificial way included loving, serving, and forgiving others, regardless, then I must walk and live that way as well.

 

Pray for the members and friends of Emmanuel AME church and for the people of Charleston.  Pray for your friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates.  Pray for leaders in small towns and big cities, churches, synagogues, mosques, and houses of worship.  Pray that the Creator God will be at work, even in the midst of such trying times, reminding us of our need for Him and for one another.

 

I will talk about these and other things Sunday morning in my message based on Job 38:1-11.  In the midst of his questions, Job found he ultimately had to trust God.  In the midst of our questions and heartache, we would do well to do the same.

 

Jim Abernathy