Reflections
As I write these reflections I am in Montgomery, Alabama, just finishing up a pilgrimage with about 20 folks from Mississippi. We have traveled to Selma to remember the courage that produced bloody Selma marches that galvanized our nation’s conscience and ushered in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In addition to walking the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Wednesday, we heard eye witness accounts of what those days in March of 1965 were like. We were also told by Episcopal clergy how St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma had three times denied entrance to Sunday services to Episcopal seminarian Jonathan Daniels and his group of mostly Black voting rights workers, and how Daniels was killed shortly thereafter. Now a recognized martyr of our Church, Daniels is remembered with a statue at Canterbury Cathedral.
Today we spent the day at the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and Monument Park, again remembering our best- the courage and hope that sustained so many over centuries, and…remembering our worst- the cruelty and violence that, likewise, is a part of our capacity as human beings.
Though I have walked these particular paths before, it is always a profoundly sobering experience, and I have returned to my hotel room emotionally exhausted.
It is so tempting to file all these historical moments into neat, identifiable and controllable stick figures. These were the good guys. Those were the bad guys.
But the truth is far more complex, and the most important thing for me to do in reflecting on all of this is to remember ( re-member) that the good and the bad and the ugly of being human is all wrapped up within me. It’s not about the failings of others. It’s about the brokenness in me.
But there is also extraordinarily good news to hold on to: Though there is nothing within me that is as good as I want, or pretend, to be; nor is there an evil within that is beyond God’s redemptive love. It is to that greatest of eternal and grace-filled truths that I cling.
Other Matters of Interest:
Meal Train for Becca Finley
Becca finds herself in need of some good home-cooked nourishing meals. Sign up form via MealTrain is coming.
Fall Bible Study-The Gospel of John Begins this Sunday- September 24
The Vicar will be leading the Bible Study in the Salt and Light Building, beginning at 9:15. Bring your bibles and join the fun!
Tutoring Program-Orientation and Training: Tuesday, October 3 at 5:30 pm
We have made significant progress in the development of an after school tutoring program for Second Grade students at Davidson Elementary School. We will be holding our first orientation and training session on October 3 at 5:30 for those interested in working as tutors. Thirteen members of Nativity have, thus far, indicated a desire to serve in this capacity, but more are needed. If you have an interest, or have already signed up, please make every effort to join us on October 3. We will be talking about the shape of this new initiative, our relationship with the school and teachers and our planned schedule to bring it all together. I believe this is the start of something very special!
The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi( transferred)-Blessing of the Animals: October 7
In what is fast becoming a Nativity( and Water Valley!) tradition, we will travel to Pocket Park on Main Street on Saturday, October 7 at 10:00am for a Blessing of the Animals. Dogs and cats are usually the most numerous creatures seeking blessing, but over the years I have blessed horses, mules, parrots, rabbits, goats a camel and a vast array of bugs . Please bring your critters (in appropriate restraints), and plan to join us in a morning of fun to celebrate God’s joy in all creation!
Salt and Light Building Committee Soliciting Donations-Friday, October 6
The Building/ Decorating Committee for the Salt and Light Building is asking for donations of the following items:
Shelving: wire racks and nice bookshelves
Kitchen items, including
-refrigerator
-island, or stainless steel prep table
Matching loveseats or upholstered / leather couch
Upholstered or leather armchairs
Lamps
Coffee table
Pews
Dining room or work table
Rubbermaid storage containers
Nicely framed art or photos
Cleaning supplies
The Committee would like for donors to bring the items to the Salt and Light Building between the hours of 2:00 and 6:00 on Friday, October 6. The plan is to furnish the building, then tag all unused items for sale as part of the City Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, October 7!
Volunteers are needed to help with tagging and unpacking from 5:00-8:00 pm , and with yard selling from 7:00 am to 2:00pm on Saturday. Search you closets and storage sheds! Also, sign up here!
See you Sunday!
Blessings and Peace,
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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