This Sunday - The Cause of War

August 6 will be the 62nd anniversary of dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, thus ushering in a dangerous new era in human history. We human beings best learn to coexist if we are to co-survive. But just as importantly, we best change our ways for the sake of our children and future generations. Here I will explore with you the cause of war and some ideas to a solution to prevent war. God knows we need to. — Rev. Harold W. Beu

Walking Together

We start a new year with new hopes and dreams and with a greater understanding of each other. But we also begin with some changes in policies and leadership. Change can be disconcerting — no doubt about it. As a species, we humans are basically conservative in our habits in that we like to eat the same food, hang out with the same friends, and do our little rituals, such as preparing for the new day, in the same way.

So, when we are faced with change, it upsets our equilibrium. And at times like these, we may fail to see that the change, though discomforting, will actually lead us in a better direction. We can’t know that for certain, of course, but one thing is certain — change is inevitable. As the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitis said, “No man ever steps into the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

I love the ritual of the Tibetan monks’ creation of a huge, beautifully ornate Sand Mandala, which is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which literally means “mandala of colored powders.” It is a painstaking process that takes place over many days. At the end of the creation of this beautiful thing, the monks sweep away the sand and the sand is given to people as a blessing of health and healing. The sweeping away is a reminder of the impermanence of life.

Once, Tibetan Monks created a Sand Mandala in a public place — in Utah, I believe. It was roped off, just like an art exhibit. A little boy crossed under the rope barrier
and naturally, played in the sand. The mom was horrified, but the monks – well – they just smiled.

This brings to mind the fate of the Buddhas of Bamyan, the two monumental statues of standing Buddhas carved in the 6th century into the side of a cliff in the Bamyan valley of central Afghanistan. These two giant, standing Buddhas, measuring 180 and 121 feet high were the largest examples of standing Buddha carvings in the world. Bamyan was was a Buddhist religious site from the second century up to the time of the Islamic invasion in the ninth century. Now, there are no Buddhists in that area.

In 2001, the Islamist Taliban government decreed that the statues to be idolatrous and unIslamic and destroyed them. There was outrage over the Taliban’s intolerance, arrogance and violence all over the world even from other Muslim countries. But one thought came to me at the time: what would the Buddha do? [Do I see a commercial opportunity for WWBD bracelets?] I imagine that he would — well — just smile. After all, statues are just things and things perish — as do religions.

Would that we all could just smile even when change comes upon us. That is a talent that, while difficult, can still be learned. I hope that you can smile a little today even with all the changes. ~ Rev. Beu

Get Your Tote Bags Here!

Welcome Back!

I would like to welcome back our wonderful Church staff. All three are coming back for the new church year of 2007 to 2008. They are going to lend us their support, leadership skills and time in the coming year. So we need to do the same for them, give them your help, advice and support to make this a harmonious and spiritually satisfying year here at Emerson.

Thank you, Harold, Laura and Pam for your commitment to Emerson.

Rob LaPonsa, Emerson Board President

Board Members and Committee Liasons - 2007-08

Board Of Directors 2007-08

• President: Rob LaPonsa
• Vice President: Kurt Schmid
• Secretary: Sarah Wilson
• Board Member: Freda Coughlin
• Board Member: Jay Labban

Ex-Officio Members

• Minister: Harold W. Beu
• Director of RE: Laura Ross
• Treasurer: Dave Hogg
• Board Member: Wendy Nolan (Until 1/1/08)

Board Committee Liaisons for 2007-08:

• Worship - Rob LaPonsa
• Building and Grounds & Committee on Ministry - Kurt Schmid
• Religious Education & Membership/Social-Caring - Sarah Wilson
• Finance & Social Justice - Freda Coughlin
• Memorial Garden - Jay Labban
• Public Relations - Dave Hogg

Schedule Changes

The August Worship Committee meeting has been moved to August 1st at 6:30 PM.

The August Board meeting has been moved to August 2nd at 6:30 PM.