June 6, 2005

Never Again!

This past week I toured the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. The reality of the world’s collective lack of concern for Jews before, during, and in the years after World War II are well known by all of us along with the slogan “Never Again.”

Unfortunately, this has been a hollow slogan. Think of Uganda, Cambodia, Rwanda, Congo, and now Darfur. We’ve all heard the news reports of genocide, the policy of rape, and the 400,000 killed so far.

And what have we done? We Presbyterians have sent some relief funds their way. But when was the last time we wrote to our congressional representatives and encouraged them to take this situation seriously? When was that last time our government really tried to stop what we have officially called genocide? When was the last time we prayed at a Sunday morning worship service for the people of Darfur?

I want us to take seriously the words “Never Again!” I invite you to care about these people that no one seems to remember. Check out the PCUSA website, other web sites, and read the news. Pray for these people and invite the members of your church to remember them and advocate for them. And I encourage our own Peace and Justice Committee to help focus our efforts.

May God bless the people of Darfur.

Blessings,

Peter Nord

Inside this issue

Take Note/Act Now

§ Report from Jerusalem

§ Sunday Summer Nights

§ Sabbaticals

§ Job Opportunities Online

§ Local Church Announcements

Prayer Concerns

§ Christ Our King PC

§ Mt. Paran PC

People

The congregation of Govans PC has elected John R. Sharp as Pastor Emeritus and Margaret True as Pastor Emerita.

O. Morton Harris and Sue Lowcock Harris have been called as Designated Co-Pastors at First PC of Howard County, effective August 15.

Congratulations to Peg and Bob Ferguson who became grandparents to Alexander Thomas Schellings on Sat., June 18. Peg’s son Tom and his wife Valerie live in Providence, RI.

(Continued beneath Prayer Concerns on page 2.)

Prayer Concerns

Christ Our King PC asks for prayers:

§ For our continuing partnership with Kenya.

§ For our building and expansion program.

§ For our architect, who is putting together a model to begin our capital campaign.

§ For general growing pains.

Mt. Paran PC asks for prayers for:

§ Our new Stephen’s Ministry program.

§ Our 290^th Anniversary Celebration this fall.

§ Our ministry to the community.

§ Our partnership with Cameroon.

People (continued)

Congratulations to Dave and Jeanie Wilson on the birth of their twin granddaughters, Lara and Maya, on June 25 in Norristown, PA. Dave and Jeanie’s daughter Rachel and her husband Rob Fecho also have two sons, Isaiah (4) and Nathan (2).

Take Note/Act Now

Rev. Dr. Peter Nord’s Report from Jerusalem.

Sunday Summer Nights, a Next Generation Project, is a gathering of young adults for dinner and discussion about life issues young adults face. They will gather between 6-6:30 pm and wrap up around 8:30 pm. Bring whatever you would like to grill, and Tim and Saranell Hartman will provide the drinks, condiments, dessert, etc. No need to RSVP, just show up at 13 Mitchell Drive, Abingdon, MD. Need directions or have questions? Call 410-569-8150 or email saranellandtim@verizon.net. Feel free to invite friends and stay as long as your schedule allows. Check http://roosterscrow.blogspot.com for other Next Generation events.

COM has approved a recommended church policy regarding Sabbaticals. [read more]