You may have heard of the wonderful ministry that is taking place through the efforts of SOTH members Jeff Morgan, Debbie Stone, Kelly Smith and many, many others.
Jeff is currently in Iraq and during a mission into one of the villages, he met a very special girl who needs our help. If you haven't heard the story, follow the link to our church website, www.sothumc.net, and follow the link from the front page --- you'll see the picture of "Baby Nora" there.
You'll also find a link to an incredible front page spread on this story in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution. If you haven't gotten the paper, check it out through the link and you'll get all the details. This story is also being picked up by CNN (look for a possible story next week) and other media outlets.
At present, we're being flooded with calls and that's exactly what we want. For now, you can help primarily by making a contribution through pay pal on the church site, or by giving at our Christmas Eve worship services, where 100% of the proceeds will go to support our efforts for Baby Nora.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about what's happening. There will be an informational meeting at SOTH on Tuesday night, December 27th at 7pm. A representative of Childspring International will be on hand with us to talk about the application process for any families interested in hosting Baby Nora and family in their home.
Thanks in advance for all the wonderful things that you do for Christ through the mininstries of SOTH UMC.
Don't Forget our special Christmas Schedule:
Saturday Night, December 24 - Christmas Eve at Shepherd of the Hills
5:30 and 7:00 pm with communion and candlelight at both services. Childcare provided for all children age 4 and under.
Christmas Morning, Sunday, December 25th - Community Brunch and Kids' Time
Come out at 10a.m. Christmas morning for a special time of worship and fellowship. We'll provide brunch, followed by a time of caroling and a special message geared toward our children with a reading of the book, The Three Trees.
New Year's Day: Sunday, January 1, 2006
One service only -- 10a.m. We'll gather together for a great start to the New Year and service in the tradition of the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer.
Dec 22, 2005
Dec 21, 2005
Simeon
Luke 2:21, 25-30(a)
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation… (NRSV)
Eight days after Jesus’ birth, Old Simeon’s dreams come true. Luke calls him “devout,” and one was has been “looking forward” for many, many years. We assume that Simeon is of an advanced age because of what’s implied in verse 26, “he would not see death before he had seen…” And then, once his faith is fulfilled in sight, Simeon seems resolved that the time of a more eternal calling has come. Master…servant…peace…word…eyes…salvation.
When Simeon is spoken of in church, it’s usually shortly after Christmas, not right before it. I suppose that certainly makes sense. Although his story, like Anna’s (keep going in Luke 2), is very powerful and compelling, I’ll admit that his story seems like a bit of a strange choice for our consideration just four days before Christmas.
I mean, Simeon is not to be found in my plastic, life-size, light-up, outdoor nativity scene. What about the Shepherds and Kings (or Magi, or Wise Men...whatever works for you) and Angels? What about Joseph and Mary and stables and cows and mangers and, “asleep on the hay?”
Christmas would not be Christmas without any of those figures. But Simeon represents something powerful and very necessary for the human heart. Simeon is hope and faith with staying power. His is not a chance encounter with the Messiah, it is a culmination and completion of a life-long faith.
Simeon gives us an incredible gift: the chance to glimpse what full-blown faith might look like if the sometimes-buried spark of belief that lies within our own hearts were to be nurtured and tended for a lifetime. Simeon shows us God’s marvelous and mysterious penchant for making himself known through the most unlikely of vessels, like tiny babies or little old men.
I met Simeon for myself in the summer of 2001. With the ink not quite dry on my just-acquired seminary degree and the shine from my brand new Emory alumni ring gleaming in the sun, I arrived on the pastoral staff at Wesley UMC as green as a fresh-cut pine.
If I am at all more seasoned today, Mr. Fred Jensen should receive credit, and he will forever have my gratitude. I’m sure that we met for the first time on a Tuesday morning, just after our Men’s Group breakfast, and it didn’t take long to know that he was a truly fascinating character and a man of deep and abiding faith.
Mr. Fred proved that big things really do come in small packages. Always the wonderful combination of dapper (quite the natty dresser) and chipper (even at 7 a.m.) the only things sharper than Mr. Fred’s shirt and bow-tie combinations were his amazing wit and voracious appetite for knowledge.
What I did not know at first was to what extent Mr. Fred planned to take me under his theological and spiritual wing. That was a very good place for a young, green preacher to be. Nearly every Tuesday morning for four years, Mr. Fred would bring me bundles of magazines and copies of articles extracted articles from his own library. Admittedly, I didn’t always see an obvious connection between some of the wide-ranging topics he wanted me to explore and my life and work as a pastor. Eventually, though, I came to understand. Mr. Fred was fascinated with everything in this amazing world that God had made and he wanted me to see the value in that kind of amazement. He knew a wonderful secret: if you want to see God, then you need to learn how to open your eyes and look…everywhere.
“You know, you’ve got to build your file,” he would always tell me, concerned that I would ever be at a loss for just the right sermon illustration on some future Sunday morning. He never failed to tell me, “if you read something good, remember that I want you to make a copy and hand it on to somebody else.” No knowledge should be lost, for it was all far too precious. Slowly, over time, he taught me that a pastor’s job, in large part, is to gather up all those God-pieces that float through the world around us and help put together the puzzle so that everybody can see the big picture. He knew and respected the mighty nature of that task. Because of Mr. Fred's witness, I do too.
We would spend time in conversation about the topic of the day, and before he left I would always receive the assurance that I was in his prayers. I know that I always was. I will always remember the warmth and earnest nature of his handshakes and hugs, and the gleam and fire of life that always shone in his eyes. That gleam remained unchanged throughout the many years of his life, even as his body aged and ultimately failed him.
Mr. Fred answered his eternal calling this week, and I sure do wish that I could talk theology with him over coffee this morning. Now that the answers to all of the questions have been found, I have to believe that Mr. Fred’s words might simply echo those of Simeon if he could give some final advice to this slightly-older preacher. Master… servant …peace … word… eyes… salvation. But I think there would be one more word, too. Look.
He leaves a wonderful wife of 55 years, an amazing family, and many, many friends. He will be dearly missed, but he would want us to look forward. That is what we will do. He would want us to look for “Emmanuel, God With Us” this Christmas, and that is what we will do, too. Incarnation happens in the most unlikely of places. 2000+ years ago it happened in a manger, in a stable, with Mary and Joseph and Shepherds and Angels, but for many years before that, God’s presence had been known through the witness of an old man who doggedly looked --- forward.
God really is with us. We only have to learn to look. May the peace of Christ be with you this season and into a wonderful 2006.
Grace and Peace,
Adam
BLOG NOTES: I want to invite everyone to use the “comments” section this week to post any words that you might have about those who have been “Simeon” or “Anna” to you in your own life. Use this space as a chance to honor those who have helped shape your faith and helped make God’s presence real and known in your own life. Thanks in advance for what you will share.
Also, note that there won’t be a blog entry next week. I’ll be traveling next Wednesday to see family and also the SOTH office will be closed, as is the tradition here during the week after Christmas. Look for a new, weekly entries to begin again on the first Wednesday in January. Thanks so much to all of you who take the time to read my ramblings, and for the ways that you have passed this site on to friends and family.
CHRISTMAS LIFE AT SOTH:
“Blue Christmas” worship, tonight at 7pm. Sometimes we can feel a sense of loss more than ever during times of holiday celebration. This meditative service will offer the hope of Christmas for all who are feeling the need for some extra encouragement this year. All are invited, and a time of fellowship and food will follow.
Christmas Eve Worship: 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. this Saturday night, December 24th. Communion and childcare for kids 4 and under at both services.
Community Christmas Brunch: Sunday morning, December 25th, 10 a.m. only. We’ll come together for a good meal and great fellowship, followed by Christmas carols, lighting the advent wreath and a Christmas message. Have a great family time together at home and then come on in to celebrate what the day is all about. Some have asked and -- yes, kids can wear their pj’s and bring a toy. Adults can only wear their pj’s if they’re the “Pink Nightmare” bunny ear ones that Ralphie had to wear in A Christmas Story. See you at Church!
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation… (NRSV)
Eight days after Jesus’ birth, Old Simeon’s dreams come true. Luke calls him “devout,” and one was has been “looking forward” for many, many years. We assume that Simeon is of an advanced age because of what’s implied in verse 26, “he would not see death before he had seen…” And then, once his faith is fulfilled in sight, Simeon seems resolved that the time of a more eternal calling has come. Master…servant…peace…word…eyes…salvation.
When Simeon is spoken of in church, it’s usually shortly after Christmas, not right before it. I suppose that certainly makes sense. Although his story, like Anna’s (keep going in Luke 2), is very powerful and compelling, I’ll admit that his story seems like a bit of a strange choice for our consideration just four days before Christmas.
I mean, Simeon is not to be found in my plastic, life-size, light-up, outdoor nativity scene. What about the Shepherds and Kings (or Magi, or Wise Men...whatever works for you) and Angels? What about Joseph and Mary and stables and cows and mangers and, “asleep on the hay?”
Christmas would not be Christmas without any of those figures. But Simeon represents something powerful and very necessary for the human heart. Simeon is hope and faith with staying power. His is not a chance encounter with the Messiah, it is a culmination and completion of a life-long faith.
Simeon gives us an incredible gift: the chance to glimpse what full-blown faith might look like if the sometimes-buried spark of belief that lies within our own hearts were to be nurtured and tended for a lifetime. Simeon shows us God’s marvelous and mysterious penchant for making himself known through the most unlikely of vessels, like tiny babies or little old men.
I met Simeon for myself in the summer of 2001. With the ink not quite dry on my just-acquired seminary degree and the shine from my brand new Emory alumni ring gleaming in the sun, I arrived on the pastoral staff at Wesley UMC as green as a fresh-cut pine.
If I am at all more seasoned today, Mr. Fred Jensen should receive credit, and he will forever have my gratitude. I’m sure that we met for the first time on a Tuesday morning, just after our Men’s Group breakfast, and it didn’t take long to know that he was a truly fascinating character and a man of deep and abiding faith.
Mr. Fred proved that big things really do come in small packages. Always the wonderful combination of dapper (quite the natty dresser) and chipper (even at 7 a.m.) the only things sharper than Mr. Fred’s shirt and bow-tie combinations were his amazing wit and voracious appetite for knowledge.
What I did not know at first was to what extent Mr. Fred planned to take me under his theological and spiritual wing. That was a very good place for a young, green preacher to be. Nearly every Tuesday morning for four years, Mr. Fred would bring me bundles of magazines and copies of articles extracted articles from his own library. Admittedly, I didn’t always see an obvious connection between some of the wide-ranging topics he wanted me to explore and my life and work as a pastor. Eventually, though, I came to understand. Mr. Fred was fascinated with everything in this amazing world that God had made and he wanted me to see the value in that kind of amazement. He knew a wonderful secret: if you want to see God, then you need to learn how to open your eyes and look…everywhere.
“You know, you’ve got to build your file,” he would always tell me, concerned that I would ever be at a loss for just the right sermon illustration on some future Sunday morning. He never failed to tell me, “if you read something good, remember that I want you to make a copy and hand it on to somebody else.” No knowledge should be lost, for it was all far too precious. Slowly, over time, he taught me that a pastor’s job, in large part, is to gather up all those God-pieces that float through the world around us and help put together the puzzle so that everybody can see the big picture. He knew and respected the mighty nature of that task. Because of Mr. Fred's witness, I do too.
We would spend time in conversation about the topic of the day, and before he left I would always receive the assurance that I was in his prayers. I know that I always was. I will always remember the warmth and earnest nature of his handshakes and hugs, and the gleam and fire of life that always shone in his eyes. That gleam remained unchanged throughout the many years of his life, even as his body aged and ultimately failed him.
Mr. Fred answered his eternal calling this week, and I sure do wish that I could talk theology with him over coffee this morning. Now that the answers to all of the questions have been found, I have to believe that Mr. Fred’s words might simply echo those of Simeon if he could give some final advice to this slightly-older preacher. Master… servant …peace … word… eyes… salvation. But I think there would be one more word, too. Look.
He leaves a wonderful wife of 55 years, an amazing family, and many, many friends. He will be dearly missed, but he would want us to look forward. That is what we will do. He would want us to look for “Emmanuel, God With Us” this Christmas, and that is what we will do, too. Incarnation happens in the most unlikely of places. 2000+ years ago it happened in a manger, in a stable, with Mary and Joseph and Shepherds and Angels, but for many years before that, God’s presence had been known through the witness of an old man who doggedly looked --- forward.
God really is with us. We only have to learn to look. May the peace of Christ be with you this season and into a wonderful 2006.
Grace and Peace,
Adam
BLOG NOTES: I want to invite everyone to use the “comments” section this week to post any words that you might have about those who have been “Simeon” or “Anna” to you in your own life. Use this space as a chance to honor those who have helped shape your faith and helped make God’s presence real and known in your own life. Thanks in advance for what you will share.
Also, note that there won’t be a blog entry next week. I’ll be traveling next Wednesday to see family and also the SOTH office will be closed, as is the tradition here during the week after Christmas. Look for a new, weekly entries to begin again on the first Wednesday in January. Thanks so much to all of you who take the time to read my ramblings, and for the ways that you have passed this site on to friends and family.
CHRISTMAS LIFE AT SOTH:
“Blue Christmas” worship, tonight at 7pm. Sometimes we can feel a sense of loss more than ever during times of holiday celebration. This meditative service will offer the hope of Christmas for all who are feeling the need for some extra encouragement this year. All are invited, and a time of fellowship and food will follow.
Christmas Eve Worship: 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. this Saturday night, December 24th. Communion and childcare for kids 4 and under at both services.
Community Christmas Brunch: Sunday morning, December 25th, 10 a.m. only. We’ll come together for a good meal and great fellowship, followed by Christmas carols, lighting the advent wreath and a Christmas message. Have a great family time together at home and then come on in to celebrate what the day is all about. Some have asked and -- yes, kids can wear their pj’s and bring a toy. Adults can only wear their pj’s if they’re the “Pink Nightmare” bunny ear ones that Ralphie had to wear in A Christmas Story. See you at Church!
Dec 14, 2005
Irony
Well, as much as I'd like to write a sweet and sentimental Christmas piece this week, that is simply not to be. This Christmas season has seen such great intensification of a certain cultural phenomenon that I find myself unable to refrain from comment. Apparently, the "happy holidays" people are a threat. A real threat. Boo!
First, let me say that the seeming absence of any collective sense of irony in our culture gives me great cause for worry and concern.
Are you all riled (or should I say O'Reilly-ed) up this year because those liberal media-types have continued in their plot to take the "Christ" out of "Christmas?" Like any good Christian, are you boycotting evil retailers who dare to say, "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Have we lost our collective sense of irony? (By the way, the above paragraph really doesn't represent an example of irony nearly so much as sarcasm).
Fox News Channel pundit and self-proclaimed savior of Christmas, Bill O'Reilly, says that his viewers' boycots of Sears, Target and other "Happy Holidays" stores (they don't say "Merry Christmas" to shoppers) have been important and successful because, "this is about respect."
In literature, "irony" occurs when a character says or does one thing but intends the opposite. It is a deliberate gap between the language used and that which is being discussed.
For instance, "this is about respect," might really mean, "everyone must do it my way or they are terrible people who obviously don't respect me and all those who agree with me." Or something like that. See? ...Irony.
It's ironic that the people who get most angry whenever minorities or women find any offense should get so hot under the collar about a simple seasonal greeting. Which reminds me, "it's all about respect" can also mean, "I can get mad anytime I want to but you can't."
It's also ironic to claim that your call to action has restored the "Christ" in Christmas when what it's really done (as have all those who've supported it) is to reinforce the cultural tie between the celebration of Jesus' birth and excessive consumption and materialism.
It's ironic that much of Bill O'Reilly's success, and that of his "Say-Merry-Christmas-or Else" movement has been rightly or wrongly attributed to Christians. Non-believers must think we Christians look pretty foolish lining up behind an angry tv personality who rants for ratings. In the meantime, they're left to their own conclusions as to who Jesus might be and why he might matter.
How can I possibly care whether the cashier at Target tells me "Merry Christmas," or "Happy Holidays" when I should be so much more concerned about whether that person has Jesus in his or her heart? Would it be ok for me to acknowledge that not everyone in the world is a follower of Christ and that a forced act of cultural obedience is not the same as faith?
What if Christians were less easily moved to boycott and more easily moved to serve? What if we lived in this world in such a way that the culture really was transformed? What if greed could be turned into generosity and sin gave way to redemption?
I know, I know, what if it rained gumdrops and little fairy princesses flew out of my nose? It's so much easier to be cynical than faithful, to be righteously indignant than soft-hearted and humble. Believe me, I know.
My fear is that we've lost our sense of irony, and that now we're particularly vulnerable to the lure of hollow "victories" that make the culture look a little more Christian while keeping Jesus' disciples cooped up in false safe-houses of our make-believe power.
Here's what I know about Christmas: The all-powerful God loved us so much that he was born among us, becoming dependent upon his frightened, impoverished parents. He was laid in a manger, surrounded by a barnyard scene and must have been viewed as insignificant by almost all who passed by. That baby grew up, and the Creator-of-it-all spent long days working at a humble carpenter's bench. His love was never made more real than when he hung upon a criminal's cross, broken and bleeding. My sins, yours, and the world's, have been redeemed.
That's the message we carry. That's God's kind of irony. That's not for sale this Christmas, but it's the greatest gift that there will ever be. Now that's something to get riled up about.
Grace and Peace,
Adam
CHRISTMAS LIFE AT SOTH:
December 18, 2005
Regular Sunday schedule, with services at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.
December 21, 2005
"The Longest Night," a Service of Christmas Hope
Our upcoming service of hope for all who mourn or struggle during the holidays was covered in today's Douglas Neighbor. Psalms, readings, a short sermon and special music will impart a message of hope in "God With Us." All are welcome to worship, and to a time of fellowship following.
December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve worship with communion at both services, 5:30 and 7:00 pm.
December 25, 2005
Sunday morning worship at 10:00 a.m. only, although it will be a special "community brunch" service with lots of food and fellowship, along with music and a short devotional. Everyone is invited, and please bring visiting friends and family.
Merry Christmas from Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church!
First, let me say that the seeming absence of any collective sense of irony in our culture gives me great cause for worry and concern.
Are you all riled (or should I say O'Reilly-ed) up this year because those liberal media-types have continued in their plot to take the "Christ" out of "Christmas?" Like any good Christian, are you boycotting evil retailers who dare to say, "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Have we lost our collective sense of irony? (By the way, the above paragraph really doesn't represent an example of irony nearly so much as sarcasm).
Fox News Channel pundit and self-proclaimed savior of Christmas, Bill O'Reilly, says that his viewers' boycots of Sears, Target and other "Happy Holidays" stores (they don't say "Merry Christmas" to shoppers) have been important and successful because, "this is about respect."
In literature, "irony" occurs when a character says or does one thing but intends the opposite. It is a deliberate gap between the language used and that which is being discussed.
For instance, "this is about respect," might really mean, "everyone must do it my way or they are terrible people who obviously don't respect me and all those who agree with me." Or something like that. See? ...Irony.
It's ironic that the people who get most angry whenever minorities or women find any offense should get so hot under the collar about a simple seasonal greeting. Which reminds me, "it's all about respect" can also mean, "I can get mad anytime I want to but you can't."
It's also ironic to claim that your call to action has restored the "Christ" in Christmas when what it's really done (as have all those who've supported it) is to reinforce the cultural tie between the celebration of Jesus' birth and excessive consumption and materialism.
It's ironic that much of Bill O'Reilly's success, and that of his "Say-Merry-Christmas-or Else" movement has been rightly or wrongly attributed to Christians. Non-believers must think we Christians look pretty foolish lining up behind an angry tv personality who rants for ratings. In the meantime, they're left to their own conclusions as to who Jesus might be and why he might matter.
How can I possibly care whether the cashier at Target tells me "Merry Christmas," or "Happy Holidays" when I should be so much more concerned about whether that person has Jesus in his or her heart? Would it be ok for me to acknowledge that not everyone in the world is a follower of Christ and that a forced act of cultural obedience is not the same as faith?
What if Christians were less easily moved to boycott and more easily moved to serve? What if we lived in this world in such a way that the culture really was transformed? What if greed could be turned into generosity and sin gave way to redemption?
I know, I know, what if it rained gumdrops and little fairy princesses flew out of my nose? It's so much easier to be cynical than faithful, to be righteously indignant than soft-hearted and humble. Believe me, I know.
My fear is that we've lost our sense of irony, and that now we're particularly vulnerable to the lure of hollow "victories" that make the culture look a little more Christian while keeping Jesus' disciples cooped up in false safe-houses of our make-believe power.
Here's what I know about Christmas: The all-powerful God loved us so much that he was born among us, becoming dependent upon his frightened, impoverished parents. He was laid in a manger, surrounded by a barnyard scene and must have been viewed as insignificant by almost all who passed by. That baby grew up, and the Creator-of-it-all spent long days working at a humble carpenter's bench. His love was never made more real than when he hung upon a criminal's cross, broken and bleeding. My sins, yours, and the world's, have been redeemed.
That's the message we carry. That's God's kind of irony. That's not for sale this Christmas, but it's the greatest gift that there will ever be. Now that's something to get riled up about.
Grace and Peace,
Adam
CHRISTMAS LIFE AT SOTH:
December 18, 2005
Regular Sunday schedule, with services at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.
December 21, 2005
"The Longest Night," a Service of Christmas Hope
Our upcoming service of hope for all who mourn or struggle during the holidays was covered in today's Douglas Neighbor. Psalms, readings, a short sermon and special music will impart a message of hope in "God With Us." All are welcome to worship, and to a time of fellowship following.
December 24, 2005
Christmas Eve worship with communion at both services, 5:30 and 7:00 pm.
December 25, 2005
Sunday morning worship at 10:00 a.m. only, although it will be a special "community brunch" service with lots of food and fellowship, along with music and a short devotional. Everyone is invited, and please bring visiting friends and family.
Merry Christmas from Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church!
Dec 7, 2005
The "Old Rectory" in Epworth. This is the restored rectory that Samuel Wesley had built at a cost to the parish of $800,000 in today's money. The people of Epworth had burned the first house out from under the Wesleys because of Samuel's extreme unpopularity. John Wesley almost died as a child in the fire.
Home
It is “Blog Day,” Wednesday, and I thought I’d take the opportunity this week to finish what we started from
Truly, the things that we saw on the trip were wonderful, as were the English people. We saw so many of the important places for the Wesleys, and I feel like my understanding of them and of the early days of Methodism has increased tenfold.
Our trip to Epworth was very powerful. We worshipped at Wesley Memorial, a British Methodist church built in Wesley’s hometown after his death. This is close to “ground zero” for Methodist worship, and we took communion around a table from which John and Charles Wesley had served many times. The table was somehow inherited from
We were treated to a visit at
A
From there we traveled to
Finally, we also saw the Oxford Cathedral at
Truly, the trip was incredible and I can’t wait to put together a little more formal presentation for all who want to know more about our English heritage and connection to the Wesleys. That knowledge can help us understand so much more about our roots, and about where we should take Methodism in this new century. As John Wesley said, “The best of all is, God is with us.” Surely this is true. Holly and I are so grateful that we know God’s presence through your faithful witness. Thanks to you all for your support of us in our travels and to Max Vincent and Keith Windmiller for their pastoral support and help. We are classically “jet-lagged” having woken up this morning at 2:30 a.m. feeling for all the world like it was time to eat breakfast and get going. We’ll catch up soon and be as good as new. I plan to be in and out of the office tomorrow but will be taking the rest of today to straighten out on sleep and spend some much-needed time with our boys.
Adam
"Father, Forgive"
(ORIGINALLY WRITTEN 12/3; POSTED FROM U.S. 12/7/05)Good morning SOTH family! As I write from our hotel this Saturday morning at 6:00 AM, most of you have just settled down for a good night’s sleep.
Yesterday we toured around
Yesterday afternoon we saw Coventry Cathedral, and for me, this has been a true highlight of the trip.
The Cathedral is now a testimony to the power of forgiveness and the power of God at work among his people. The morning after the bombing, two beams from the massive roof had fallen in the shape of a cross. A local wired them together and propped them in the place where the high altar had stood. That cross was preserved and remained in place until it was lost to vandals in the 1970’s. Today a replica remains, with the inscription behind it, “Father, Forgive.” The ruins of the ancient cathedral are now joined to a space that is the greatest example of modern church architecture that we have in the world today.
The rebuilt cathedral mixes ancient symbols with modern art and technology in powerful ways. Built in the 1960’s, the modern cathedral is a place that immediately inspires a sense of awe and God’s presence. I met a wonderful lady there was has volunteered at the cathedral throughout her life. She is now in her middle 70’s, and she took Holly and me aside and gave us the “real” tour. It was an amazing thing to talk to her about the cathedral, about the people who lived in
Today we are off to
Tomorrow we will worship at the
Have a wonderful day in worship tomorrow and know that we miss you all. Keep us in your prayers! We fly back to
Peace –
Adam
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