Religion

It has been nearly two weeks since news broke about the devastating carnage that took place in Sandy Hook, Conn.
Words could not and cannot contain the heartbreak. Empathy was evident, but never sufficient. Compassion only created a deluge of tears. Silent shock provided a shield from a horror too pervasive to admit entry into our consciousness. The slaying of innocents, the slaughter of innocence, is too terrible an experience to voice.

Christmas Day is not so far away. Everyone is pulling at our heartstrings and our pocketbooks.
Salvation Army buckets are omnipresent with expectantly smiling bell ringers at each spot. The needs are great everywhere. At the same time, department stores inundate us with ads for all sorts of goodies to buy, wrap and send. Spend, spend, spend is the cry. What should we do?

I was invited to speak at the Hunger and Homeless Banquet sponsored by the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition, a group united in an effort to address, and hopefully resolve, the problem of hunger and homelessness in Brunswick County. My reaction was immediate and identified my surprise.
“What do I know about homelessness?” The challenge I accepted was to talk about my ignorance and the accompanying call of Scripture that confronted me. So, I began to pray, ponder and write. This is an excerpt from what God gave me.

Christmas open house set for Dec. 8
Trinity United Methodist Church will host its annual Christmas open house for the community from 2:30-
6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. The church will open its historic sanctuary, decorated for Christmas, so all may enjoy its beauty. Refreshments will be served and a variety of musicians will provide entertainment during the afternoon. The adult handbell ringers will play traditional Christmas music at 2:30 p.m. Restrooms will be available for those on the Southport homes tour.