Letter to my Niece at Confirmation

In this season of graduations, confirmations, proms, weddings and other milestones in many peoples lives I offer this as a reflection. I am attending my niece's confirmation tomorrow and I tried to decide what to get her as a gift, not jewelry, not a bible (I believe the church will present her with one), not anything big because it's not a graduation.....aahhh, I had an idea. I found a book of sayings by Mother Theresa on prayer - "It all begins with prayer" a travel journal (she is going to England and Wales in a few weeks) and than a blank journal - in which I wrote the following: "You are not done. Confirmation is not graduation. In fact - you've only just begun. Your Mom and Dad have done a wonderful job raising you and will, I imagine, will continue to do so. Confirmation is the taking on the responsibility for your own spiritual life and you are not done, and God is not done. Look at the vows of Baptism; Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?, the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?, all sinful desires that draw you from the love the God? Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?, Put your whole trust in his grace and love?, Promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? All these were said for your - I was there and vowed to do these things for you. Today June 3, 2012 you have chosen to take on this mantel of responsibility for yourself. In doing so you are, in my opinion, taking the first step into adulthood. But it is only the first step not the last. In today's covenant: Will you continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship in the breaking of bread and in the prayers? The operative word is Continue Life is a perpetual journey, physical life, mental life and spiritual life. You will continue growing physically, mentally, as you finish school and college (should you choose)and spirituality as you learn, question and grow. There will be lulls, times of seemingly no growth and that's okay. All living things have a period of dormancy: trees, flowers, birds, bears. It is in these quiet times in life that the most growth happens: roots go deeper, bears give birth, flowers gather strength to bloom again. the body and mind is resting to burst forth with renewed vibrancy and vigor, it is part of the circle of life. But I will challenge you, even in those seemingly dormant times; where ever you are, whatever you do, seek and find a church to attend. finding one that fits your schedule and "where" you are spiritually (just not a "hate preaching" church please) Because that is also a part of that covenant, to continue in fellowship and in the breaking of bread. Ask questions, but I will warn you, the answers (if there are any)will lead to more questions. Even if there are no answers you will grow and learn and that really is the point of life. The rest of these pages are blank: they are to be filled in by you- for it is now your story. Aunt Deb"

The Way to Emmaus Concert

The Way to Emmaus by Jaromir Weinberger concert by soprano Croa Gamelin and organist Mark Laubach. on Friday May 11th at 7:30pm listen to the interview by Erika Funke here: a http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wvia/local-wvia-1011173.mp3 (if you cannot click on the above link directly - copy and paste into your web browser)

St Stephens' Music events

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Genocide Remembrance Today in the church's proposed calendar we remember those who have died and who have been hurt by acts of genocide. Genocide is "the systematic and intentional destruction of a people by death, by the imposition of severe mental or physical abuse, by the forced displacement of children, or by other atrocities designed to destroy the lives and human dignity of large groups of people." (Holy Women, Holy Men, p. 342) Yesterday President Obama visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum with Elie Weisel. Reports of their visit were moving. I am encouraged that last year the President established the Atrocities Prevention Board and announced a policy to make the prevention of atrocities a key focus for the U.S. There is now a structured way to monitor and report on current and potential acts of genocide. Too often our attention has been narrowed only by focus on our own vital interests. Genocide happens when the world averts its eyes and turns away. I tend to be one who favors diplomatic and police responses to international threats. I opposed the Iraq war from the outset. Yet I also tend to be one who wishes the U.S. would lead more prompt military responses in situations of genocide. I thought President Clinton was slow to respond to the ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. The success of that U.N. operation to stop the systemic murders is a reminder that the world can act to prevent and to stop genocide. I wonder how many lives might be saved if the U.S. and U.N. would act now with significant force to save the people of Darfur, South Kordofan and Nuba Mountains, and the Blue Nile from the atrocities and systematic attacks that have killed hundreds of thousands and displaced more than a million people. I am particularly proud of Dr. Sam Totten of Fayetteville for his tireless work and advocacy to prevent genocide, especially in and around Sudan. The prevention of genocide seems to me to be one of the few compelling arguments for military action. Can a criminal like Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir be that immune from superior military power? Elie Weisel reminded us that the civilized world failed to speak up and take measures to prevent the Holocaust of Nazi Germany, and he shown a light on the threats that Syria's Bashar al-Assad and Iran's leadership pose to the Middle East. Lower on the world's radar is the systemic cultural genocide that China pursues against the Tibetan and Uyghur peoples. I'm proud of the University of Arkansas' oral history project to capture the stories and memories of Tibetan refugees who recall their country before the Chinese invasion. And so today, we remember and we pray. Almighty God, our Refuge and our Rock, your loving care knows no bounds and embraces all the peoples of the earth: Defend and protect those who fall victim to the forces of evil, and as we remember this day those who endured depredation and death because of who they were, not because of what they had done or failed to do, give us the courage to stand against hatred and oppression, and to seek the dignity and well-being of all for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, in whom you have reconciled the world to yourself; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (from Holy Women, Holy Men) by Lowell Grisham on April 24, 2012

Fifth Annual Bowl Painting

Next Sunday after the 10:30 service is our 5th annual Bowl Painting. Join us as we paint bowls and a few weeks later we will auction them off - money raised will benefit the Food Pantry at Reach of St Stephens