Last week Jessie Cameron died at the age of 97.  She was known by many in our congregation as our matriarch being the oldest member of the church.  She was such a dedicated servant of God as she consistently searched for opportunities where she could bless the lives of others with gestures of love.

Last Sunday during the 11:00 o’clock worship service we paid tribute to her.  She will be memorialized on Saturday the 7th, in Franklin, Tennessee close to the farming community where she spent most of her life.

It was in 1998, when Jessie was 87 years old, that she wrote a tribute to Arapaho Church.  Maybe like me, you carefully file notes and letters that are affirming so that when things start to fall apart we can go to that file and know that good things really can and do happen.  Jessie’s tribute to our church is one of those treasures that all of us would do well to preserve.

This is what she wrote:
As I sit in my apartment this New Year’s Day, #235 on Arapaho Road, I am thinking and wishing that everyone could carry a lighter load.  I am blessed by the church I go to each Sunday.  What a pleasure it is to know that we can carry what we see and hear longer than Monday.  The people there all greet you with a shake and a smile, just to let you know that you are welcomed and worthwhile.  My church is everything you would want a church to be, people who are thoughtful, intelligent, kind individuals who, like God, love you and me.  The minister relates the scripture with care, even all the children run to be there.  The stories are true, right from His Word, and of course, we are told to spread the light, so the Word will be heard.  The music is wonderful, from Dale Morehouse and our choir, bringing new hymns and old ones…of the music we’ll never tire!  The Youth are all so happy and bright, doing things for people to make them feel just right.  Missions is the goal for all to do, building homes, feeding the hungry and clothing the poor.  Others will know, as our light will shine, that God acts through us: we are of the Divine.  Sunday School classes of all ages, Vacation Bible School too, are taught with care; the help from the congregation is fantastic there!  Women’s Circles and Bible classes too are taught, with those who lead us giving special thought.  Yes, Arapaho Church is full of the Holy Spirit and glee, from the smallest to the oldest, like me.  Advent came and went telling us that Christmas is on the way, to remind us that baby Jesus was born on this day; a time of reading and a time for giving and receiving if we may.  Our stained glass windows were beautiful, with the poinsettias and the lovely Chrismon angel tree.  We all know what he meant when He said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and being happiness and cheer to all and glorify your Father in heaven.”  On Christmas a child was born and loved; we came to see it observed, trying to see that no one was left unheard.  Arapaho united Methodist Church is an active one, with so many things that we do that are fun.  Let me mention just a few:  There’s a Clown Day, Pageants and Pop, and let’s not forget Uncle Jack’s Coffee Shop…yard sales, crafts and, oh, yes, the Pumpkin Patch, that all Trick or Treaters come to without a latch.  This is done as a treat to keep kids off the street, where they learn of crime and drugs.  Now let’s lend a hand and come and give them some hugs.  I live at the Eldorado and each Sunday I’m at the door, for they send a van to pick me and others up.  It is a blessing to hear our minister, Jack.  If you come a few times, you will always come back!  Shalom and Thanks be to God.  Jessie Cameron, 1998.

And thanks be to God for you, Jessie.
Shalom,
Jack  

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength being small; if you hold back from rescuing those taken away to death, those who go staggering to the slaughter; if you say, “Look, we did not know this” – does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it?  And will he not repay all according to their deeds?Proverbs 24:10-12 (NRSV) 

Last week, two events ironically coincided – the 5th anniversary of the genocide in Darfur and Pope Benedict’s address to the United Nations in which he honored and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, an amazing affirmation passed in 1948 that set the standard for how we should treat each other. 

In the aftermath of the almost inconceivable madness of World War II, during which some 40-50 million people were killed (no one will ever know for sure the exact number), the global community said “no more” to the wholesale slaughter of innocents.  Then came Cambodia.  Then came Bosnia.  Then came Rwanda. 

And then 5 years ago, innocents began being slaughtered in the Darfur region of Sudan.  Article 3 of the Declaration affirms that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.”  For five years now, the world community has watched in horror as the government of Sudan has made of mockery of these fundamental rights.  (By the way, I highly recommend the reading of the entire Declaration, which can be found by clicking here.) 

You are probably familiar with the numbers – over 450,000 dead, up to 3 million displaced, 3.5 million more dependent upon international aid for basic survival needs.  (Check out this powerful clip for a quick overview.)  This Sunday, Arapaho will host a Save Darfur Rally and Prayer Service for the second straight year.  We will show the powerful documentary The Devil Came On Horseback, we will pray together, we will offer opportunities for activism, and raise money for Darfur relief.  I hope you will join us on Sunday.  God willing, a third annual Save Darfur rally won’t be necessary.