Greetings to all!
Today, December 7, is the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Among the many reflections on that event, consider this one from a former
Navy chaplain regarding the solemn work of burying the dead (over 2,400).
The honor guard lined up on two sides of a large trench. The firing squad
and the bugler on the third side of the trench and three chaplains on the
fourth side of the trench - a Protestant, a Catholic, and a Jewish chaplain.
If the faith of the individual was known, that chaplain stepped forward and
conducted the interment. If the faith of the deceased was not known, or if
the deceased was unknown, as was the case in many instances, all three
chaplains stepped forward. A brief scripture, acceptable to all, was read
and then each chaplain offered a prayer in the English, in the Latin, and
in the Hebrew. It was the [intention] of burial that every man [might] have
in death what had been his choice in life. As one of the chaplains later
wrote, "The God of the universe heard the prayers of us all."
Pearl Harbor changed America. Pearl Harbor changed the military. The
war changed the chaplaincy. The chaplaincy came forth with a new
stature at the end of the war. The war changed the religious community
of America. Many will say that the ecumenical movement was born in
chapels where people of all faiths sat down next to each other. They had
never done this before - sang hymns, and prayed and listened to a chaplain
whose faith they didn't know, but yet, were spiritually enriched. Three
chaplains working together - pluralistic cooperation. That had so seldom
happened before.
(Captain Dave Chambers, USN retired, from the transcript of an address to
the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces, December 1991,
as found on website bluejacket.com)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 11, 3rd Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 61:1-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 11, 10am,
in Trinity Hall (upstairs office). Sunday Conversations include a wide
range of topics from week to week. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join
the conversation, or just listen in.
Children's Choir and Pageant Practice will be held this Sunday,
December 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall. All children are invited to be part
of this special Walnut Hill tradition. The Christmas Presentation and
Pageant will follow during the morning worship service (11am).
THE WALNUT HILL CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held this Sunday,
December 11, 3pm, at 1202 Delong Place. Bring an hors-doeuvre item.
This gathering is intended for adults.
ACE Trip - We are currently receiving donations in support of the Athens
Chilesburg Elementary School Fifth Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.
Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor 10 children at $530/each. Your gift,
in any amount, is welcome. Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church,
designated "ACE Trip."
Christmas Eve/Day at Walnut Hill Church:
Sat, December 24, 5pm - "Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight" for all ages.
Sun, December 25, 11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion,
nursery care and Sunday School for children.
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday
morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as
long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp required.
Thanks to all hosts, cooks, and diners who brought the ingredients together
for a delicious and delightful Christmas Potluck last Sunday!
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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