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It doesn't take me to tell you that the unofficial start of summer begins this weekend. In our family, we have two excited fish glad that the community pool opens this weekend! If you need me, I'll probably be poolside while our kids are splashing around.
On one of my Facebook groups yesterday, one well-intentioned ruling elder posted a request asking that worship leadership not ask for veterans to stand at the service on Sunday as a matter of thanking them. As I'm sure anticipated (like I did), many comments noted that Monday is not for those who served among us, but those who served who are no longer among us - it is for those who we have lost while serving our country. It is, indeed, humbling to think of how many that has been through the generations.
I think it is fitting to share with you a prayer in the Presbyterian Outlook a number of years ago, written by Rev. Jill Duffield, who now serves as Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church. Let us pray:
Lord God, until there is war no more and you wipe every tear from every eye, we will remember. We will remember those who have served and died for the sake of something greater than themselves. We will remember and give thanks for the men and women who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way so that others might be safer. We will remember the families who grieve this day and every day for brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, friends and spouses, who lost their lives while wearing the uniform of our country.
Lord God, until you beat swords into plowshares and the ox and lamb lie down together, we will remember. We will remember that peace doesn’t happen without peacemakers and violence won’t cease unless we stand in the breach and begin to repair it. We will remember that war is costly, the price paid in priceless lives cut short.
Lord God, until the Prince of Peace returns and death and crying are no more, we will remember. We will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. We will support those left bereft in their absence. We will remember to seek reconciliation, knowing that while we cannot control the ways of the world, we can seek to work for peace in our own lives and communities.
Lord God, until there is no need for men and women to place themselves in harm’s way, we will remember and give thanks for those who did and died.
In the name of the One who grants us the peace that passes understanding, we pray. Amen.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday, when we will reflect on the three-in-one of God of the Trinity. Why and how do God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit make their way through the world, and how do they all intersect? We will examine that together.
If you ARE traveling this weekend, I remind you that you can always worship with us live online through our YouTube channel - information on that below. If you ARE traveling, I bid you safety and pray traveling mercies.
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