May 24, 2007

 

What kind of Memorial?

 

The dictionary defines memorial as a monument or event that is designed to preserve the memory of a person or event and Memorial Day as the day set aside for observances in memory of dead service men and women of all wars.  I know that many in the Beloved community are heading for the mountains, the lake or the beach for this holiday weekend.  I know that picnics and time outside in the beautiful weather on Monday’s holiday will be the norm.  In the midst of all that vacationing, I doubt many of us will spend any significant time honoring those who died for our freedoms, even if we wanted to.  In the entire greater Charlotte metro area this year, there will only be two small prayer observances (Monday early morning in Mint Hill and Monday evening in Huntersville). 

 

In years past, our family always looked forward to what was the metro area’s largest celebration at Crown Memorial Park in Pineville.  The speeches, patriotic music, prayers, military honors and hot dogs stirred our hearts and sustained our bodies.  It was a wonderful way to set aside the day to remember.  I believe that it is a sad indictment on our community that the cemetery couldn’t get enough volunteers willing to serve, necessitating cancellation of their Memorial Day celebration.  I wish I had known they needed help.  I would have been willing to serve.

 

On this day in 1870, the greatest missionary bishop of our church, Jackson Kemper died at his home in Nashotah, Wisconsin.  Most of us have never even heard of his name.  Born in New York state in 1789, Kemper eventually responded to God call to found churches in our new nation’s rugged frontier.  Having found that clergy who had lived all their lives in the settled East were slow to give up their comforts and join him on the frontier, he determined to recruit priests from among men who were already in the West.  To train them he established colleges in St. Louis and Racine (WI) and a seminary in Nashotah (WI) for that purpose.  On foot and horseback, while enduring scorching heat, drenching rains and winter blizzards, he evangelized and founded churches in Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He constantly urged a more extensive outreach to the Indian peoples, and translations of the Scriptures and the services of the Church into Indian languages.  He is more justly honored by his unofficial title, “The Bishop of the whole Northwest.”

 

I worry that our nation’s people and our church has given up on sacrificial living.  Like those in Kemper’s day, it is not easy to willingly give up our comforts for lives of sacrifice.  And yet, we follow a Lord who calls us to “put our hands on the plow and not look back.”  This Memorial Day weekend, I believe that we need to find time to remember and give thanks for those men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us, even if we have to do it alone.  I also hope that we can ask God to make our lives a memorial—not of self-indulgence—but of sacrificial love.  May we be found to have the vision, courage and perseverance to do whatever it takes to make Jesus known to all people of this community, the nation and the world.

 

J. Derek Harbin, priest

 

 

Around Beloved…This Sunday, on the Feast of Pentecost, Lakwan Nelson will become our newest brother in Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.  If you’ve never seen an adult baptized in our large immersion font, this is an occasion not to miss.  A festive reception will follow.  Don’t miss this spectacular and Spirit-filled end to our Eastertide Celebration!  

 

 

I publish the Banns of Marriage between Anna Olivia Napier and Daniel Paul Hood, both of Charlotte.  If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it.  This is the final time of asking.  A special reception to honor Dan and Anna will be held following worship on June 10.  They are to be married on June 16.

 

 

Beloved’s Fellowship Team is proud to announce an upcoming event organized by John and Janis Conlon: a Beloved Vineyard Tour for Saturday, June 2.  The group will travel together in a chauffeured van to five vineyards.  We will depart from Beloved Garden at 8:30 am and return at 6 pm.  The cost of $75 per person includes the van transportation, tastings at five vineyards, driver tip, bottled water on the van, and great fellowship.  Lunch is not included but can be enjoyed in Mt. Airy, NC (Andy Griffith USA---recommended lunch spot is Snappy's.)  For questions and to sign up for this fun adventure contact Janis Conlon.

 

 

Ladies, mark your calendar now for an evening of Women’s Fellowship on Wednesday, June 13 at the home of Anna Moore.  Watch the eNews for more information.

 

 

Last Sunday…Attendance: 103; Worship Offering: $3,266.  Income needed for ministry each week: $5,500 (fully funded) à $4,400 (requiring other funding sources i.e. fundraising events).  The financial goal of Church of the Beloved is to reach self-sufficiency by 12/31/2008.

 

 

 

Sunday’s Scripture Readings…Genesis 11:1-9, John 14:8-17 & Acts 2:1-11

 

Serving at God’s Altar this Sunday…Angel Army Team 3: Captain: Mark Leinenkugel; Administrator: Kris Leinenkugel; Pastor: Jim Skrobot; Convener: Scott Sanniota; Acolytes: Volunteer team: click here to serve; Altar Bread Baker: Janis Conlon; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Wes Nichols & Bud Moore; Offertory Basket Passers: Ben Heckmann, Gabi Leinenkugel, Jack Sanniota, Katie Sanniota; PowerPoint: Cyteria Knight; Presenters: Tori and Lexi Leinenkugel; Reader: Paige Wilson.

 

In our Prayers…click here

Upcoming Calendar…click here