May 28, 2025

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last Sunday during our sermon time,  we asked what we could do to honor those who lost their lives in war on Monday’s Memorial Day.  I suggested we could find an answer in Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia which was very divided.  To members he wrote, “you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another.  For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”   I’m glad we made this connection.  

For, on Monday I received a FaceBook post from a restaurant. It featured this beautiful image: 

Above this image was this two-sentence note: 

Today, we remember and honor those who served.
We’re open Memorial Day from 11:30am to 8pm.

Now, contrast this with the United Church of Christ Memorial Day post that I read next:

Below this image, there was this short note with a link:

 This Memorial Day, we hold in prayer those who have been affected by war. We honor the lives lost and grieve with the families of the fallen. May we continue to work toward peace and a #JustWorldForAll.

Freedom allows for diversity in choice-making regarding the honoring of those who have died in war.  But, on May 30^th , the original Memorial Day date, I’m going to re-commit myself to choosing the option I think keeps faith with those who’ve died and permit them their resting in peace.  How about you? 

Blessings of Love’s Peace and Service to All,
Pastor Ed