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September

Do you remember where you were when you heard of the El Quida attack on Sept. 11, 2001? Do you remember what the weather was like that day; who you were with or what you were doing when you heard the news? Are there other dates that are burned in your memory? What about Dec. 7, 1941? What about November 22, 1963 or April 4, 1968?

The reason you remember these dates or any other is because they had some kind of an impact on your life. The events of that day changed something. As a result, you are not the same person you were before the event happened.

It is important to remember those turning points in your life. On Sept. 11, 2011 which is a Sunday, we will pause to remember what happened, in New York City, Washington, DC and Shanksville, PA. I hope you will be present in church for this special worship service.

The question is what will you do with those memories? In Lewis Carroll's book, "Alice Through The Looking Glass," the character known as the White Queen says, "It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards."" I agree with the White Queen. Our memories should do more than work backwards. They should take us forward.

For my parents' generation, the slogan "Remember Pearl Harbor" was intended to spur this nation to achieve victory over an enemy which threatened world freedom. Todd Beamer, a passenger on flight 93 said the now famous words, "Let's Roll" before he and other passengers gave their lives to prevent that high jacked plane from crashing in the capitol building in Washington. Those words found their place on many a bumper sticker with the hope of inspiring this nation's citizens to stand resolute against the efforts of terrorists. Martin Luther King's words from August 28, 1963, "I have a Dream" continue to challenge us today as we as a nation struggle to live up to the ideals our nation claims to stand for.

As we observe the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack of 9-11-01, let's take the admonition of the White Queen seriously: "It's a poor sort of memory that only looks backwards."" Our worship on September 11th, 2011 should not be a mere memorial if it only looks backwards. It should also be (as all worship services should be) a time of reflection, a time of prayer and a time when we dedicate ourselves to the work to which we are called as disciples (those who follow) and apostles (those sent out) of Jesus Christ. Remember who you are. Remember whose you are. Enter to worship and depart to serve.

Yours in Christ,