Another day of remembrance is today: Earth
Day. Yes, in too many ways another painful
remembrance--of the devastation of our earth home from
human neglect and abuse. But as with all
constructive remembrance, today is---can be---a new day,
a day of new resolve and creativity. It is widely
agreed that we as a global communty are well behind what
is needed but by God's grace and with the brave
leadership of many, there is new movement for the
future. The church can and must play a special
role in building that future, by leading in our own
earth stewardship and in witnessing to the sacredness of
God's creation. No effort is too small--many of
our churches have bulletin recycling boxes, use only
washable mugs at coffee hours and dishes for community
meals. But as churches let's keep seeking new
steps--every lightbulb energy efficient, water
conserving plumbing equipment, desert landscaping, and
more.
And finally but by no means least: today is
Administrative Professionals Day! I want to claim
this opportunity to remember and celebrate the
exceptional folk who serve all of us in this
Conference as Administrative Professionals:
Virginia Arroyo, Keith Clark, Loletta Barrett, Sandra
Nunelly (in the Southern Association) and Cherry Baldwin
at Pilgrim Pines. We are richly blessed by their
ministries. I hope the next time you speak with one of
these folk you will thank them for all they do.
And don't forget the administrative staff in your
church. Many of us in ministry know how much we
depend on them to carry out the work of the
church.
So in this week of remembrance:
Remember.
Repent.
Reform.
Renew!
In the name of our God who does not remember our
sins but does remember us with steadfast love. (Psalm
25:7).
Jane
