"Now You Know the Worst"

September 11, 2012

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

On this eleventh anniversary of the events of 9/11, this poem by the great Wendell Berry captures the solemnity, challenge, and promise of this day of remembrance.

Now You Know the Worst

By Wendell Berry

Now you know the worst

we humans have to know

about ourselves, and I am sorry,

for I know that you will be afraid.

To those of our bodies given

without pity to be burned, I know

there is no answer

but loving one another,

even our enemies, and this is hard.

But remember:

when a man of war becomes a man of peace,

he gives a light, divine

though it is also human.

When a man of peace is killed

by a man of war, he gives a light.

You do not have to walk in darkness.

If you will have the courage for love,

you may walk in light. It will be

the light of those who have suffered

for peace. It will be

your light.

May we all take a moment to remember the past and present victims of that fateful day, give thanks for the heroes who have sacrificed their lives with honor and courage, and pray for the ongoing work of peace throughout our war-torn, violence-addicted world.  May God’s perpetual light shine on all of us.


Grace and Peace,

Magrey

The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA  51012
Ph:  712-225-3955
Email:  mdevega@sp-umc.org


A NEW LOOK AT OLD FAVORITES SERMON SERIES
This Sunday we continue our sermon series that takes a fresh look at some of the best known passages of scripture.  We’ll turn our attention to the 23rd Psalm, one of the most widely translated, memorized, and spoken passages in the entire Bible.

SANCTUARY RETURN DATE
We will be returning to our Sanctuary on September 30!  We anticipate that the pews will be reinstalled next week, the last major piece in recovering the use of our sanctuary from the fire last Spring.  In addition, all of our Sunday school classes will resume on that date.

CHURCH CAMPUS CLEAN-UP DAY
We can use as many volunteers as possible on Saturday morning, September 22, to help do some final cleaning in the church buildings to prepare for our return to the sanctuary on September 30.  From 9am-12:00pm, we’ll need folks to do a variety of projects on the campus.  If you are interested in helping, please respond to this email or contact the church office.

NEW MID-HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
Starting Wednesday, September 19, we are offering a new mid-week youth group gathering for mid-high students in grades 7-8.  Emily Kramer, one of our young adults, will be leading this new program that will include fun, interactive, and in-depth conversations about life and the Christian faith.  They will explore issues relevant to the lives of youth today, all in the context of Scripture, in a casual, safe atmosphere.  Gatherings will take place in our newly refinished lower level basement on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm, and mid-high students are encouraged to bring a friend.  For questions, or to volunteer to provide snacks, contact Emily at 229-2303.

NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR ST. PAUL’S YOUNG ADULTS
Dear young adults and young parents of St. Paul’s, we want to let you know of a new ministry possibility that is in development.  Liza (Parker) Fuller is interested in helping lead a new small group Bible study, specifically targeting young adults and young parents.  The content, day, time, and location will be determined by those interested in participating.  This can be your chance to take your faith to the next level in a friendly, safe environment among people you know who are a lot like you.  If we have the study here at the church, St. Paul’s would be very willing to explore funding child care in the nursery so that those with children can participate.  If you are interested, please contact Liza right away at 261-5492, or lizafullada@hotmail.com.