United Church of Pittsford

Psalm 46:1-5; 10-11 and Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Today’s morning meditation is a bifurcated one: divided into two themes – two branches:
one, a moment to remember the tenth anniversary of 9/11 and one, a moment to look ahead to the beginning of another Church School and Christian nurture year!

Ten years ago today, we, as a nation, were made aware – convincingly, powerfully and tragically - that we are vulnerable.  Rabbi Arthur Waskow, director of the Shalom Center in Philidelphia writes: “The oceans, our wealth, our military power made up what seemed an invulnerable shield.  During the nuclear age, we may have begun to feel uncomfortable.  Yet, September 11, the ancient truth came home: We are vulnerable!  We all live in a sukkah!”

Our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate a harvest festival called Sukkot!  This is celebrated by building a sukkah .  What is a sukkah?  Just a fragile hut with a leafy roof, the most vulnerable of houses.  Vulnerable in time, where it lasts for only a week each year.  Vulnerable in space, where its roof must be not only leafy but leaky – letting in the starlight, gusts of wind and rain. 

The Rabbi continues:  “There are only wispy walls and leaky roofs between us.  The planet is in fact one interwoven web of life.  The command to love my neighbor as I do myself is not an admonition to be nice!  It is a statement of truth like the law of gravity.  For my neighbor and myself are interwoven.”

Yet, out of the ashes of that horrific day ten years ago:  there were an assortment of ‘new beginnings’:
crowds flocked to churches, synagogues and mosques,
church attendance rose sharply;
people responded more caringly and compassionately to another’s need;
inter-faith discussion groups were formed across our land inviting
us to take a look at our own faith persuasion as well as those different from our own.

Sadly, some of those ‘new beginnings’ have diminished in the ensuing ten year period; some, have not!

In the summer of 2006, I taught at two Schools of Christian Mission, sponsored by the Women’s Division of the United Methodist Church:  one here in Western New York and the other in Maryland in the Pennisula-Delaware Conference.  Our text was Shalom, Salaam, Peace!

I learned about a women in Syracuse - Betsy Wiggins - a Christian – (who in the days immediately after 9/11) felt compelled to do something.  She invited Danya Wellmon – a Muslim – to her home for a cup of coffee.  As they talked and cried together, they were convinced there were others wandering through the same state of utter helplessness and fear. They met again – and again – and again – each time each inviting others to join them.

This was their vision:  “We are egalitarian community of women coming together to respect and learn more about each other’s various spiritual beliefs and common concerns.  It is our intent to share our experiences with the wider community:  to educate and to serve.”

Today an international organization – Women Transcending Boundaries – is the product of this initial cup of coffee by two women: one a Christian and one a Muslim!

Reflecting back on it, Betsy says:  ‘Through the group, I’ve learned what a single person can do.  If I hadn’t made that first call, I might have gone on feeling helpless and afraid.  But I did call, and the result is that I’ve made friends for life, and together we are making a difference.”
for her and for Danya…a new beginning!

Our psalter reading reminds us:  ‘though the earth should change, though the mountains shake, though the waters roar and foam – we will not fear.  God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved.  God will help when the morning dawns’.  Such is our God!

New beginnings happen everywhere and at any time: out of moments of intense pain and fear and horror, and out of moments of intense joy and delight!

Today is a moment of great joy, delight and anticipation.  It is Rally Day!  We are poised at the beginning of a new Church School and Christian nurture year.  A cadre of dedicated and committed men and women is ready to serve.  In a moment we will meet them and we will promise to link arms with them in this privilege of Christian Education and Nurture. 

What transpires in the classrooms here on Sunday mornings and in our Youth Group gatherings each week is but one part.  The second, and also necessary part, is the home! 

As the hymn writer notes:  “O Lord, may church and home combine to teach the perfect way, with gentleness and love like thine, that none shall ever stray.  May steadfast faith and earnest prayer keep sacred vows secure; build thou a hallowed dwelling where true joy and peace endure.”

Our reading from Deuteronomy highlights the importance of education and nurture in the home:

You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you might.
Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.
Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise up.

A few sort months after 9/11, a book was published entitled:  FROM THE ASHES – a spiritual response to the attack on America.  Approximately 70 spiritual leaders and extraordinary citizens shared their experience, their strength and their hope.

One, entitled ‘Harbingers of Hope’, was written by Suzy Yehl Marta, founder and president of RAINBOWS, a not-for-profit organization that offers training for more than 8,000 peer support groups for children and adults of all ages and religious persuasions who
are grieving a death, divorce or any other painful transition in their families.  I find the words so appropriate for today as together – Church School and Christian Nurture leaders and our entire congregation – link arms in this ministry in our Church.  Hear her words:

Dear God,
As I reaffirm my commitment
To reach out to the children and adolescents around me,
Please give me the words to help them
Sort through their feelings,
Let them know how really special they are,
How good life really is,
And to be that Harbinger of Hope for their tomorrows.
I ask you to help me
Be the role model children require.
May my voice speak the words they need to hear.
And be able to offer the support that provides them consolation.
For these are the gifts that instill hope.
God, I shall try to be your arms for hugging,
Your ears for listening,
And your heart for loving.
Through these times of terror and unprecedented fear,
Strengthen my resolve
so that I will be strong for all that the children need.
Amen!

And so...today...we remember...
And so...today...we begin...

celebrating and affirming

The light of God surrounds us;
The love of God enfolds us;
The power of God protects us;
The presence of God watches over us.
Wherever we are, God is!
Thanks be to God!