Autumn Ramblings

"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” Arthur Conan Doyle

My departed friend and classmate Mike and I enjoyed Sherlock Holmes stories and movies and would watch the old Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce film versions. Near the opening of their final collaboration, Dressed to Kill, Holmes makes the above observation on discerning truth to Watson after hearing a story from Watson’s friend “Stinky” about a stolen music box. Naturally, employing his famous deductive reasoning, Holmes goes on to solve the mystery. Our world has always been full of individuals searching for truth. Others proclaim to hold it. These searches and proclamations are particularly evident today in the news and on social media and are fodder for many a debate and quarrel. Frequently, these debates rage on over rather silly, inconsequential matters. Other times parties argue not because they disagree but because they don’t want to be seen agreeing with an adversary. I read recently where first century BC Latin writer, Publilus Syrus, is purported to say, “In quarreling, the truth is always lost.” Unfortunately, this observation transcends time and holds true to this day as many if not most who argue are more concerned about winning the argument and supporting their cause than in discerning the truth. Holmes, where are you? Fortunately, as Christians, we have someone better than ourselves, pundits, media influencers, or even Holmes, to turn to. Our beacon of truth is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who tells Thomas and us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NRSV Amen. Jesus not only speaks the truth; He is the truth. Thanks be to God!

We’ve just held a parking lot/yard sale here on campus. It was good to meet some of our neighbors and enjoy a morning of fellowship with a few of our own. Our next community event is a Pet Blessing set for Saturday October 4th from 9-10am. Come meet our neighbors and their pets and have your own pets blessed. Later in the month we’ll hold our much-anticipated annual Oktoberfest. We’re celebrating a little later this year as we’ll gather on Saturday October 25th at six for good food, drink, music and fellowship. The event is a good mixer and always a joyful time. Did I mention the great raffle? There are invariably great prizes! Then, on November 1st we’re scheduled to host a Dia de los Muertos crafts event geared mostly for children, children of all ages that is. Check this newsletter and our websites for more details. In addition, we continue to meet with other local Lutheran congregations, SALT (Sacramento Area Lutherans Together, I think), to both get to know one another better and find more ways to be church together for worship and community service. It looks like we’ll meet next on the afternoon of October 26th at St. John’s. It is never too late to jump in and participate. Our mission and presence extend beyond our sanctuaries. Our diaper distribution program had a brief hiatus in September but is set to return in October. Also, don’t forget about bringing non-perishable food items that we’ve been taking to our nearby food box on the south side of Tahoe Park Elementary School. Many families can use a hand. Diapers, food and an invitation to worship are a good start.

Finally, as always, continue to pray and reach out to others. We live in a troubled world where too often pettiness and brokenness take center stage. I watch the news, read periodicals and dip my toe into social media. I care about our world and try to stay current with events. When mainstream media becomes too overwhelming and depressing, I turn to movies and books, like Holmes, Dalgliesh and old Perry Mason episodes, as well as to music and poetry. Often, I find more beauty and truth in art and scripture than I do on mass media. Media tends to focus on the immediate, the sensational, on unpleasant things that grab our attention and too rarely showcase the beauty of art, nature, and eternal truth. Yet, good things, good people and eternal truths continue to exist. So, I’ll close with a positive supplication from Psalm 25.

“Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” Psalm 25:5 NRSV

Peace,

Chuck Prewett

Communications