Where is Emily?

Several years ago we had a manners class for 3rd-5th graders as part of our children’s ministry. It was our intent to augment and refine a child’s basic understanding of etiquette. Although it was a successful effort in many ways, we were amazed that we needed to teach many of them how to hold their eating utensils before we could talk about proper table manners. Apparently, this is not a prerequisite for fast food or current family dining. So, why does it come as a surprise that many of our families don’t understand what R.S.V.P. means?

Church event after event is planned that requires some indication as to whether the invited ones will be present. A response is requested by a certain date. After limited replies, we start calling the invitees to try to determine who might be planning to attend. In the meantime, a commitment to final plans for food etc. has to be made. I am not clairvoyant, but I often have to pretend that I have this special talent if we are to go forth with the activity. On Sunday, twenty-five third graders are to receive Bibles during the 8:30 worship service. This is to be followed by a brunch for the student and their parents and a time for discovering how one navigates through the Bible. I would think that this might be an important event in the life of a family. Although some have indicated that they will attend, many have been silent about their intent. Others have made other plans. It would seem that Emily Post needs to be required reading in many of our homes or do we need to submit to this cultural trend and order out when the group arrives?

Labor Day 2009

On this Labor Day weekend, I can’t help but think of those who labor during this time of economic uncertainty. The latest Labor Department reports an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent. We all know stories of those who are under-employed or have given up. The effects continue to ripple through our lives, personally and as a community. Many of us have to re-think our priorities and to make difficult choices as we try to stretch our resources. However, it is important to remember low-wage laborers who support a culture that still demands many services and to offer justice and compassion where needed.

From the blog of Cathleen Falsani:

"So many of the stories in the Bible revolve around labor and laborers. Field workers. Shepherds. Fishermen. Builders. Weavers. Farmers. Servants. As one Labor Sunday sermon on the United Church of Christ Web site reminded me, Jesus (as a carpenter) was himself a “low-wage worker.” In our society, workers such as child-care providers, custodians, farm workers, day laborers, sales clerks, and housekeepers typically make the lowest wages for the longest hours.

“One-quarter of all jobs in the U.S. pay poverty-level wages,” the UCC sermon says. “In addition, these jobs are more likely to require evening, night, weekend or rotating shifts. They are less likely to provide health insurance, a pension, or even paid sick leave. They are more likely to be filled by women and people of color — marginal jobs for the already marginalized. Just like Jesus.”

Keeping Sabbath

The beauty and rage of the ocean have long served as insightful metaphors for many of life’s experiences. Today, as I sat by the ocean and let the rhythms of the waves take away stress and sadness and bring in a state of serenity, my soul was renewed. Finding peace and understanding through God’s creation once again gave direction for the journey and served as a powerful reminder of the biblical instruction to keep Sabbath as a holy day of rest. Why do I keep breaking this commandment?