What are we learning in schooling today?

Shalom!

The NY TIMES points out that

- ON THIS DAY -On Sept. 4, 1957, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20070904.html

I was ten then. Can't say I remember the event, but I am aware that I grew up knowing OF the event. It was one of the civil rights moments that played a large role in shaping my growing up years. Today, the struggle continues as we contend with racism, and today I continue to grow up!

Pastor, what events of this day are shaping our youth? How is the Potter of our Present Clay shaping us in this world? How are we assisting or resisting in this process of change?

In worship last Sunday I became aware of the importance of this human activity (all over again for the first time some more). People choose to gather together to share in an "order of worship" in which there is attention to the Divine and caring for those around us. For some, the spoken word--Scripture or sermon, for example--is paramount; for others, the opportunity to weave melody and harmonies in group singing. For some, the touch and voice of friends; for others, the opportunity to be alone with Divine in the midst of others. Some have been brought to worship; others have come willingly and gladly. Some leave empty; others, filled to the brim with Spirit and spirit to face the days ahead.

How can congregations, which have a good thing going, improve in this area of connecting the events of the world with the story of God's love for all creation? I remember that some persons spoke favorably of the pastor who always preached on the headlines in the Sunday paper. Does this mean that s/he began sermon preparation a couple of hours before worship? Or is there an on-going conversation in which the headlines of the moment--the crawl on the screen of daily living--interact with the sweep of reflection on the gift and purpose of life?

Enough. Today let us hold in the energy-focusing of our praying the students and teachers and school personnel and families caught up in the enthusiasm and anxiety of this traditional first day of school. Ask anyone this evening, "What did you learn today?" and see if our education is making a difference in our daily living!

Shalom!
dave