Reflections
I am writing this on Thursday night having just returned from my planned trip to Rolling Fork to deliver the latest car load of supplies to that tornado ravaged community. As I drove up to the distribution center there was a large sign saying, “We desperately need cleaning supplies”, and I had a back seat full of of that immediate need. They were thrilled to see me! I had a nice chat with Rebecca Hay, a long time resident of Rolling Fork and manager of the distribution center, as she told me of well meaning volunteers from “up north” who had wilted in the Mississippi heat and humidity.
After delivering the supplies I drove by the remains of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church. I had seen pictures, but to stand there and remember the fond memories of baptisms, confirmations, celebrations of new ministries produced a flood of emotion that I was not prepared for. I found myself reflecting on the ruins of another small church that had been destroyed by a tornado in 1984. The Church of the Nativity has defied death at least twice, and I wondered if this historic church deep in the Mississippi Delta would do the same. I saw lots of yard signs, some in mostly empty lots that said, “I’m Rebuilding Rolling Fork: Right Here”-a wonderful testimony to hope and sheer grit.
I heard some voices in what used to be the rectory next door to the church, and I stuck my head in the door and introduced myself. Mr. Floyd, a very friendly man, told me “yes”, they were rebuilding the rectory. “What about the church?” I asked. “Gonna rebuild that, too-with character! Course it’s going to be a little hard to rebuild 130 years of character, but they are going to try.”
I thought my smile was going to break my cheeks. Just as I watched Nativity get rebuilt piece by piece almost 40 years ago, I am thrilled that the good folks at the Chapel of the Cross dare to believe that God is not finished with them yet!
Other Matters of Interest
Salt and Light Building: Next Steps-July 9 Meeting
Things are really beginning to pick up at the Salt and Light Building. A number of groups have expressed interest in using it for meetings; I am thinking how to dove-tail my Bible class in the fall with a coffee and social time before 10:30 worship; Kathy has created an office space for me; and many have begun to dream about how the building can become what its name implies for this community.
There are a number of matters to address to get the building up and fully functional. We will need some people to think through how each room will be organized for multiple uses. We will need some folks with an aesthetic eye to decorate the space. We will need others to think through a logistical plan of church and community usage so that 12 groups don’t show up on the same day and the same time. Etc.
If you are willing to work in one of these areas, or if you have other ideas of what we need to be thinking about, please join us on Sunday, July 9 at 5:00 pm for an organizational meeting of the Salt and Light Task Force ( maybe the first task is to come up with a better name!) We need willing hearts and hands and minds to help make this special space the instrument of grace that we dare to imagine.
Sacred Ground-A Spiritual Journey of Race and Faith
I am looking forward to facilitating a class with those person interested in exploring the history of race in this country and the contemporary implications arising from that history. Beginning August 9 and meeting every other Wednesday for 11 sessions, this course is designed as a spiritual journey of insight and wisdom as we wrestle with the good, the bad and the ugly of our nation’s history around race and how it has affected the way each of us sees the world.
There are “Sacred Ground” information sheets in the rear of the church that you are free to take and read. I will also be holding introductory sessions to explain the program in detail after worship on July 30 and August 6 in the church, and on Wednesday, August 2 in the This Is Noteworthy building.
At these introductory sessions there will be plenty of time for questions. Though rooted in the ethos of the Episcopal Church, “Sacred Ground” is open to all faiths, believers and unbelievers alike. So if you have a friend you think might be interested, please invite them to come to one of the introductory sessions.
Progress on Tutoring Proposal
The administration at Davidson Elementary has responded positively to Nativity’s offer of a tutoring program for a small group of students at the school. Some further discussion will be required, but things are moving in the right direction.
See you Sunday!
Blessings and Peace,
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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