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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | MAY 22, 2022
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Duty, honor, country- a tribute on Memorial Day RABBI IRWIN WIENER Columnist
There is no glory in war, only the gory mess of millions dead and millions more maimed-their lives forever destroyed. The only things to evolve out of all the horrific episodes in humanity’s quest to kill were seeds that contributed to other encounters with no end in sight. And now we are witnessing the most blatant disregard for human life in Europe – a reminder of what was just 77 years ago. We have not learned from the past. As Americans, we know very well the results of uncontrolled hate. We have visited the shadow of death in a Revolution, a Civil War, the Bataan Death March. We witnessed the Holocaust as we liberated the camps of evil. Some of us have been victims of discrimination in the workplace, in
schools, in the arts. Yet, Americans have contributed immeasurably to the betterment of society – the betterment of the human experience because of a secret ingredient called liberty. Our ancestors found a haven on these shores. It was not an easy journey. We arrived here from distant lands where we felt the wrath of indifference and contempt. e have been tested repeatedly. The immigrants who travelled great distances to enjoy the smell of freedom and contentment struggled, but through it all they understood, as we understand to this day that anything worth having is worth the sacrifice necessary to achieve it. Each generation has produced faithful and true guardians of democracy from the ranks of immigrants whose only hope was that they could live in freedom and fulfillment. Each generation of Americans answered the call of their country because we knew as Jeremiah instructed us: “Seek the welfare of the land... and pray to the
Lord on this land’s behalf; for in its welfare shall you find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7) Yes, we even took up arms to ensure this freedom and security for all the people of this great land and beyond. We were not born soldiers – we were farmers or tailors or musicians or laborers trying to earn a living to support our families and bring those less fortunate to be with us as we began a new life in a new land. We became soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines. We fought and some of us died and some of us were injured beyond repair – but we came to the aid of our America. We should be proud of our contribution to liberty and equality for all. Every American fought side by side. We cheered when the brave came home from battle as we thanked God for our survival as well. We danced in the streets when wars ended because we loved our liberty. And we mourned those who did not return to their families and friends. Those around the world who hate us
never understood that. We honor all who served and continue to serve because it is the right thing to commemorate the sacrifices made guaranteeing freedom for the generations that follow as was done for us. Each generation takes that responsibility upon itself. We should always pray that the dreams that brought us to this day is not lost. May those who continue to be in harm’s way find their way back in safety and may we never lose sight of the sacrifice for Duty, Honor and Country. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D., is the spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Community. On this Memorial Day let us take a moment to remember and offer prayers for those who gave their lives for the promise of freedom. May they continue to receive the reward that only God can give: The reward of Eternal Life. That is what it means to be an American.
Our relationships are more important than beliefs BY REV. MARVIN ARNPRIESTER Guest Writer
We are living in the most interesting of times, aren’t we? Voices seem to grow more and more strident. Tensions escalate pain and frustration, which highlight differences in understanding and perspective. This gives way to anger, hostility, and accusations. It happens in homes, in churches, in government and in society at large. It sometimes evolves into violence which tears apart and destroys individuals, relationships, families, and organizations. Two quotations from John Wesley, our father in the faith, continue to ruminate in my mind, challenging me and my behaviors. I believe they can help us in the times in which we live.
In a sermon on Religious Bigotry and a Catholic Spirit he said, “But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.” In another sermon he said, “If your heart is as my heart, ...then give me your hand.” In both these statements I hear him calling us to remember our relationship with each other is more important than our beliefs. I believe people do not need or even want to know what I believe, as much as they want to know if I accept and love them as they are with-
out trying to change them to conform to my beliefs and standards. May God grant us all to be agents and examples of peace and goodwill to each other. Is Sun Lakes a dementia friendly community? Our congregation is committed to serving our community to the best of our ability. Join us as we host a one-hour information session on how to be a dementia friendly community at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. June 30 in Room 1. You will learn what dementia is, what it is like to live with the disease, the most common types of dementia and tips for communicating with people who have dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to turn their understanding of dementia into action - either big or small - to help fellow community members living with dementia. Dementia Friends is a global movement developed in the United Kingdom
and is now underway in the United States, changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. The goal is to help members in a community understand the five key messages about dementia, how it affects people, and how we each can make a difference in the lives of people living with the disease. Our staff will have the opportunity to become Dementia Friends so we can help to foster awareness and understanding about this disease, as well as provide resources and support to all in our community. Whether you are a part of our congregation, a Sun Lakes visitor, or a neighborhood resident, we invite you to join us to learn more about this important mission. RSVPs are required. Call 480-895-8766 or email polly@sunlakesumc.org. Rev. Arvin Arnpriester is senior pastor of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church
Jesus walks with us through the curves and valleys BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer
“Follow the water up the mountain,” my neighbor said when I asked him the location of Mayflower Spring, one of three natural springs near our cabin in northern Arizona. “The spring is one and a half miles from here,” he added, “down the Arizona Trail.” Whenever our neighbor talks about the Arizona Trail, I pay attention. He just completed the 800-mile trek that traverses the entire north-to-south length of our state, from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah. He hiked the trail in segments, keeping careful record of his distances. “Mayflower Spring” is mentioned on several Arizona Trail websites, with specific GPS coordinates and detailed instructions, since discovering natural water for people hiking 800 miles is something that should
not be left to chance. My neighbor was more casual. “Head north until you see water crossing the trail and then follow the water up the mountain to the spring. You can’t miss it.” I hoped he was right. As someone who is directionally challenged and addicted to Google Maps, I would miss the voice on my phone telling me to turn left in 800 feet. Feeling adventurous, my dog Mollie and I headed out down the trail lined with the first wildflowers of spring. Pink showy phlox. Franciscan bluebells. Delicate spring beauties. Two mule deer bounded out of the underbrush in front of us, disturbed by our presence. About the time I was beginning to wonder if we had taken a wrong turn, I noticed water in a normally dry wash in front of us. Could this be it? “Follow the water up the mountain,” my neighbor had said.
The water was little more than a trickle as it dribbled its way over small stones and fallen pine needles. Last year’s oak leaves blocked the flow, detouring the water past a tiny woodland garden of pink mayflowers. We followed the tracks of elk, mule deer, and the footprints of other hikers on a path that wasn’t linear but curved to a destination we could not yet see. Isn’t that the usual way of faith walks up mountains? Life is so rarely a straight line, but that doesn’t mean we walk alone. Jesus walks with us through all the curves and valleys. While I prefer a neon arrow pointing me to the obvious route, God’s Word has left us instructions for the path to all that is good. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 ESV says “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments
and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?” Eventually Mollie and I came to a crumbling concrete reservoir that had been cut into the hillside where an old, galvanized pipe flowed from the collected, snow-melt water, before splashing onto a large boulder. While Mollie lapped a long drink from Mayflower Spring, I sat down to remove an irritating pebble from my hiking boots. I wanted to be ready for the next leg of our journey. It might not include a voice telling me when to turn left, but I knew there would be small signs to follow to the Source of all good things. Writer’s note: Always purify water in the wilderness before drinking. Lynne Hartke is the author of Under a Desert Sky and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She writes at lynnehartke.com.
