The Messenger - June 17, 2010 - Remembering

Pastor's Corner

"Remembering"

"When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers . . . . a land with large, flourishing cities that you did not build and houses filled with all kinds of good things. . . .be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."
(Deuteronomy 6:10-12)

We are coming to the end of a season for remembering. First, we remembered our mothers, whose strong yet gentle touch helped us to know loyalty and trust. Then, we remembered the veterans and their families whose service to this country demanded sacrifice. Next, we will honor those fathers whose character and love helped us to build competence and strength. Finally, we will remember teachers and students (especially graduates) who have endeavored to teach and learn with diligence.

As it turns out, "remembering" is a huge theme in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, we are exhorted to remember the works of our God, and especially the work of our savior, Jesus, who said "do this [at his last supper] in remembrance of me." Next week, we will honor Christ's request as we share the Sacrament of the Last Supper. But this week, we will remember Christ with hymns.

Our Scripture will be a hymn, Psalm 78, that reminds us of God's work in human history, and the whole service will reflect that theme. First, the bells will ring a medley of hymns including "Nearer, my God to thee," "What a Friend we have in Jesus," and "That Old Time Religion." Then, the children will sing some lively songs of faith including "Old Jonah Blues," "Hold me, Rock me" and "Under A Rainbow" (based upon the story of Noah's ark). Next, the chancel choir will sing a thoughtful new rendition of "Amazing Grace," after which the combined choirs will sing a whole medley of great hymns including "How Firm a Foundation," "Peace Like a River," and "I Danced in the Morning" (based upon a sprightly Shaker tune).

The Congregation will also get a chance to sing both old and new favorites of the faith, including "Si Ahamba" ("The Lord is our Light"), "Give Thanks", and "This is My Father's World." Thus, it should be a joyful day. But the purpose of all this singing is not simply to have fun. The purpose is to remember (and retain) the basis of our hope and strength. I've known Alzheimer's patients who gradually forgot the names of their children and close friends, but these patients could still sing great hymns of faith. Through those hymns, they remembered the enduring the enduring grace of God, and that memory brought new hope.

I hope you will join us for this Sunday of "remembering" in song.

A Word from the Session

What are we supposed to do about those Cell Phone Fliers?

As ruling elders of the First Presbyterian Church, we wish to thank you for the respect that you have allowed us following last month's decision to accept AT&T's proposal to place cell phone transmission equipment in our bell tower. Even those church members who strongly opposed this decision have received it with great dignity and respect. Thus, we thank God for you!

Unfortunately, a few of our neighbors do not share this respect, and a few of them have continued to protest this decision by placing unsettling fliers on automobiles parked around the neighborhood during worship. Out of affection for fellow church members and concern for our visitors, some of you have removed them from several automobiles beside your own. We appreciate your concern for us, but we ask you to refrain from this behavior in the future. We do not wish to escalate this conflict, and we do not wish to provoke unnecessary anger.

If the protesters choose to escalate this conflict in spite of our forbearance, there are several legal remedies before us. These remedies include trespassing violations, disturbing the peace complaints, and restraining orders. We pray that this sort of remedy is unnecessary, but we are grateful for the options that we have.

If any protester hinders your access to the church or to your car, please report it to Gary Smith promptly. If any protester threatens you, please report that matter, too. Finally, if any protester begins to use amplified sound during worship, please let us know immediately. That sort of rally is illegal without a permit, and these permits are not easy to acquire.

Meanwhile, we will continue our dialogue with the protesters and all those who are disturbed by them. Based upon these discussions, the protest organizer has already agreed to refrain from placing fliers on cars which place a "no flier" sign on the dashboard. It is our hope and prayer that further constructive agreements may be made.

Sincerely,

Keith Headley
Clerk of Session

p.s. Today's flier indicates that Jeff Moore plans to organize a neighborhood rally during worship on Sunday, June 27. Gary Smith will make sure that every legal limit is enforced.

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