July 2016
The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—348-330-4170 and email address—fleeneda@gmail.com Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O Lord—how long? Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love. For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise? -Psalm 6:2-5 As I write this, the worst mass shooting in American history has just occurred. A disturbed man, perhaps with links to radical Islamic terrorism (we’ll know the truth more fully, hopefully) murdered 50 people and wounded at least 53 more in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. “Conservatives” will point to Islamic terrorism. “Liberals” will
point to easy access to assault firearms and hatred of LGBTQ persons. And with all this fingerpointing, we remain stuck in a cycle of hatred, violence, and murder. We refuse to look at the evil that lurks within each of us, which creates its own system bigger than the sum of its parts. It is hard to know what to write right now, other than to echo the words of the psalmist: “My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O Lord – how long?” There is a deep spiritual sickness in our world, which is deeper than any issue: gun control, Islamic terrorism, LGBTQ hatred. All of those things are symptoms of the bigger spiritual sickness that leads to these acts of hatred and violence. And while the symptoms need treatment, while brave persons need to rise up to confront such evil, the
Zion’s 2016 Council Members Elder & President ...................................................................... Jody Stanley Elder & Vice-President ................................................................. Larry Hile Secretary ............................................................................... Barb Hardwick Deacons ................................................................................... Scott Clamme Drew Walker Allen Stallsmith Trustees .................................................................................... Chris Stroble Tom Armstrong Mark Prout Treasurer ................................................................................. Max Langdon Financial Secretaries .................................................................... Tiann Coy Kathy Sharp
sickness remains. And it is a sickness that only Jesus can cure. Come, Lord Jesus. Love to you all, Pr. David
Thank You Pr. David wants to thank the congregation again for allowing him time away for rest, reflection, and reading. He looks forward to returning with new energy on July 11th.