For Our Church School and Our Church

Rev. Jeffrey Symynkywicz, June 10, 2001

Right before our eyes, another church year is hurrying to a close. Now is a time for us to pause in quietness and peace, to contemplate the lessons we have learned; to discern the road that is still before us; to luxuriate in the joy of being here and now with one another.

Life is a gift which passes through our waiting hands, on its way to the next friend to whom we pass it on. During this past year, here in this dear church, we have all given and have all received the blessed gift of life. For this, we are thankful.

We are thankful that here, we have been able to open our eyes: to see the beauty and good in other people, and to help them see the beauty in themselves. We are thankful that we have been able to look beyond the small faults and limitations people have on the surface, to glimpse the real and true, deeper, divine beauty within.

We are thankful for the opportunities we have had to come to know ourselves better, too: our strengths, as well as our weaknesses; the true treasure, the brilliant jewel, shining brightly in our hearts and souls; shining brightest when we reach out with our hands, and share this gift of life with others.

We are thankful for this Church-- this Church School-- this precious incubator of our spirits. A place where no one is too young and no one is too old, and all are cherished for the persons they are, and all would gladly learn and gladly teach.

As the gift of life moves from one hand to another, it grows all the more splendid, more holy and precious.

And as our song of life is sung from one year to the next, it grows all the more lovely, more melodious and true. 

For our voices join the chorus of those who have blessed this church in years gone-by; they resonate in the hymns of praise and thanks of those who will come after us in this happy, holy place.

So, may we sing our songs, and sing them will full voice and always exuberantly.

And may we live our lives openly and freely, and pass on the gift of life with hope and courage-- with open minds, and loving hearts, and helping hands-- always caring for our earth; always doing the work of friendship and of peace in our world.

Amen.

JBS
6/10/2001

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