Recently, I read an article about how the names are listed on the 9/11 Memorial in New York. Â Instead of listing the names by date-of-birth or in alphabetical order, they are listed by meaningful adjacencies. Â Basically, the names are listed by their connection to each other. Â For instance, firefighters are listed with other firefighters, first responders with other first responders, and people who worked together in an office are listed next to their co-workers.
Though a break from tradition, listing the names in a relational way is more therapeutic. I would argue that it gives a more accurate portrayal of the deceased. People define themselves through their connections. It could be family, friends, co-workers, or anything that is relational. People define themselves through their relational connections.
Naturally, as I read this article, I thought of baptism. Â This sacrament reminds us of our connection to each other through the bonds of Christ. Â We choose to love each other. Â We intentionally connect to each other in faith. Â This meaningful faith adjacency helps determine who we are and what we do. Â
I hope today you will spend time reflecting on the connections you have in your life. Â I hope you will give thanks for each one of them and how God has used them to help mold you into the person you are today. Â
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This Week’s Readings:
- Monday –Â 1 Peter 4
- Tuesday –Â 1 Peter 5
- Wednesday –Â 2 Peter 1
- Thursday –Â 2 Peter 2
- Friday – 2 Peter 3
- Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
- The High School Graduates in the Class of 2021
- The eradication of Covid – 19.
- Families in crisis.
- Loved ones battling illness.
- Those seeking to find their way.
- The United Methodist Church.
- Our leaders, our country, and our world.Â
âDonât worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.â –Â Philippians 4:6Â