I had a great time this evening edifying (read annoying) Peter with Alabama factoids. I found them on al.com (Click here for factoids).
Did you know that Alabama has a pledge of allegiance? and a state creed? a state shell, gemstone, insect and butterfly, on and on? I like Alabama history and knew our motto ("We dare defend our rights"), bird (Yellowhammer), flower, tree, fish, etc., but did not know the extent of the madness.
Our state creed reads like something from church.
"I believe in Alabama, a state dedicated to a faith in God and the enlightenment of mankind; to a democracy that safeguards the liberties of each citizen and to the conservation of her youth, her ideals, and her soil. I believe it is my duty to obey her laws, to respect her flag and to be alert to her needs and generous in my efforts to foster her advancement within the statehood of the world."
Really though, I think it is neat, and think that if more people read it and thought about it more often that it might help us to remember our call to be good citizens of the places we love.
Speaking of call, the message at our church this morning (Druid Hills UMC of Atlanta) was given by Myka Kennedy Stephans, a probationary deacon of the North Texas Conference who specializes in theological libriarianship. She talked about her call to ministry. (On a side note, does anyone else think as I do that January is always call to ministry month? I know the lectionary focuses on John and on Jesus's baptism, but I didn't realize that it continued on to the call of the disciples and the call of Samuel. I guess it is not a bad way to start the year, but for some reason I am tired of it.) Anyway, she mentioned her favorite creed is the United Church of Canada's creed. It is mine, too. We actually decided to start going to our current church in part because they use it there. (It made us feel more at home, butthat wasn't the only reason.) If you haven't used it in church and don't know about it, look it up next time you are bored in church. It is number 883 in the UM Hymnal.
"We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen."
2 comments:
my family still hasn't stopped talking about your visit to union grove..my dad even said "he should come here and work on his doctorate" :)
That's great stuff--I love the creed! I didn't know the "extent of the madness" either. This will make some great additions to My Home's In Alabama.
-D.
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