Word from Wiese

Blackboard

Blackboard

18 May 2022

Sailor's BibleI agree with the argument, “Youth are not only the future of the church, they are the church today!”   We didn’t call this past Sunday “Youth Sunday.” But it was in a dynamic way.   At our 11 AM service, our elementary students and preschoolers led worship in their magnificent presentation of “A Sailor’s Bible,” the empowering tale of faith values through Jonah’s journey into God’s radical call and grace.   Additionally, at our 8.30 and 9.45 services, our preacher was the dynamic Stars Mill graduating, theater starring, chemistry studying, Georgia Tech bound graduate Henry Ravita.

HenryHenry accepted my challenge to preach for us on Jesus’ “11thCommandment” as Henry called it, Jesus’ charge in John 13 that we are to love each other as the defining mark of all Jesus-followers.  Henry hit a home run in his very first sermon.  Many of you expressed your appreciation for how we invest in our young people at COS.  After all, at every baptism, we pledge as co-sponsors to “nurture them in the Christian faith . . .  and help them live in the covenant of baptism and communion with the church.”  Who knows?  Maybe Henry or one of our Jonah thespians will become a pastor one day; at the least, they know the church values them and seeks to be blessed by their abundant Spirit-bestowed gifts.

I was so impressed that Henry, a senior juggling working for Waffle House while not studying for five AP tests amid other course work, shared a gripping illustration that proves he’s also committed to world-wide awareness.  Henry cited a news article describing how Russian soldiers ransacked a Ukrainian school house.  Nearly everything was destroyed or taken in order to destroy morale and encourage surrender. But after the troops left, a message was found on one of the blackboards. “Forgive us, we didn’t want this war.”

On Sunday afternoon, I shared Henry’s blackboard illustration when I was catching up with my out-of-state sister on a phone with my sister, Cindy.   We wrestled together about what WE would do if we felt like that Russian soldier:  A.  Say nothing at all because such behavior is your order, immoral or not?  B.  Follow the immoral order but at least scribble the blackboard prayer as a token of remorse?   C. Execute immoral orders temporarily while working for reform?  D.  Disobey immoral orders at the cost of demotion, physical punishment or even death?

Blackboard forgive - love each otherHenry superbly made the case that Jesus’ New Commandment about loving others isn’t for the faint of heart.    When rubber hits the road, whether in Ukraine or our own neighborhoods, we need the courage and conviction of the Holy Spirit!   As Henry will continue his academic studies at Georgia Tech this summer, he knows his “faith studies” also will continue as he’s committed to grow in his mastery of Jesus’ command to love others.

In our staff meeting this morning, Pastor Miriam made a great point:   the soldier’s quick blackboard request for forgiveness in an unjust war was a very small gesture.  But did he know his quickly scribbled confession and plea would be discussed by thousands around the globe, including us in Peachtree City, Georgia?  So, no matter how small the act of faith, complete it!

Finally, speaking of Ukraine, pray that this Wednesday plans fall into place for me to interview Maryna Zuh Hayes, from Ukraine.  I met Maryna at the ELCA Senior Pastors Conference a few weeks back as she spoke about the critical work of Lutheran World Relief settling Ukrainian refugees in these days of strife .  Her story is compelling and I hope to share a video conversation with her in this Sunday’s sermon.

Let us pray.

Dear God, thanks for how our youth are not only the future of your church but enriching blessings today.  Keep inspiring them to hear and then proclaim your life-giving stories of love, grace, and community.  Whether it’s Jonah running away from your call or Russian soldiers scribbling apologies to school children, keep our hearts and minds open to what you’re trying to teach us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.