Reflections and Ramblings--Assistant Minister Pastor Dan Wilkie
It is the time of year when graduation will soon be upon us, and I
have already received two graduation invitations. One is from my
daughter-in-law Lisa who graduates from nursing school with a
Bachelors in Nursing as an RN on May 9 in Williston North Dakota. The
other is from my niece Ayla who graduates from High School, also on
May 9.
Graduation, no matter
where it is from, signifies the completion of a lot of hard work and
the beginning of a new future, whether one moves on, as in the case of
middle school and high school to higher education, or to a career, as
one graduates from college with BA, MA, or PhD degrees.
Yet for many, graduation
of any kind is a far away dream, challenged by learning disabilities,
mental illness, difficult home lives, and many other issues some
students struggle daily just to get through the few classes they are
taking. And many will never walk across that stage with diploma in
hand to see what future awaits them. For these students the hurdles
are simply too difficult to overcome, and they give up, often becoming
society’s lost, struggling to provide for themselves in the ways that
so many of us take for granted.
What happens in far too
many cases is that this cycle perpetuates itself, and the problems
these students have then become the problems of their children
continuing on for generations. Yet this does not have to be the case
because we can make a difference in the lives of these children. When
we take an interest and reach out to the children in our midst,
especially those who are struggling with these issues, whether they
are our neighbors, our own grand children, or members of our
congregations, we can impact their lives. We can give them outlets,
safe havens, the loving and nurturing that they so often do not have
in any other setting.
There are so many ways
that we can help: through the support of the UCC outdoor ministries
like our own Camp LaForet or our local Vacation Bible School,
volunteer for Respite Night, teach or assist in the classrooms, or
serve on Christian Education Board. We can also give generously
through our tithes and offerings so that all children can participate
in the programs that are available. In these ways we make a difference
in the lives of so many children who are the future of our churches,
our communities, our country, and our world. Blessings,
Dan
News from La Puente (see
Page 9 for more information)
The other day the church received the La Puente newsletter “The Voice
of La Puente.” What a beautiful and moving insight it is into the work
of this center of love, compassion and caring in the San Luis Valley.
I encourage each of you to take a few moments to read it on the
bulletin board by my office and learn about the amazing work that is
done there.
The following is one item
from that newsletter which might give each of us an opportunity to
reflect on what it means to truly provide “Extravagant Hospitality”
and show compassion for others.
Blessing, Dan
“Hospitality means primarily the
creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a
friend.
Hospitality is not to change
people, but to offer them space where change can take place.”
Henri Nouwen
Please sign up to be a volunteer for our next
RESPITE NIGHT,
Friday, May 9th, 6 to 9 PM in Pilgrim Hall.
Please call Barb Harvey (243-4509) if you would be willing to help.
