Earth Day is this Friday, a day to remember the goodness of Creation and our need to care for this world that is such a gift from the hand of God. Our two readings will help us in this regard. From the Book of Revelation we will hear described the great vision of ‘a new heaven and new earth’ where all tears and suffering are wiped away and creation is filled with shalom (21:1-6). From the Book of Acts we will hear described one of the earliest church fights as Peter goes out on a limb and decides to break bread with Gentiles. The other church leaders think he has gone off the deep end until he shares the vision that has guided his steps (11:1-18). How can our visions—those glimpses of Reality—help us respond to this world that is so broken with so many tears and so much conflict? Some are ready to escape this world in visions of heaven. Others are ready to fight for one piece of turf or another. These passages can help us envision and live into a world where love and compassion are the driving forces. How do we take such love into our hearts so we are empowered for life in this world? Last Sunday, in my dialogue with Mariah Lewis and Helin Karakus from Miss Hall’s school, Helin told about a sacred ritual from her Muslim tradition that fits well with the vision from Revelation and Peter’s vision in Acts. My hope is that my sermon will build on that and give us a glimpse of God’s larger Reality that beckons us to hear a Voice calling us to wholeness and shalom, a peace that can guide us in the choices we make for our world here and now. (You can hear the dialogue from last week here.)
I will also have a message for the children based on the 23rd Psalm. This Psalm has its own vision of God’s larger Reality. I will offer that vision to our children by using some photos from the “Baby Animals” at Hancock Shaker Village, a bit of raw wool, and an old wool sweater that is very special to me. Should be fun. Be sure to come.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday the ecumenical Outdoor Cathedral that meets on the lawn of St. Joseph’s Church will hold what could be described as an Easter street fair. Rev. Jenny Gregg will lead the event with simple worship, and there will be art activities for all ages, good food, wonderful music, and an opportunity to be together in faith where all are welcome—and where many find comfort and joy. All ages and types are truly welcome. I will be there, too!
As I write, the Tag Sale is being set up in Barrett Hall. This is always a joyous event and will be open on Saturday from 9 to 3. Keep all those helping in your prayers as it is a labor intensive project—truly a labor of love. Come help out if you can. May God bless these faithful efforts.