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Thank You to Our Veterans |
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Location: Blogs Brad's BlogMid-Week Missive |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 11/17/2009 9:21 AM | Greetings on this blustery day,
91 years ago, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I ended. The Armistice that was signed between Germany and the Allied forces designated November 11, 1918 at 11:00 p.m. as the end of hostilities in a war that began in 1914. This war engulfed all of Europe and included combatants from all over the world, including the United States. In the four years of “The Great War”, over 30 million military personnel were either killed, wounded or missing in action. It was designated “The War to End All Wars.” Sadly, that designation has proven not to be true.
In the wake of the peace in Europe, President Wilson declared November 11th an official federal holiday: “Armistice Day”. President Wilson declared the holiday to help us remember those who fought for freedom, and to pledge to move forward so that no one might be called into such sacrificial service again. In the following decades, Americans became involved in World War II and the Korean Conflict and to reflect the sacrifice made in those conflicts, Armistice Day was replaced by Veterans Day in 1954. Since that time we have used the day to honor those who have put themselves on the line for their country, and for us.
Today, we fight wars on two fronts and worry about possible conflicts in other arenas. The world is a dangerous place and when we hear President Wilson’s wish that no soldier might venture into harms way again, we can’t do much except shake our heads, and pray. As the church, we seek peace of all people. Not just peace of mind, but peace. We strive to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone in the hope that his message of peace and grace might someday rub off on all those who take up arms against one another. With our peaceful existence in America, it is sometimes hard for us to understand just how “unpeaceful” things are in other parts of the world. And so we pray and do what we can to promote peace through our actions.
The fact that parts of the world are in such chaos makes it even more incredible that men and women are willing to stand up and be our front line of defense against any enemy. Folks don’t join the military without some understanding that they may be find duty in a combat zone. They enter with the full understanding of the risk involved, and they enter with the full understanding of the importance of what they do.
On this Veterans Day, let us take the time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf, to honor all those who have served, and are now serving to help keep us safe. Their sacrifice, their love of country and their response to their call of duty are to be well and truly honored on this day, and every day. And may we pray that one day, the term, “The War to End All Wars” becomes an accurate statement of reality.
For a list of upcoming events or an updated prayer list, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
For your prayer list:
Judy Mowrey underwent a cornea transplant this morning and is now in recovery. She should be going home early this afternoon. So far, so good!
Please keep Buck and Janet Demille in your prayers. They are dear friends of Nita Pass, and they are dealing with health and family issues at this time.
Please keep Jim Knuckles in your prayers. He is going through a bit of a rough patch and every prayer helps.
Upcoming Events
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one, please send the information to Ruth Luckett at ruth@brookhavenchristian.org or fill out a form this Sunday and drop it in the offering plate. We need your orders by this Sunday, November 15th so we can have these beautiful plants here by the first Sunday of Advent, November 29th. The cost of each plant is $10.
Sunday, November 22nd is Thanksgiving Sunday and we will celebrate with a traditional “Procession of Bounty”. Bring food, both fresh and canned, on that Sunday and it will all go toward the Tweens project of providing Thanksgiving Dinner baskets for the residents of the Interfaith Outreach Home. So, bring your bounty, so that others might know a bountiful holiday, too.
The Christmas Trees are coming! We will need help to set up the lot on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 21st, and to unload the trees on Wednesday November 25th. Then, the sale starts in earnest on November 27th, the day after Thanksgiving and should wrap up by the first Sunday in December. You can sign up for any and all of these events by going to www.brookhavenchrstian.org and clicking on the Christmas tree. Any questions, contact Charles Kinney.
We are closing in fast on Advent and Christmas. One of our projects every year is to help provide Christmas for the less fortunate children of the BCC Child Development Center. By the beginning of Advent you will see an “Angel Tree” with the wish lists of CDC children hung as ornaments. Pick one or two off and return the presents unwrapped so that some child might have a truly merry Christmas. Watch for more information – coming soon.
If you haven’t received a 2010 stewardship campaign letter or pledge card, they are attached to this missive. If you could take the time to read the letter, pray about how you can help, and make your pledge by November 29th, it will help our planning immensely. Or you can e-mail your pledge directly to our stewardship chair at giving@brookhavenchristian.org
I hope to see you in worship this Sunday as we once again gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day together. The sermon this Sunday is titled “Becoming Hannah” and the scripture is 1 Samuel 2: 1-10. Have a great rest of the week.
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