in this issue
E
very morning we get to experience “The Promise of a New Day.” In a
sermon with that title, the Rev. James H. (Jay) Barry talks about the New
Dawn of light we are given by the Lord in His revelation, and how it nurtures
our faith, our charity and our daily lives. It is a hopeful vision for a world in
darkness. And we honor the Lord’s covenant with us – and this vision – by
carrying an attitude of faith and love into each new day. (Page 309.)
One of the strange stories in the New Testament is about “Legion and the
Pigs” in Mark 5, where a man is possessed by demons, which then enter into
swine before being cast out. The Rev. Solomon J. Keal describes in a sermon
how this relates to our own lives – how we can be infested with false ideas and
negative emotions, but can be delivered by the Lord. (Page 315)
A report on the Bryn Athyn College commencement includes lengthy
excerpts from a fascinating address by alumnus Colin Cole, an inspiring
valedictory by Hyunook Suh, and a touching Farewell from President Kristin
King. (Page 322) See a listing of the graduates and special awards in Church
News, which also includes the Academy Secondary Schools commencement,
photos from both graduations, and links to enjoy huge collections of
photographs – before, during and after the ceremonies. (Page 360)
The Rev. Les Sheppard was a very popular second-career minister, who
spent most of his career in Australia, but was also much loved in Bryn Athyn
and Sarver, Pennsylvania. He passed on to the spiritual world in May. You can
read a poignant memorial address by the Rev. Ian A. Arnold (page 329) and
further tributes in Life Lines. (Page 374)
Morna Hyatt was a remarkable woman, the very model of a New Church
teacher during an incredible 67-year career – mostly in the Academy of the
New Church Girls School, as teacher and principal. Her nephew, the Rev. Eric
H. Carswell, nicely captures her spirit and devotion in a memorial address.
(Page 333. You can also read a tribute in Life Lines, page 376.)
The Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss Jr. reports on an episcopal visit to South
Africa this spring, with a lot of exciting developments from Clermont and
Westville to Kainon and Buccleuch. The trip afforded him and his wife, Teresa,
an opportunity to build social and working relationships in this part of the
Church. (Page 341. Also see photos, page 364.)
In Introducing Our Ministers, the Rev. Todd J. Beiswenger tells his own
story about “Lessons from Fathers” on his circuitous road to the ministry. This
has led him and his family to what he calls “the best posting in the General
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