Making Peace
Denise Levertov
A voice from the dark called out,
‘The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war.’
But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can’t be imagined before it is made,
can’t be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses . . .
A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light—facets
of the forming crystal.
NEWS AND EVENTS
POTLUCK FELLOWSHIP LUNCH AFTER CHURCH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
ADULT FORUM meets every Sunday at 9:30am in Room 102. We will view the DVD and discussion-based program Violence Divine. This series focuses on our struggle with violence in the Bible and helps us find a way forward for the 21st century. For more information, please contact Audrey Heivly (434.202.2410) or Pat Rader (434.973.3831).
YOUNG ADULT FORUM meets every Sunday at 9:30 in Room 203. For more information, contact Rosie Pohlman by email at: (rmpohlmann@gmail.com)
IMPACT (Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregation Together) is a justice ministry led by Charlottesville faith communities. We begin our new season with two house meetings this fall:
September 16, 6PM, at Maury Early’s home, 1921 Greenbrier Dr, Charlottesville 22901, or October 1, 12:30PM at Wesley Memorial UMC. In the listening/discussion sessions, we build relationships as we reflect on two questions:
- Do you know seniors who struggle with housing in the community?
- Who in your life are you worried about and why?
A meal is provided at each session. All are welcome.
CROP WALK Come participate in the annual Charlottesville-Albemarle CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 8. The walk begins at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Charlottesville, loops to the University area and back. Donation envelopes/forms are available in the Aldersgate Room and from Jim Lambert (434.531.4529). The CROP Walk benefits the Charlottesville Community Meals on Wheels and the Emergency Food Network.
HELP WANTED Our outstanding nursery attendant, Chrissy McDaniel, is beginning nursing training this fall and has indicated that, in order to focus on her studies, she will be leaving our children and our staff by the end of December. We are looking for a new nursery attendant who has a love for children. If you know of someone who might be interested, please direct them to Pastor Jan.
HAVE YOU FILLED OUT YOUR VOLUNTEER SURVEY? The Stewardship Team is developing a time and talent database so that we effectively utilize the amazingly broad range of talents in our congregation. Please go to http://tiny.cc/Wesley to fill out the brief survey. If you prefer not to go digital, there are surveys on the sign up table in the Aldersgate Room for you to fill out and leave in the office. Thank you!
NEW MEMBER SUNDAY is November 10, 2017. If you would like to become a member of Wesley Memorial, please speak with Pastor Jan.
CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS
FALL CHOIR REHEARSALS Every Wednesday from 7:15pm – 8:45pm in Room 101/Choir Room.
HANDBELL CHOIR REHEARSALS Every Wednesday from 6:15pm – 7:15pm in Room 101/Choir Room.
Interested in either of our choirs? Contact Brian Sousa briandeansousa@gmail.com
LAY LEADERS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017
Liturgist: Rosie Pohlmann
Lay Reader: Lisa Cannell
Offering Counters: Sue Lewis, Peg O’Bryant, Fred O’Bryant
Children’s Moment: Rosie Pohlmann
Ushers: Patti Wilson, Bill Wilson, Walter Newsome, Fred O’Bryant
Fellowship: POTLUCK