This morning our community of faith began to meet at 9 am. That was the time that veterans, their spouses and/or children sat down for breakfast with some of the youth of Emmanuel. Parents of the youth and the teenagers served the meal. It is a lovely tradition.
Conversations took place as the young people got to hear from these veterans what life was like for them as they went off to war as young people. And our older members showed an interest in these young people, asking them about their lives. Some of the youth had been to memorials in Europe and spoke about them.
The vets, families and youth then walked in to the sound of the bagpipes played by James Ritchie, a grandchild of Jean MacDonald. A young child walked in with her grandfather dressed in his uniform, looking up at him and wondering what it all meant.
This is one of the ways we show respect for the story of our congregation members. This story includes suffering, sacrifice, and grieving. It is not an easy Sunday. Emotions are close to the surface.
And as I look out over the worship gathering, I see those who have been in war zones in Afghanistan, El Salvador and countries in Africa. These wars have all left their scars and we hope that our children will not have to experience this in their lives. And so we pray for peace and we work for a more peaceful world.
Peter
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